The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs visit Memorial Stadium and Faurot Field in Colombia, Missouri on Thursday to play the Missouri Tigers. Louisiana Tech was 3-9 overall and 2-6 in the Conference-USA last season. Parker McNeil has the inside track as the starting quarterback but will be pushed by former Georgia and TCU player Matthew Downing.'
Smoke Harris returns as the leading receiver while Tre Harris can stretch the field and Griffin Herbert has sure hands. Craig Gardner will be the leading running back for Louisiana Tech this season and transfer Keyon Henry-Brooks should see plenty of playing time. Louisiana Tech's defense hopes to improve on its lack of a pass rush. Keivie Rose is a strong nose tackle, while Mykol Clark will be one of the starting defensive ends. Linebacker Tyler Grubbs is the leading tackler for Louisiana Tech. The secondary will be led by BeeJay Williamson at safety and returning cornerback Cedric Woods.
Missouri finished last season 6-7 overall and 3-5 in the SEC. Missouri has not selected a starting quarterback as Brady Cook, who backed up starter Connor Bazelak last season, is competing against Tyler Macon. Sam Horn is also expected to have a shot at starting and is considered the most talented of the three. Tauskie Dove will be the top wide receiver returning and will be opposite the talented Dominci Lovett. Nathaniel Peat will be the top running back for Missouri while sharing time with several others.
Last season Missouri had the second worst overall defense in the SEC. The Tigers were last against the run. Isaiah McGuire and Trajan Jeffcoat give Missouri a very talented pair of defensive ends and will be joined up front by Oklahoma State transfer Jayden Jernigan. Ty'Ron Hopper, who transferred from Florida, will be the middle linebacker for Missouri and Chad Bailey will help anchor that unit. The secondary includes future NFL starter Kris Abrams-Draine at one corner and Ennis Rakestraw at the other.
Recent Betting Trends
- Louisiana Tech is 0-3-1 ATS in its last 4 on the road
- The OVER has cashed in each of the Bulldogs last 4
- Missouri is 4-1 ATS in its last 5
- The UNDER has cashed in 4 of the Tigers last 5
Free NCAAF Pick:
Missouri Tigers -20.5