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SEC Predictions: Picking every game against the spread for Week 3

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Sep 12, 2015; Jonesboro, AR, USA; Missouri Tigers tight end Sean Culkin (80) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at ASU Stadium. Missouri defeated Arkansas State 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday September 19, 2015
  • Time: 12PM Eastern
  • Location: Columbia, MO
  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Spread: Missouri -21
  • Over/Under Total: 42

Missouri survived a trap game last week by squeaking out a 27-20 victory over Arkansas State in Jonesboro. They return home Saturday for the third of a four-game non-conference stretch to start the season against Connecticut.

UConn is 2-0 – which already matches their win total from last season – following victories over Villanova and Army West Point. Connecticut has played lights out on defense, allowing an average of 284 total yards through the first two games.

So far this season, the Tigers have also been great on defense. SE Missouri State and Arkansas State gained an average of 204 total yards and 90 rushing yards against Mizzou, who has also forced four turnovers. Unfortunately, the Tigers have also turned the football over four times on offense.

Quarterback Maty Mauk has accounted for three of those turnovers, having tossed a pair of interceptions last week. The junior has completed 28 of 58 passes (48.3 percent) for 329 yards and five touchdowns, and because of an ankle injury to running back Tyler Hansbrough, has also been the team’s leading rusher with 83 yards on the ground. Ish Witter has stepped into the role as primary ball carrier and has contributed 77 yards, and may have to handle most of the running back duties again because Hansbrough is still questionable to play.

Simply, Missouri is a far more talented team than UConn, and should win convincingly. However, the Tigers will need the offense – particularly Mauk – to step up to cover. Expect them to do it, but barely.

Next: Nevada at Texas A&M

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