SEC Network predicts every Mizzou game in 2015
Maybe the folks from the SEC Network are starting to come around.
A year after many at the network decried Missouri’s 2014 SEC East title as a fluke, more and more college football experts are high on the Tigers. Even though the general SEC media picked Missouri to finish third in a division it won the last two years, others at the ESPN outlet see things more favorably for Mizzou.
SEC Network analysts Greg McElroy and Clint Stoerner recently got together to play pick ’em with Missouri’s 2015 schedule. They started with some sure wins that were already up on their board:
- vs. SEMO
- at Arkansas State
- vs. UCONN
- at Vanderbilt
- vs. BYU (in Kansas City)
As well as an important division game the two decided the Tigers couldn’t possibly win:
- at Georgia
Whether you agree with those assertions or not, McElroy and Stoerner were generally favorable toward the rest of Missouri’s schedule. Here’s how they broke those games down:
SEPT. 26 — MISSOURI AT KENTUCKY
Predicted result: Win
Stoerner: “It’s the first difficult road atmosphere that they’re going to have to deal with, but Missouri is used to that given their last few years.”
McElroy: “I also like Missouri to go on the road and take care of business. I’m just not sure Kentucky’s there yet.”
OCT. 3 — MISSOURI VS. SOUTH CAROLINA
Predicted result: Win
Stoerner: “I think Missouri, the reigning champion of the SEC East, is going to take care of South Carolina.”
McElroy: “I’m not sure South Carolina’s going to be as good up front. I think they’re going to struggle, so I also pick Missouri.”
OCT. 10 — MISSOURI VS. FLORIDA
Predicted result: Win
Stoerner: “I’m going to learn toward Florida on this one. They’re my favorites for the East.”
McElroy: “I don’t think Florida up front is going to be able to handle (Missouri defensive line coach) Craig Kuligowski and what they’re doing with the stunts and the pressures on the defensive front. I lean toward Missouri.”
With the two analysts split, moderator Peter Burns stepped in and chose the Tigers because this game will be played at Faurot Field.
NOV. 5 — MISSOURI VS. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Predicted result: Win
Stoerner: “Dak Prescott can’t carry the load by himself.”
McElroy: “I take Missouri as well. If it were in Starkville I’d probably lean toward the Bulldogs. But since it’s in Columbia, I’m taking the Tigers.”
NOV. 21 — MISSOURI VS. TENNESSEE
Predicted result: Loss
Stoerner: “I like Tennessee and Josh Dobbs to have things figured out at this point in the schedule, so unfortunately I’m going to have to go with Tennessee beating Missouri.”
McElroy: “I also take Tennessee. I love their talent and I think they’ll be able to manage expectations at this point in the season.”
NOV. 27 — MISSOURI AT ARKANSAS
Predicted result: Loss
Stoerner: “I like Arkansas in this football game. It’s tough to play in Northwest Arkansas. They’re trending up.”
McElroy: “The Hogs won’t beat themselves, and I think Missouri is going to have to play their best game of the year, possibly, in order to get a W, and I don’t see that happening.”
