An SEC team going to UMass in the middle of the season is like a fish out of water.
People who do not like it when SEC teams play easy games late in the season before the big rivalry should stop complaining.
It is not a big deal to play an easy game at the end of the season instead of at the beginning. After this, Missouri plays six straight SEC games to end the season. Aside from the trip to Alabama, though, it is not a bad run.
This is UMass’s first game against a Power Four team and their first win over an FBS team this season.
Missouri vs UMass Preview
Missouri vs UMass How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
Venue: Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium, Amherst, MA
How to Watch: ESPN2
UMass (1-5), Missouri (4-1)
Why Missouri Will Win
There are too many mistakes, and not just on the lines against the SEC—there is no UMass pass rush and nothing is happening in pass protection.
That is how close the Minutemen have to be, and they get way too many fouls. They only had four in last week’s loss to Northern Illinois, but four times they have been hit with eight or more.
Then there is the issue of power. UMass takes its time and controls the clock for more than 34 minutes each game. This is the best time of possession in the SEC. Missouri keeps the ball for 33:27 per game. But…
Why UMass Will Win
Could Missouri be a little less interested?
Given the short break after last week’s game against Texas A&M and the next game against Auburn, the team might not be fully focused for the early start.
UMass does not turn the ball over, and quarterback Taisun Phommachanh has not been bad—he is thrown for more than 250 yards in three of the last five games.
On the other hand, Missouri is not making enough big plays to be a problem. It will be dink and dunk for both teams, and…
Missouri vs UMass: Who Will Win
This would not be a big deal if Mizzou had not been smashed by Texas A&M last week. The team will start off strong, get up quickly, and then coast.
But the SEC team wants to warm up a bit and get the players out by the fourth quarter. UMass will score a few points.
Missouri vs UMass Prediction, Betting Lines
Missouri 41, UMass 6
Line: Missouri -27.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
Missouri vs UMass Must See Rating: 1.5
