It is well known that the 5-0 Missouri Tigers have played a weak schedule. Focusing too much on the Tigers' SOS can lead to a misperception that Missouri is not a better team than last season. They are better than the then-ranked No. 21 team Alabama beat 34-0 in Tuscaloosa last season.
In last season's game, Alabama led 6-0 late in the second quarter. Missouri quarterback Brady Cook had to leave the game with an injury. Cook's replacement threw three interceptions as Alabama rolled to almost 500 yards of offense. The 2025 Missouri Tigers are an improved offensive team. They also have one of the SEC's best defensive fronts.
Why Alabama Football Will Win
No matter how much Missouri has improved, Alabama is the better team. The Tigers need left tackle Caden Green to return from injury. Green has been out for weeks and was listed as questionable on Wednesday. Without him, the Missouri offensive line has given up sacks and pressures against lesser teams. The Tigers have also been inconsistent in pass coverage and vulnerable to explosive plays. Given adequate time, Ty Simpson should carve up Missouri's zone defense.
After losing its starting placekicker to an ACL injury in Week 1, the Tigers have little confidence in the freshman backup's leg. Another kicker, also unproven, will take over on 40-yard and longer field goals. Conor Talty has also struggled a bit, but the Crimson Tide has a kicker advantage.
Why the Alabama Crimson Tide Might Not Win
With a bye and a game against UMass, Missouri has essentially had three weeks to prepare for Alabama. The strength of Missouri's offense is running back Ahmad Hardy. Hardy leads the FBS with over 700 rushing yards. Hardy gains 7.09 yards per carry. That stat is topped by Missouri's other productive running back, Jamal Roberts, at 7.29 yards. The Missouri schedule has no doubt inflated those stats, more so for Roberts than Hardy. Hardy is for real. His ability to run through tackles and gain chunks of yards after contact pits a Missouri strength against an Alabama football weakness.
There is more to Missouri's offense than running the ball. Quarterback Beau Pribula has shown high-level accuracy and is a capable runner when needed.
The Alabama defense has improved since the FSU game. Justin Jefferson was outstanding against Vanderbilt. But a team effort will be needed to contain Hardy. Otherwise, Missouri can control time of possession, keeping Ty Simpson off the field. The strengths of the Missouri defense are pass rushing and interior run-stuffing. Alabama's offensive line will likely be tested.
Note: Player stats provided by cfbstats.com