It’s a clash between the SEC and the Big-12 when the Texas Longhorns get down with the Missouri Tigers in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bowl in NRG Stadium. The game is set to go off on Wednesday, December 27th at 9 p.m. EST. It also can be viewed on ESPN for some late night college football action. Coming into this contest, the Missouri Tigers are a -3 point favorite and the over/under sits at 60.5.
The Texas Longhorns earned their right to stay in-state for this bowl game by posting a mediocre 6-6 record. Fortunately, Texas recorded victories in two of their last three games to get here. The Longhorns played in some close games in 2017, including three overtime affairs. They went 1-2 in those games while losing to the like of Oklahoma State and USC.
The Missouri Tigers clawed their way into the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl by winning their last games in a row. The season looked bleak after their first six matches, going 1-5. Their lone win came at home against the FCS’s Missouri State. Instead of calling it quits, the Tigers regrouped and pounded their competition into submission for the rest of the year.
Texas Longhorns (6-6)
The Texas Longhorns hired new coach Tom Herman with hopes of turning their program around in 2017. Well, that isn’t exactly what happened. Texas did show some improvement and was competitive in a lot of games but the end result was similar to 2016.
Offensively, the Longhorns proved to their fans that they can revive a lethargic passing attack. Freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger was a big reason why. After he took over the full-time role, Ehlinger completed 56 percent of his passes for just over 1,800 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven picks. He also was fairly dangerous on the ground, running for another 364 yards and two more scores. I fully expect him to be the starter for the 2017 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bowl on December 27th.
The problem with the Longhorn offense was the fact that Sam Ehlinger’s 364 rushing yards were tops on the team. No running back really stepped up to help balance out Texas’ offense. Four separate backs split most of the carries and all for weren’t very effective. Daniel young lead the unit with 325 yards while Chris Warren III had a team-high six rushing touchdowns.
Four different receivers also controlled the passing game for the Texas Longhorns. Unlike the tailbacks, the wideouts were somewhat productive in their roles. Altogether, the foursome caught 152 passes for just over 1,800 yards and seven trips to the back of the end zone. Collin Johnson was the team leader with 51 catches for 725 yards. Armanti Foreman also led the squad with seven touchdown grabs.
For the most part, the Texas Longhorns played pretty good defense throughout the year. The front seven did their part, holding teams to only 105 yards a game. That statistic is good for sixth in the nation. The problem was the secondary. The back half couldn’t cover a soul, allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw for 257 yards a contest (108th). In all, the Longhorn defense gave up an average of 21 points per match (31st).
Missouri Tigers (7-5)
Well, the old adage it ain’t how you start but how you finish certainly proved right in Missouri’s case. The Tigers were a completely different club after the first five games of the season. a big reason for the turn around was the play of quarterback Drew Lock. The junior caught fire at about the mid-way point and never looked back. Overall, he completed 58 percent of his throws for just under 3,700 yards. He also led the nation with 43 touchdown throws and only served up 12 interceptions.
The Tigers passed the ball well but their running game also did their part to keep the offense balanced. Two tailbacks split duties and both had their moments in 2017. Ish Witter led Missouri with 992 yards and five touchdowns to go with it. Teammate Larry Rountree III also kept the chains moving with 629 yards and a team-high six scores.
Three big-play receivers kept quarterback Drew Lock busy while out on the field. All three caught over 30 passes and all three found the back of the end zone on numerous occasions. J’Mon Moore led all pass-catchers with 60 grabs for over 1,000 yards 10 scores. Tight end Albert Okuegbunam was one of the unsung heroes of the Tigers’ offense. The 6’5, 260-pounder reeled in 25 catches for 362 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns. Believe it or not, all four receivers averaged almost 15 yards per catch.
The Tigers defense left a lot to be desired through their 12 games this year. They ranked 89th in yards allowed per game, giving up 425 a contest. Also, they couldn’t keep teams off the scoreboard, allowing 31 points a game (94th). Like the Longhorns mentioned above, their secondary was also horrendous. The Tigers’ back half surrendered 261 yards to opposing offenses (109th).
Prediction
I told a fellow writer at Get More Sports that whoever ends up playing Missouri in a bowl game this year is in trouble. Apparently, that team is Texas and I still feel the same way. The Tigers are one of the hottest teams in the country and will be a tough out for the Longhorns. That is exactly why they are a three-point favorite in this match-up. Honestly, I couldn’t blame line setters if it was up around 4.5. Unfortunately, their defense is so bad that that would be too risky against a feisty Texas squad. Just take Missouri and the three points in this bowl game.
Also, Vegas has this total at 60.5. This could be a tricky line because neither team has played to a lot of overs in their last half of the season. Still, with both of these porous secondaries on the field, it’s a wonder how that won’t happen. Sam Ehlinger and company should be good for at least 27-30 points and Missouri for 35 more. Take the over and cheer for a competitive game in the Lone Star State. @EriktheHun
To make a bet on this game or any other bowl game in 2017, go to BetDSI Sportsbook and start now.
Trends
The Longhorns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
The Under is 6-2 in the Longhorns last 8 neutral site games.
The Tigers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The Over is 4-0 in the Tigers last 4 Bowl games.
