Missouri Tigers vs. Abilene Christian in football: Prediction, betting line, TV details

THE DETAILS

Kickoff: 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Faurot Field, Columbia

TV: SEC Network Plus

Radio: KMBZ (980 AM, 98.1 FM)

Line: No line against FCS opponent

Prediction

Ideally, Missouri would have played Abilene Christian, an FCS opponent last week, and Kansas State on Saturday. It would have given the Tigers an additional week to prepare for a more difficult nonconference opponent.

But you play them as the come. The Tigers are coming off an unexpectedly lopsided and discouraging loss to the Wildcats, 40-12, in Manhattan, and coach Eli Drinkwitz has been eager to forget that outcome and look ahead.

“This is an opportunity for us to grow and put the things behind us and move on to the future,” Drinkwitz said. “And that’s really all you can control.”

Specific improvement for this game is needed in all phases. On offense, the passing game looks to become more vertical and involve Luther Burden. The freshman standout had one reception for three yards in the last game, a week after scoring a pair of touchdowns in his debut.

Quarterback Brady Cook threw for 128 yards and two interceptions.

“I need to have better footwork in the pocket, my drops are way too rushed,” Cook said. “I need to be more accurate, make plays down the field and connect with my star receivers.”

The Tigers’ defense hung tough through the first three quarters until Cook and Jack Abraham threw interceptions on four straight possessions.

The special teams focus is on the punt coverage and punt returns. The Tigers have surrendered a long return in each of the first two games, including a touchdown against Kansas State. And they’ve let punts drop and bounce to cost them field position.

Things should look better against Abilene Christian. Next week, Mizzou visits Auburn.

Missouri 45, Abilene Christian 14

Last game prediction: Kansas State 27, Missouri 24

2022 record on picks: 2-0

2022 record vs. spread: 1-1