The Alabama Crimson Tide has much to ignore against Missouri

In preparation to face the Alabama Crimson Tide, Missouri players and Eli Drinkwitz discussed the need to simplify. Maybe that is just an effort to dampen tensions about a huge game for both teams. The Tigers are a Playoff longshot but still in contention for a spot. According to ESPN's Allstate Playoff Predictor, if Missouri beats Alabama, its Playoff chances jump to 99% (assuming no regular season losses, after the Alabama game).

Simple applies to the Alabama Crimson Tide in one way. The game is a must-win. An Alabama win will not heal all ills, but a loss would be a disaster.

Alabama limps into its Homecoming Game, with the greatest challenge in two of its last three games having been not beating itself. Simple might apply in another way for Saturday's game. Alabama, not beating itself is good enough to beat Missouri. Another error-prone Alabama performance would pave the way for a Missouri victory.

Based on full-season stats, Missouri appears to have a strong pass defense; No. 4 among SEC teams for opponent completions of 57.4%. The stat is misleading. Against SEC teams, the Tigers are No.14, at 66.2%. A similar result can be seen with Missouri's defensive scoring average. Against all teams the Tigers are 4th in the SEC, allowing an average of 15.6 points. In SEC play, Missouri drops to No. 13, at 28.3 points.

Alabama Crimson Tide Offense should be too much for Missouri

The Crimson Tide offense should not struggle against Missouri. If it does, even if Alabama wins, it would indicate the Crimson Tide is not progressing to serious Playoff contention.

Beating Missouri at the Tigers' best would be good for Alabama. Because of injuries, the Tigers may not be at their best on Saturday. It is believed that last week's magic man for Missouri; quarterback Brady Cook has a high ankle sprain. Missouri running back Nate Noel is the No. 2 SEC rusher (SEC games only) with a carry average of 6.53 yards. He injured a foot early in the Auburn game and had only six rushing carries in Missouri's comeback win. Noel did not play against UMass on Oct. 12 due to a back injury. Against Auburn, Missouri tight end, Brett Norfleet is also reported to have aggravated an earlier shoulder injury.

Who does or does not play or plays at less than 100% should not be on the minds of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama's focus needs to be on itself.

Note: Team and player stats provided by cfbstats.com