The Edge
Offense
Edge: Alabama
Alabama is the more explosive team, averaging 36.7 points and almost 490 yards per game. Amari Cooper, Blake Sims and T.J. Yeldon are the most visible weapons in Alabama's offense, but DeAndrew White has a knack for making key catches at key times. Missouri has a one-two punch in quarterback Maty Mauk and running back Russell Hansbrough. Mauk's 11 interceptions are most in the SEC.
Defense
Edge: Alabama
Alabama had its troubles defensively in the shootout with Auburn, but UA still ranks third in the SEC in total defense and is allowing just under 17 points per game. Cyrus Jones has quietly had an outstanding year at cornerback, and UA's secondary will be tested here. Missouri is also tough, giving up just 330 yards to rate as the SEC's fifth-best defense, while giving up less than 20 points per game. UA will have to earn what it gets.
Special teams
Edge: Even
Missouri has a very good return game on punts and kickoffs, with Marcus Murphy leading the league in kickoff returns with a 32-yard average and among the leaders in punt returns. Alabama's Christion Jones struggled early this season, but seems to be getting closer and closer to breaking loose for a long return. Both teams are 14 of 21 on field goal attempts, but JK Scott gives Alabama a huge edge at punter.
Coaching
Edge: Alabama
Missouri's Gary Pinkel has the Tigers in the SEC Championship Game for the second year in a row. He has done a masterful job of steering the Missouri program into the SEC, and is still underestimated by many. Alabama's Nick Saban is looking for yet another SEC trophy, and can also land UA in the inaugural College Football Playoff with a win. This may be Saban's best job yet in what could have been a rebuilding year.
Intangibles
Edge: Alabama
Alabama started the 2014 season in the Georgia Dome, and now the Crimson Tide is back one last time. While Missouri played in this game a year ago, Alabama's upperclassmen have played in more big games. This is UA's last chance to play in Atlanta's domed stadium, which will be torn down after the season to make way for a new facility, so it's a chance for Alabama to say goodbye.
Prediction
Alabama 35, Missouri 14
It would be easy for Alabama to still be experiencing an Iron Bowl hangover, but the chance to play for an SEC championship should take care of that. Alabama can't underestimate Missouri, but the Crimson Tide should be too good on defense and have too much firepower to lose here.
By Tommy Deas
Staff picks
Joey Chandler
Alabama 35, Missouri 24
Should be a good game, but expect Alabama to come out on top as SEC champions.
Cecil Hurt
Alabama 34, Missouri 17
Back where the 2014 season all started, and Alabama knows a lot more about itself than it did in the opener against West Virginia. The Tigers aren't pushovers, but I don't expect the biggest upset in SEC Championship Game history, either.
Reina Kempt
Alabama 42, Missouri 14
Missouri is a solid football team, but I can't see the Tigers getting in the way of Alabama's national title hopes.
D.C. Reeves
Alabama 27, Missouri 13
Missouri's defense will give Alabama some trouble early, but Missouri's offense will struggle against Alabama all night. It's as much of a "look ahead" spot as an SEC Championship can be, but considering the circumstances surrounding UA's missed trip here a season ago, the Crimson Tide should be focused.
Michael Southern
Alabama 34, Missouri 20
The identity for this year's Alabama team is versatility. It can win shootouts with high-scoring opponents or roll up its sleeves for slugfests with physical teams. Missouri falls in the middle, so expect some offensive fireworks mixed with ball-control drives.
Edwin Stanton
Alabama 32, Missouri 21
I think after such an emotional win last week in the Iron Bowl, Alabama comes out a little flat and doesn't take care of business right away. Missouri will take advantage of that and score a couple of touchdowns. That should wake the Tide up and then Amari Cooper and company should be able to put Missouri away and walk out of the Georgia Dome with a No. 1 seed for the CFP Playoff.
Aaron Suttles
Alabama 31, Missouri 14
Missouri's defensive line can certainly create problems for the Alabama passing game with a tremendous pass rush. But can the Tigers slow Alabama's rushing attack down? If not, it will be a long afternoon in Georgia.
https://alabama.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=427&tid=207441874&mid=207441874&sid=885&style=2
Offense
Edge: Alabama
Alabama is the more explosive team, averaging 36.7 points and almost 490 yards per game. Amari Cooper, Blake Sims and T.J. Yeldon are the most visible weapons in Alabama's offense, but DeAndrew White has a knack for making key catches at key times. Missouri has a one-two punch in quarterback Maty Mauk and running back Russell Hansbrough. Mauk's 11 interceptions are most in the SEC.
Defense
Edge: Alabama
Alabama had its troubles defensively in the shootout with Auburn, but UA still ranks third in the SEC in total defense and is allowing just under 17 points per game. Cyrus Jones has quietly had an outstanding year at cornerback, and UA's secondary will be tested here. Missouri is also tough, giving up just 330 yards to rate as the SEC's fifth-best defense, while giving up less than 20 points per game. UA will have to earn what it gets.
Special teams
Edge: Even
Missouri has a very good return game on punts and kickoffs, with Marcus Murphy leading the league in kickoff returns with a 32-yard average and among the leaders in punt returns. Alabama's Christion Jones struggled early this season, but seems to be getting closer and closer to breaking loose for a long return. Both teams are 14 of 21 on field goal attempts, but JK Scott gives Alabama a huge edge at punter.
Coaching
Edge: Alabama
Missouri's Gary Pinkel has the Tigers in the SEC Championship Game for the second year in a row. He has done a masterful job of steering the Missouri program into the SEC, and is still underestimated by many. Alabama's Nick Saban is looking for yet another SEC trophy, and can also land UA in the inaugural College Football Playoff with a win. This may be Saban's best job yet in what could have been a rebuilding year.
Intangibles
Edge: Alabama
Alabama started the 2014 season in the Georgia Dome, and now the Crimson Tide is back one last time. While Missouri played in this game a year ago, Alabama's upperclassmen have played in more big games. This is UA's last chance to play in Atlanta's domed stadium, which will be torn down after the season to make way for a new facility, so it's a chance for Alabama to say goodbye.
Prediction
Alabama 35, Missouri 14
It would be easy for Alabama to still be experiencing an Iron Bowl hangover, but the chance to play for an SEC championship should take care of that. Alabama can't underestimate Missouri, but the Crimson Tide should be too good on defense and have too much firepower to lose here.
By Tommy Deas
Staff picks
Joey Chandler
Alabama 35, Missouri 24
Should be a good game, but expect Alabama to come out on top as SEC champions.
Cecil Hurt
Alabama 34, Missouri 17
Back where the 2014 season all started, and Alabama knows a lot more about itself than it did in the opener against West Virginia. The Tigers aren't pushovers, but I don't expect the biggest upset in SEC Championship Game history, either.
Reina Kempt
Alabama 42, Missouri 14
Missouri is a solid football team, but I can't see the Tigers getting in the way of Alabama's national title hopes.
D.C. Reeves
Alabama 27, Missouri 13
Missouri's defense will give Alabama some trouble early, but Missouri's offense will struggle against Alabama all night. It's as much of a "look ahead" spot as an SEC Championship can be, but considering the circumstances surrounding UA's missed trip here a season ago, the Crimson Tide should be focused.
Michael Southern
Alabama 34, Missouri 20
The identity for this year's Alabama team is versatility. It can win shootouts with high-scoring opponents or roll up its sleeves for slugfests with physical teams. Missouri falls in the middle, so expect some offensive fireworks mixed with ball-control drives.
Edwin Stanton
Alabama 32, Missouri 21
I think after such an emotional win last week in the Iron Bowl, Alabama comes out a little flat and doesn't take care of business right away. Missouri will take advantage of that and score a couple of touchdowns. That should wake the Tide up and then Amari Cooper and company should be able to put Missouri away and walk out of the Georgia Dome with a No. 1 seed for the CFP Playoff.
Aaron Suttles
Alabama 31, Missouri 14
Missouri's defensive line can certainly create problems for the Alabama passing game with a tremendous pass rush. But can the Tigers slow Alabama's rushing attack down? If not, it will be a long afternoon in Georgia.
https://alabama.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=427&tid=207441874&mid=207441874&sid=885&style=2
