Tennessee vs. Missouri: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

Fans likely remember the crazy four-overtime classic between Tennessee and Missouri a year ago in the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

The Tigers won 51-48 in that insane affair, but the 2013 showdown is far different in its approach from the factors that led to the inaugural meeting.

Both teams have serious quarterback questions with the showdown at Faurot Field on the horizon. The No. 9 Tigers enter after a double-overtime loss to South Carolina a week ago, while Tennessee enters after a 35-point defeat at the hands of No. 1 Alabama.

Below is everything fans need to know about the matchup with major SEC implications.

When: Saturday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Faurot Field, Columbia, Mo.

Television: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3

Betting Lines (via Vegas Insider)

• Over/Under: 55.5
• Spread: Missouri (-11.5)

Volunteers Injury Report (via USA Today)

Player	Pos.	Date	Details	Status	Injury
Allan Carson	DL	10/27/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Missouri	Questionable	undisclosed
Maurice Couch	DE	09/12/2013	is out indefinitely	Out	eligibility
Riyahd Jones	CB	10/27/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Missouri	Questionable	calf
Curt Maggitt	LB	08/29/2013	is expected to miss the entire season	Out	knee
Byron Moore	S	10/29/2013	is probable for Saturday's game against Missouri	Probable	ankle
Brian Randolph	S	10/29/2013	is probable for Saturday's game against Missouri	Probable	shoulder
Michael L. Williams	S	10/27/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Missouri	Questionable	undisclosed
Justin Worley	QB	10/29/2013	will miss at least one month	Out	right thumb

Tigers Injury Report (via USA Today)

Player	Pos.	Date	Details	Status	Injury
Corbin Berkstresser	QB	10/30/2013	is out indefinitely	Out	knee
James Franklin	QB	10/28/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Tennessee	Questionable	right shoulder
E.J. Gaines	CB	10/28/2013	is probable for Saturday's game against Tennessee	Probable	quadriceps
Russell Hansbrough	RB	10/30/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Tennessee	Questionable	toe
Henry Josey	RB	10/28/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Tennessee	Questionable	undisclosed
Marcus Murphy	RB	10/30/2013	is questionable for Saturday's game against Tennessee	Questionable	concussion
Ernest Payton	CB	09/01/2013	is expected to miss the remainder of the season	Out	knee

Which Team Overcomes Quarterback Woes?

A potential Heisman year was derailed weeks ago courtesy of a shoulder injury for Missouri quarterback James Franklin. The good news is he could return against the Volunteers as he is listed as questionable per ESPN's Joe Schad:

The tag in no way guarantees playing time for Franklin, and ESPN expects freshman Maty Mauk to get the start. Franklin is an obvious boost that heavily swings things in the Tigers' favor, but the team must operate under the assumption he's inactive.

This means the freshman Mauk will once again be under center, and he's been average at best, with a pair of touchdowns and interceptions in a win and a loss.

Tennessee is starting a freshman of its own in Joshua Dobbs after starter Justin Worley hurt his thumb last week in the loss to Alabama, per CBS Sports' Bruce Feldman:

Dobbs was serviceable, at best, last week after his redshirt was removed, as he went 5-of-12 for 75 yards.

While Missouri ranks just outside of the top 10 at 41.8 points per game, and Tennessee's offense has been serviceable enough to win games, both offenses must overcome adversity at the most important position to pull out a critical SEC win.

Prediction

It's tough to give either team the edge upon first glance at the quarterbacks, but Mauk at least has two games under his belt and is at home. Dobbs has played one half in his collegiate career thus far.

Mauk also has the advantage of leaning on running back Henry Josey, who has seen his workload increase the past two weeks with Franklin out of the picture. In those games he combined for 215 yards and a touchdown, with 136 and the score coming against a top-10 Florida defense.

Pair Mauk's experience with the skills of Josey and a top-40 defense that allows 22.8 points per game, and it's hard to not like the Tigers at home.

All of that goes without mentioning the fact Missouri's defense ranks third in the nation with 15 interceptions and will now feast on a freshman. The Tigers take this one by a quality margin.

Final Score 

Tigers win 30-20

Follow B/R's Chris Roling on Twitter for more news and analysis @Chris_Roling