SEC Championship 2014: TV Info, Odds and Predictions for Alabama vs. Missouri
The SEC Championship Game is one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year. This conference is chock-full of college football's juggernauts, and when they clash on such a big stage, the nation remains captivated until the final whistle is blown.
This year, the Alabama Crimson Tide will be looking to remain the No. 1 seed for the inaugural College Football Playoff by defeating a surging Missouri Tigers team that took control of the SEC East and comes into the title game riding a six-game winning streak.
There's plenty on the line for both teams. Missouri could claim a spot in the Orange Bowl with a victory, and here's a rather telling example of what Alabama is in for after winning the Iron Bowl, courtesy of ESPN College Football:
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As we wait for these teams to return to the amateur gridiron, let's take a look at the complete viewing information, odds and final prediction for what should be a compelling SEC Championship Game.
Viewing Information
When: Saturday, December 6
Where: Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Live Stream: CBSSports.com
Game Odds (via Odds Shark):
- Spread: Alabama -14.5
- Over/Under: 48.5
Preview and Prediction
We all know this isn't going to be an easy contest for Missouri—the Tigers are big underdogs for a reason. However, this team has played a good stretch of football recently, and if it can put it all together, there's a possibility of a massive upset.
It all starts with the team's defense. Missouri has been solid on that side of the ball this season, ranking 35th in the nation against the pass, 26th against the run, 16th in total defense and 13th in points allowed. That's not too shabby, but everything must click to stop a versatile Alabama offense.
The Tigers are coming off a great game against the pass, limiting Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen to just 133 yards. He did throw for two early touchdowns, but Missouri tightened up in the second half, allowing the quarterback to complete 13 of his 30 passing attempts.
Head coach Gary Pinkel spoke of his team's tenacity during a press conference, via SEC Network:
Alabama quarterback Blake Sims is coming off an uncharacteristic showing, throwing three interceptions against Auburn; however, he's been known for his efficiency throughout the year, throwing a total of just four picks prior to the Iron Bowl. If that performance is a sign the senior signal-caller may falter on a big stage, Missouri must take advantage.
The Tigers can do just that by applying significant pressure on the quarterback. With 40 sacks on the season, Missouri has the talent to pressure Sims and force early and potentially inaccurate throws. This will also limit opportunities to the dangerous Amari Cooper, who torched Auburn for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
Expect Sims to target Cooper early and often after the quarterback put up these numbers in the Iron Bowl, via ESPN Stats & Info:
On the other side of the coin, Missouri may find it a little difficult to move the ball against a very stout Alabama defense. The Crimson Tide are ranked second against the run, 54th against the pass, 11th in total defense and sixth in scoring defense. That ranking against the pass could be a little skewed after Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall threw for 456 yards in the Iron Bowl.
The recent collapse by Alabama's secondary could be good news for Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk. He isn't exactly known for his efficiency, as he has completed just 53.5 percent of his passes and has thrown 11 interceptions this season. However, while his completion percentage is low, he's tossed only two picks in his last five games.
Mauk is inexperienced, and this is his first full season as the team's starting quarterback. He also hasn't played as talented of a defense as what the Crimson Tide bring to the table. Needless to say, he'll need a running game to complement him in an effort to effectively move the ball.
While Missouri does have a talented duo in Russell Hansbrough and Marcus Murphy, not many teams have been able to produce chunks of yardage on the ground against Alabama. Even the dangerous Auburn rushing attack mustered an average of just 3.7 yards per carry during the Iron Bowl. Making matters slightly worse for Missouri, Hansbrough is also dealing with an ankle sprain, according to Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee:
All of that said, this game is certainly in Alabama's favor. The Crimson Tide are a far more complete football team, and they've been more consistent throughout the season. Following a loss to Ole Miss on October 4, Alabama began its seven-game winning streak, defeating four ranked teams in the process. Conversely, the Tigers have just one win against a ranked opponent during their six-game streak.
Both teams have momentum on their side right now, and while Missouri does have a chance to pull off an enormous win, it's difficult to go against Alabama. The Crimson Tide are the more experienced team in this situation, and that will translate to another win on their road to the College Football Playoff.
Prediction: Alabama 38, Missouri 24
All team statistics and rankings courtesy of NCAA.com and current as of December 2.
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