The Missouri Tigers are back, and are gearing up for another run at the SEC championship. Standing in their way in the second week of college football is a tough team to beat at home, the Toledo Rockets.
For more on the SEC, you can check our complete preview for Missouri rivals the South Carolina Gamecocks as they go head-to-head against the East Carolina Pirates here. In the meantime, keep reading for more on the defending SEC East champions as they take to the road against the Toledo Rockets.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Missouri Tigers vs. Toledo Rockets Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Glass Bowl, Toledo
When: Saturday, September 6, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Missouri Tigers (-6.5) at Toledo Rockets (+6.5) – view all NCAA Football lines
Betting on the Missouri Tigers
It was business as usual for the Missouri Tigers in their season opener on August 30 as they established an early lead against the overmatched South Dakota State and never looked back en route to a 38-18 win. The Tigers are now 4-1 SU in their last five games, with their only loss coming against Auburn in last year’s SEC championship game.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Against South Dakota State, Missouri ran the ball for 215 yards, led by running back Russel Hansbrough, who started in the season opener after being last year’s backup RB. He finished the game with 126 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.
While Missouri ran the ball more, their passing game wasn’t too shabby itself. Sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk went 13-for-21 for 178 yards and three TDs. Mauk connected with wide receiver Darius White twice for 44-yard and 39-yard TD passes. Meanwhile, Bud Sasser caught two for 37 yards and a TD.
With Toledo’s struggles defending against the pass (ranked 94th in the nation allowing 251 yards per game in 2013), you can expect Missouri to get significant yardage from Mauk’s throws.
Defensively, the secondary has proven to be useful for the Tigers. Safety Duron Singleton had his first career interception and converted it for a touchdown. The interception marked the 45th-consecutive game in which Missouri have forced a turnover.
Missouri have failed to cover the spread in their last two games.
Betting on the Toledo Rockets
The Toledo Rockets had a shaky start to their season opener trailing New Hampshire, 14-3, nearing the end of the first half. Thankfully, their offense woke up and exploded to finish the game 54-20. With the win, Toledo is now 4-1 SU in their last five games at the Glass Bowl.
Starting QB Phillip Ely completed 24 of 34 passes for 337 yards and four TDs, including a long 64-yard TD pass to WR Corey Jones. Meanwhile, RB Kareem Hunt put up a big performance rushing for 136 yards and two TDs on 10 carries.
However, offense wasn’t the only elelment that worked for the Rockets. With tighter defense in the second half, they were able to limit their opponents to 37 rushing yards on 31 carries while keeping New Hampshire scoreless in the final quarter.
Still, Toledo defense will need to be sharper against Missouri, who were among the best in the nation in 2013, scoring 45 TDs. If the Rockets’ defense starts slowly again, then they’ll find themselves playing catch up against a team known for its dominance on the road (Missouri were undefeated in five road games last season).
The Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last five games as underdogs.
Writer’s Prediction
The Missouri Tigers (-6.5) defeat the Toledo Rockets, while covering the spread.
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