The Missouri Tigers (8-2) are set to host the Florida Gators (5-5) in a compelling SEC showdown. With Missouri looking to solidify their New Year’s Six Bowl resume and Florida fighting to become bowl eligible, this matchup has significant postseason implications for both teams.
Florida Gators vs. Missouri Tigers Odds
Moneyline: Florida +325 (Bet365) / Missouri -420 (BetRivers)
Spread: Missouri -11.5
Total: 57.5
Game Info
Date: Saturday, Nov. 18
Time: 07:30 PM
Location: Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field – Columbia, MO
TV: ESPN
Florida Gators Betting Trends
- On the road, Florida Gators are 1 and 3 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Florida Gators are 3 and 6.
- Against the spread on the road, Florida Gators are 1 and 3.
Missouri Tigers Betting Trends
- At home, Missouri Tigers are 5 and 1 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Missouri Tigers are 6 and 3.
- Against the spread at home, Missouri Tigers are 3 and 3.
Florida Gators vs. Missouri Tigers Predictions
The Missouri Tigers are riding high on a dominant season, boasting an impressive 8-2 record as they prepare to welcome the Florida Gators to Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. The Tigers, coming off a commanding 36-7 victory over Tennessee, have their sights set on a prestigious bowl game. Missouri’s offense has been a force to reckon with, led by quarterback Brady Cook and running back Cody Schrader, who have been instrumental in the team’s success. The Tigers’ defense has also been stout, holding opponents to just 223 points over the season.
On the other side, the Florida Gators are at a crossroads with a .500 record, having suffered three consecutive losses, including a 52-35 defeat to LSU. Despite their recent struggles, the Gators have shown flashes of brilliance this season, particularly on offense with quarterback Graham Mertz at the helm. Mertz’s ability to take care of the ball and engineer scoring drives will be crucial against Missouri’s defense. The Gators will also rely on their rushing attack, spearheaded by Trevor Etienne, to challenge the Tigers’ front seven.
This game will feature a battle of contrasting styles, with Missouri’s high-powered offense going up against a Florida team that can be explosive in its own right. Key matchups to watch include Missouri’s wide receiver Luther Burden III against Florida’s secondary, and on the flip side, how well Missouri’s defensive line can contain Florida’s ground game. With both teams having much to play for, expect a fiercely contested game that could come down to which team makes the most of their offensive opportunities and can clamp down defensively when it matters most.
Florida Gators vs. Missouri Tigers Picks
The Florida Gators come into this matchup as the underdogs, but the 11.5-point spread may be undervaluing their potential to keep the game close or even pull off an upset. Despite their recent losing streak, the Gators have demonstrated the ability to put up points, with a total of 295 points for the season. Quarterback Graham Mertz has shown he can lead the offense effectively, and with a dynamic player like Trevor Etienne in the backfield, Florida’s offense has the tools to challenge Missouri’s defense. Furthermore, the Gators’ ATS record this season may not be stellar, but they are facing a Missouri team that has been inconsistent against the spread at home, with a 3-3 ATS record. This suggests that while Missouri is formidable, they are not infallible, especially when it comes to covering larger spreads.
Looking at the historical context, while Missouri has been the better team this season, the SEC is known for its unpredictability and closely contested games. The Gators have won three of the past four in the series, including a 24-17 victory in Gainesville last season. This history, combined with the high stakes for Florida as they fight for bowl eligibility, could provide the extra motivation needed to cover the spread. Additionally, Missouri’s potential to come out flat after two emotionally charged games against top-ranked opponents could open the door for Florida to capitalize. Given these factors, taking the Florida Gators against the spread is a calculated risk that could pay off in this SEC showdown.
The Pick: Florida Gators +11.5 (BetRivers)