November 21st at Missouri
Daniel: I haven’t given UT the benefit of the doubt in many previous picks based on recent history, and if I follow that logic, I should go with Missouri here. But Missouri’s dominant defensive front was the biggest factor the past couple games and I just don’t see the Tigers having that talent up front, though maybe I shouldn’t doubt Gary Pinkel’s ability to develop those type of players. Missouri finally takes the step back that many have predicted, UT goes to Columbia and gets a solid win to continue the second half of the schedule momentum. Winner: Tennessee
Houston: I have slept on Missouri every year since they joined the SEC. Yet, somehow, Gary Pinkel and his team continue to surprise and impress me. They develop players and find ways to win close games. They lost a lot from last year’s team that won the SEC East, but they aren’t going to be quite as bad as many think. I don’t think they’ll be in contention to win the East this year, but I think they may catch the Vols in this one and make the race to Atlanta interesting in the final week. This will be a winnable game for Tennessee, but until they prove they can beat Missouri, I’ll give the Tigers the benefit of the doubt. Late magic for Missouri in this one. Winner: Missouri
Reed: “Don’t buy the Tiger hype this year.” That’s exactly how I started this portion of my season predictions last season. And boy was I wrong. But, seriously, don’t buy the Tiger hype this year. They lost the majority of their production on the defensive front and at receiver – those two positions were key to their success the last two seasons. A massive talent deficit against their SEC rivals is bound to catch up with them and I think that finally happens this year. The Vols pick up a big road win and continue their march toward Atlanta. Winner: Volunteers
