Auburn Football: 2017 Game-by-game predictions
Missouri joined the SEC in 2012. Since then they have more divisional titles (two in the East) than Auburn. The Auburn defeated Missouri in the SEC Championship game in 2013. That’s the only time this century that the two teams have met on the football field.
Since then Mizzou has faded into near-obscurity in the SEC East while Auburn has steadily tread water in the SEC West. Under new head coach Barry Odom, Missouri went 4-8 last season.
On the upside, they return quarterback Drew Lock who finished second in the conference in passing yards. Mizzou likes to air it out. Auburn’s defense was moderately susceptible through the air in 2016, much more so than on the ground. They finished 67th in total pass defense compared to 27th against the run.
This year’s Auburn team is much more suited for a shootout than in previous seasons. Stidham has a big arm and will not hesitate to air it out. Missouri will have no choice but to keep Lock in the shotgun and have him aim for Dimetrios Mason dropping back and J’mon Moore. Last season those two combined for 109 receptions, 1,599 yards and 11 touchdowns. The offense should be able to trade punches, but the defense won’t be strong enough to keep the road team at bay.