Texas vs. Missouri: Last Minute Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact and Predictions

While neither team stands a chance in the Big 12, Saturday's matchup between the No. 16 Texas Longhorns and Missouri Tigers should be a highly-entertaining one. Both teams have been scoring points at will lately, and neither has much to lose.

Texas has been much better since benching quarterback Garrett Gilbert early in the season in favor of David Ash and Case McCoy. Now, the Longhorns have a high-octane offense to match what seems to be a very stingy defense year in and year out.

Don't let Missouri's 4-5 record fool you, as it is a very dangerous team. The Tigers scored a big win over Texas A&M a couple weeks ago and have played plenty of ranked teams very tough, including Baylor, Kansas State and Oklahoma.

This one promises to be a barn burner that could go either way. Both teams would love to win this game for certain, but it will likely come down to which defense can make a big stop in crunch time.

Where: Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo.

When: Saturday, Nov. at 12 p.m. EST

Watch: FX

Spread: Texas (-1.5)

Although Texas has a much better record than Missouri, the Longhorns are only a 1.5-point favorite. That should be the first clue that this is going to be an extremely tight game. Both teams can put up some high scoring totals, and Mizzou has put a scare into quite a few top teams.

If the Longhorns were at home, then I would probably give them the nod, but with the Tigers at home, I'm expecting an upset. Not only will Missouri cover the spread, but they will win outright.

Over/Under: 58.5

Although 58.5 is quite a high over/under total to surpass, I believe that these two teams have the offensive capabilities to do it. Missouri has scored at least 38 points in three of its past four games, and Texas has put up back-to-back games with at least 43 points.

I don't see any reason why these teams would slow down now. I expect them both to score in excess on 30 points, and that should allow them to beat the over fairly comfortably.

Texas Key Injuries

Questionable: WR Jaxon Shipley (knee)

Probable: RB Malcolm Brown (toe)

Missouri Key Injuries

Doubtful: K Grant Ressel (hip)

Questionable: OL Travis Ruth (undisclosed)

Probable: QB James Franklin (hip), RB Henry Josey (shoulder), WR Jerrell Jackson (hamstring)

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

Despite the fact that Missouri stands no chance of entering the BCS polls this season, they are still playing for something. At 4-5, Missouri is in danger of failing to qualify for a bowl. The Tigers will have to win two of their next three games, so a win over Texas would be huge.

Texas isn't likely to get a BCS Bowl berth, but the Longhorns will want to position themselves for the best postseason game possible. A loss to Mizzou certainly wouldn't derail them, but they have a tough road to finish the season against Kansas State, Texas A&M and Baylor. They could create a nice buffer by beating Missouri.

Keys to Texas Win

For Texas, their best bet may be to slow down the tempo of the game a bit. On offense, running back Malcolm Brown will be a huge factor in whether the Longhorns win or lose. Brown has really come on as of late despite a toe injury. He has consecutive games with over 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

If Brown runs the ball effectively and quarterback David Ash can move the chains with his legs as well, then Texas will be able to keep Missouri's explosive offense off the field. The Tigers are capable of moving the ball on the ground or through the air, so Texas will have to pick its poison. The Tigers are susceptible to some turnovers, though, so that could play a big role.

Keys to Missouri Win

Seeing as Missouri's defense has struggled this season, its best bet is likely to get in a track meet with Texas. While the Longhorns can certainly put up some points, their passing game isn't particularly overwhelming. Because of that, a high-scoring affair would favor the Tigers.

Missouri needs to maintain a good balance on offense as it always does. Quarterback James Franklin has done an excellent job this season, as has running back Henry Josey, who already has over 1,000 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Provided Mizzou doesn't get too lazy on defense, it has a great chance to win this game.

Prediction

Missouri 35, Texas 31