Game Day Central: Mizzou vs SEMO

A Missouri offense averaging 34.5 points per game so far this season should have little trouble moving the ball against SEMO. The Redhawks have allowed 421.5 yards per game and 32 points per game to two FCS opponents so far this season. Look for Missouri to make an emphasis of running the ball in order to minimize the number of times quarterback Kelly Bryant could be hit. ADVANTAGE: Missouri

When SEMO has the ball

For SEMO to have any chance at pulling off a shocking upset, the Redhawks are going to have to break off some big plays in the running game. SEMO is averaging 206 yards per game on the ground versus 181 yards per game through the air at barely over a 50 percent completion rate. Missouri has showed in its Week One loss to Wyoming that it can be susceptible to big plays against a misdirection rushing attack, but the Tiger defensive front should have little trouble overwhelming SEMO’s offensive line. ADVANTAGE: Missouri

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KEYS TO A MISSOURI WIN

1. Protect the football — Pretty much the only possible way Missouri could allow SEMO to keep this one close is by giving the Redhawks easy scoring opportunities and momentum through turnovers. Bryant and the rest of the offense have already seen what can happen when the team loses the turnover battle, as a negative-three turnover margin had a lot to do with the season-opening loss at Wyoming, so expect ball security to be a primary focus for the unit.

2. Wrap up — As stated above, SEMO is a run-first offense. That usually would not seem to benefit an underdog that should have trouble sustaining drives against a more talented defense, but we saw Missouri give up two 60-plus yard rushing touchdowns in Week One. If the Tiger defense that missed 13 tackles and got pushed around at the line of scrimmage against Wyoming shows up Saturday night, it’s at least conceivable that SEMO could put some points on the board. If the defense that held West Virginia to 32 rushing yards on 30 attempts comes to play, Missouri should suffocate the Redhawk offense.

3. Keep everyone healthy — In reality, this contest will be little more than a scrimmage for Missouri. The worst-case scenario for the Tigers would be to lose a contributor for extended time do to injury. Get out to an early lead, put the game out of reach by halftime and get the starters out of there.

GAME DAY PROP BETS*

*You cannot actually bet on these and even if you can, we are not encouraging you to do so. This is for entertainment purposes only.

Kelly Bryant 1.5 series in the second half — Mitchell under, Gabe over

Connor Bazelak 9.5 snaps — Mitchell over, Gabe over

Mizzou 499.5 in total offense — Mitchell over, Gabe over

Mizzou 2.5 sacks — Mitchell over, Gabe under

Number of players from SEMO whose names you know that were not mentioned at Tuesday's press conference 0.5 — Mitchell under (and I’m proud of that), Gabe under

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POWERMIZZOU PREDICTIONS

Mitchell Forde: Coaches are fond of saying there are no guarantees in college football. That axiom does not apply to this game. It should take nothing short of a cataclysm for SEMO to even keep this one close. Missouri 48, SEMO 13

Player of the Game: Dawson Downing

Gabe DeArmond: This game shouldn't be played. I understand why it is, I just prefer it not be. If Missouri somehow loses it, I'll entertain the discussion of not letting Barry Odom coach against South Carolina. Missouri 55, SEMO 9

Player of the Game: Larry Borom

Missouri

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