They’re coming for you Mizzou

After a bye week that seemed to last forever, the Alabama Crimson Tide football team is back on the grind fully rested and ready to face Missouri this Saturday. The Tigers lost their game to Vanderbilt this weekend 19-15 bringing their SEC record to 0-3.

“They’ve got a very good defensive team, physical, tough, and very aggressive.”

Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban said about Mizzou at Monday’s press conference. While the Tigers do have some key qualities they do not seem to be on par with the rest of the SEC teams. Which leaves the question, is Missouri in over their heads?

Both Georgia, and South Carolina have very strong teams but this past weekend’s game against Vandy would have been Mizzou’s chance to show SEC fans what they’ve got. A little slack can be given due to an injured starting quarterback, James Franklin, but there isn’t room in the SEC for excuses.

“The SEC is one of the best conferences in the nation so they just have to be prepared.” Alabama’s Kevin Norwood said on Monday.

To add insult to injury, preparing for SEC play is hard enough but preparing to play the No. 1 team in the nation is a whole different animal. Comparing stats, Alabama has racked up 40.2 points and 188.2 rushing yards while Missouri claims 25.3 points and 139.5 rushing yards. Not to mention Alabama’s players are coming off of a bye week and will be eager to get back on the football field.

“We’ve never played them before so it’ll be based on a lot of film work. Outside of the weather it’ll be cool.” Alabama’s Eddie Lacy said Monday.

Unlike Tuscaloosa, Columbia Missouri is set to be 54 degrees with a 40 percent chance of rain, which could be a Mizzou advantage. Yet, knowing Coach Saban a little thing like the weather will not stop the Tide. Being their first season in the SEC Missouri might need a few more games to catch up with the learning curve and, in the mean time lets all hope their new SEC title will add recruits and motivation to the Tigers team.