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Missouri football faces early SEC must-win matchup vs. South Carolina

By Shelbie Warr

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Kelly Bryant #7 of the Missouri Tigers passes against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks during the second half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Kelly Bryant #7 of the Missouri Tigers passes against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks during the second half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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This one is a battle to not be at the bottom of the SEC East and both South Carolina and Missouri football need this win. Here is all you need to know.

South Carolina sits at 1-2 on the young season and the schedule doesn’t get any easier from here as they play one of the hardest schedules this season has to offer. On the other side, Missouri isn’t able to make a bowl game as it stands right now, but you can bet Kelly Bryant has no interest in turning over and letting this season go by.

This game may actually be better than many people think as the fight for the middle of the SEC East instead of the bottom truly begins. Here is everything you need to know about the matchup.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Columbia, Mo.
Venue: Farout Field at Memorial Stadium
TV: SEC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Line: Missouri -9
Over/Under: 61

Keys to Victory

For the Gamecocks, it starts with Ryan Hilinski. He is a bright spot in a less than exciting season. The quarterback who is filling in for an injured Jake Bentley is holding his own in a big way. He threw for 327 yards and two scores against Alabama, not too shabby for the young gun. But, the Missouri secondary has shown it can be pretty great itself, though they haven’t faced any big offenses as of yet. Does Hilinski have what it takes to go up against that unit?

For Missouri, it starts with Kelly Bryant doing what he does. The South Carolina defense, especially the secondary, has been suspect, to say the least. Bryant will need to take advantage of that early and often to win this game.

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Prediction

South Carolina has been less than reliable so far this season, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Missouri on the other hand, while erratic, has been able to make those downfield shots. This one comes down to who can make the big plays necessary to win and for me, that will be the Tigers at home.

Final Score: Missouri 27, South Carolina 21

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