COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri stunned a highly ranked Florida team in the swamp a year ago, but the 12th-ranked Gators will try to avoid another upset when they travel to the Show-Me State to face the Tigers on Saturday. Florida must win and get help in the form of Georgia losses in its final two conference games to claim the SEC East title.
TV: Noon ET, CBS. LINE: Florida -7.
The Gators, who are ranked 11th in the College Football Playoff rankings, suffered two setbacks during a brutal four-game stretch that included three matchups with top-10 teams, but they came back with a vengeance in a 56-0 win over Vanderbilt last week. Florida has posted three shutouts this season — the first time it has done so since 1988 — and will try to continue its dominance against an offense that has been hobbled recently. The Tigers are eager to get back on their home field after a dismal three-game road trip in which they played progressively worse each week, culminating with a 27-0 loss at Georgia last week. The Gators have been a get-well talisman for the Tigers, though, as Missouri has outscored Florida 83-33 in the past two meetings.
ABOUT FLORIDA (8-2, 5-2 SEC)
The Gators’ passing game has been a bear for opposing defenses, as Kyle Trask has surpassed 2,000 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and six interceptions in nine games since taking over for Feleipe Franks. Trask has been able to spread the love around, with 10 different players having caught touchdown passes and 16 different Gators finding the end zone in all. Florida’s defense is stout, ranking 14th nationally in total defense and ninth in scoring defense, and the Gators have 35 sacks, which ranks eighth in the FBS and is just two shy of last season’s total.
ABOUT MISSOURI (5-4, 2-3)
The Tigers’ offense was flying high during a five-game winning streak but totaled only 21 points during its three-game road skid. Missouri managed only 198 total yards in the rout at Georgia, as the Tigers played without quarterback Kelly Bryant (hamstring), but Bryant plans to start Saturday. The Tigers’ defense has held its own and is especially tough in the secondary, ranking fourth in the nation in passing defense and passing efficiency defense.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Florida’s Kyle Pitts has 42 receptions, third-most among FBS tight ends.
2. Missouri has won seven straight home games and is averaging 40.4 points in five home contests this season.
3. The Gators have outscored opponents 113-29 in the fourth quarter and 203-66 in the second half.
PREDICTION: Florida 27, Missouri 17