Zach Sweet is currently a student journalist at the University of Missouri. This past summer, he took over as the editor-in-chief of Truman’s Tales, the Missouri arm of FanSided. This is our first foray into the world of Blogle, and he does a good job. He will be covering Missouri athletics all year long, so be sure to follow him on Twitter (@zsweetness27).
1. What is the first thing that Missouri fans think of when Auburn football comes to mind?
Missouri fans definitely think of the 2022 matchup, which Auburn won in overtime 17-14. That game was a back-breaker that Mizzou should have won. The missed field goal at the end of regulation and the fumble at the goal line in OT will be fresh in the mind of Mizzou’s fan base. Auburn has been a competitive SEC opponent, and based on Mizzou’s recent play, fans likely expect a challenging game.
2. What’s the mood like in Columbia right now?
The mood in Columbia is very mixed. A lot of people have faith in how talented this team is, but it’s difficult given the quarterback play as of late. It’s homecoming weekend at Mizzou and I’d expect fans to be ready to go at 11 a.m. After back-to-back road games, people are itching to see Mizzou back at Faurot Field. I think people are generally pretty confident heading into Saturday, but it’s a big test for sure.
3. Is the 2022 game still a thing to Missouri fans? Is there any sort of revenge factor (for a game Missouri legally lost)?
Definitely. The 2022 game is still a sore spot for Missouri fans. The way they lost in overtime, with a chance to win slipping away, makes it a game they want to forget but can’t. There will be a bit of a revenge factor, especially because Missouri fans felt the game was winnable, and every game mattered in the overall perception of that season. Brady Cook was in his first season as quarterback then, so Auburn fans will be able to let the rest of college football fans know whether or not he’s improved.
4. Who are two Missouri Tigers that Auburn fans should worry about and why?
Luther Burden III: A dynamic receiver and would-be Heisman hopeful (if he had a quarterback), Burden has proven to be a game-changer every time he touches the ball. His speed and playmaking ability in the open field make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Seriously, there is a different feeling when Burden has the ball in his hands.
Nate Noel: The standout running back has had a strong start to the season, ranking among the top FBS rushers. His ability to find holes and break big runs will test Auburn’s defensive line and linebackers. Noel didn’t play last week due to injury, but expect him and the running game to be a point of emphasis.
5. Who are two Auburn Tigers that worry you and why?
Eugene Asante (LB): As Auburn’s standout linebacker, Eugene Asante is a player to watch for his speed, instincts, and versatility on defense. He has been a force in stopping the run and is quick to cover ground from sideline to sideline. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and pursue the ball carrier makes him a potential game-changer against Missouri’s offense.
Jarquez Hunter (RB): Auburn’s starting running back is a physical and explosive runner. He can control the game with his ability to break tackles and pick up yardage in key situations. Missouri just lost Joe Moore and Khalil Jacobs to season-ending injuries, so stopping the run could be a potential issue. Texas A&M exposed Missouri’s defensive front two weeks ago.
6. Who are your two favorite Auburn Tigers of all time and why?
Bo Jackson: Jackson is not just an Auburn legend, but one of the greatest athletes of all time. His combination of speed and power is unmatched, and his legacy continues to inspire fans of college football. I’ve seen so many amazing clips of Jackson exposing tacklers, and making defenders look silly.
Cam Newton: Newton’s 2010 Heisman-winning season was one of the best in college football history. His leadership and athleticism led Auburn to a national championship. This was when I first began watching college football and Newton was a major reason for my initial love for the sport.
7. Where do you see each team having a decided advantage over the other?
Missouri’s advantage: Mizzou has a dynamic offense, especially with the likes of its skill position players. If the passing game connects early, Missouri could capitalize on Auburn’s secondary. Luther needs to get his touches, doesn’t matter how, but he needs to be involved.
Auburn’s advantage: Auburn has played well and their record doesn’t reflect the play, especially recently. Turnovers have killed them and if Thorne takes care of the ball, Mizzou’s secondary could definitely get exposed.
8. What’s the best and worst case for Missouri this Saturday?
Best case: Missouri finds a rhythm on offense early, forcing Auburn to play from behind. The Tigers defense holds Auburn’s ground game in check, and Missouri wins by a comfortable margin.
Worst case: The Tigers’ offense sputters, Brady Cook struggles to connect with receivers, and Auburn controls the pace of the game with their run game, leading to a frustrating loss for Missouri.
9. What’s your score prediction and analysis for this game?
Missouri 27, Auburn 20. This game will likely be close, with both teams coming out with something to prove. Missouri’s offense should have enough firepower to get the win, but Auburn’s defense will keep it competitive. Expect it to come down to the wire, perhaps with a late field goal or defensive stand.
10. Where will Auburn and Missouri end up this season?
Missouri: The Tigers will likely end the regular season around 9-3 or 10-2, potentially making a solid bowl game appearance or even college football playoff appearance. Mizzou plays a favorable schedule outside of a trip to Alabama next weekend, but that game will also be a major opportunity. I think Texas A&M is really good and Mizzou just didn’t show up. I expect things to look different the next couple of weeks, but Brady Cook is a serious question mark.
Auburn: Auburn is still in a rebuilding phase and may struggle in conference play, finishing with a 5-7 or 6-6 record, earning a lower-tier bowl game, if that. I’d expect the program to turn around again in the near future.
11. Lastly, why are the Antlers the worst collection of people ever created?
I have some thoughts on the Antlers, but I’ll keep those to myself. For Missouri fans, they’re just part of the tradition, aiming to create a tough home-court advantage. I don’t personally know anyone in the Antlers, so I don’t have any insider info, but I’ve definitely seen them live rent-free in the heads of opposing teams and fans, which is exactly their goal. Interesting group of people.
