SEC Predictions Week 2: Picking Games Against the Spread

Sep 5, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver J’Mon Moore (6) is congratulated by quarterback Maty Mauk (7) after scoring against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks during the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

• Date: Saturday September 12, 2014
• Time: 5PM Eastern
• Location: Jonesboro, AR
• TV Channel: ESPN3
• Spread: Missouri -11.5
• Over/Under Total: 58.5

On the surface, this looks like an easy victory for a ranked Missouri football team that has won two straight SEC East titles. However, there are a few reasons to be concerned about the Tigers in Week 2.

First and foremost, Mizzou lost top running back Russell Hansbrough to an ankle injury after just two carries in last week’s 34-3 victory over Southeast Missouri State. Center Evan Boehm also sprained an ankle and had to leave the game. Both are questionable to play this weekend.

Second, the decision makers at Missouri made an odd decision to travel to Jonesboro, Arkansas to square off against one of the most consistent programs in the Sun Belt Conference. Arkansas State has been to four straight bowl games, led by coaches such as Hugh Freeze and Gus Malzahn, and may have finally found some stability at the position with second-year head coach Blake Anderson, who led the Red Wolves to a 7-6 record last season and returns 15 total starters this year.

Also, while Mizzou has been very, very good over the past two seasons, they did lose to Indiana last fall and this year’s team is relatively inexperienced – particularly on the defensive line.

Arkansas State may have lost 55-3 to USC last week, but if there is one team that should be on Upset Alert in the SEC Saturday, it’s Missouri. However, this is a game that the Tigers should win.

Next: East Carolina at Florida