The Missouri Tigers (2-1, 0-0 SEC) will kick off their SEC schedule against the Auburn Tigers (2-1, 0-0) Saturday at Jordan–Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. Kickoff is set for noon ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Missouri vs. Auburn odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
Missouri has had an up-and-down season thus far against non-conference opponents. Mizzou handily defeated Louisiana Tech 52-24 in Week 1 and Abilene Christian 34-17 last week, but had a rough outing against former Big 12 rival Kansas State. Missouri lost 40-12 to the Wildcats, with Tigers QB Brady Cook throwing for just 128 yards, 0 TD and 2 INT.
Things have looked similar for Auburn who beat Mercer and San José State in the first 2 weeks but was dominated by then 23rd-ranked Penn State 41-12 last week. Auburn QB T.J. Finley threw for 152 yards and 1 INT before being replaced by backup Robby Ashford, who finished the day with 144 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.
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Missouri at Auburn odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Missouri +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Auburn -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Missouri +6.5 (+102) | Auburn -6.5 (-125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Missouri at Auburn picks and predictions
Prediction
Auburn 23, Missouri 20
Money line
The money line and payout for Missouri (+230) are tempting given that these two similar teams should play each other close. However, I cannot in good conscience suggest anyone put money on Missouri winning a road game — Mizzou is 2-8 on the road under coach Eliah Drinkwitz.
It’s best to AVOID the money line for this matchup.
Against the spread
While the money line is risky, lightly playing MISSOURI +6.5 (+102) may be a good bet given how even these two teams match up on paper. Neither squads have scary QBs and both have mediocre or worse offensive lines — Auburn has allowed 7 sacks, tied for 3rd most in the SEC. Missouri leads the SEC in penalties with 27.
Those stats, plus the fact that both teams are in the SEC’s bottom half in points per game, imply a low-scoring game, which means a tighter final score. Missouri should cover.
Over/Under
Given the stats above, this should be a low-scorer which means UNDER 51.5 (-105) is the best bet for this game. It’ll be sloppy and likely run-heavy given Ashford’s tendency to run the ball as QB.
Missouri struggled against Kansas State QB Adrian Martinez who ran for 52 yards and a touchdown, so expect something similar with Ashford who will eat up the clock with his legs.
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