Final Score Prediction: @ Missouri

The Tennessee Volunteers (7-2, 3-2) traveled to Columbia, Missouri, to take on the No. 14-ranked Tigers. Here's a full game preview of things you must pay attention to.

It's been a whirlwind season for the Vols. They put together strong performances on both sides of the football this year, but they are still without a ranked win. The only ranked opponent they've played was Alabama - Tennessee had a halftime lead, but the Crimson Tide came back to win that football game.

Now, the Vols get another opportunity for a statement game. They travel to Columbia, Missouri, to square off against the No. 14 Missouri Tigers. Few expected Missouri to be 7-2 with wins over Kansas State and Kentucky, but here we are. The Tigers played in Athens, Georgia, last weekend and gave the Bulldogs the best game they've had all season.

Head coach Josh Heupel has talked about how crucial it is for this program to compete against the best teams in the conference. When the College Football Playoff expands to twelve teams next season, contests like this will determine who makes it into that latter part of the twelve. Tennessee wants to be at the top of that grouping, but in years where they aren't, having the culture and ability to win games like this will help their annual consistency.

Eyes will be on the matchup everyone is discussing: Tennessee's offense vs. Missouri's defense. However, the matchup that likely decides the game is Tennessee's defense vs. Missouri's offense. The Tigers have one of the best receivers in college football, Luther Burden III. Quarterback Brady Cook runs the show, and he has a variety of playmakers he can distribute the football to.

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks has done an excellent job of revitalizing this unit and making it the strength of the Vols. They have arguably their hardest challenge to date, and we'll see how they respond. Something tells me they may just have a big showing left in them.

Volunteer Country Prediction: Tennessee

Former Tennessee Volunteers QB Hendon Hooker during a win over Missouri in 2021. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff of USA Today Sports)

How To Watch: Tennessee @ Missouri

• Gameday: Saturday, November 11th, 2023.
• Game time: 3:30 pm ET
• TV: CBS
• Stadium: Faurot Field (Columbia, Missouri)
• Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

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