Memphis could be in a letdown spot following its narrow loss to Central Florida last week. Moreover, the Memphis Tigers aren't well equipped to stop a Missouri offense that has put up gaudy numbers against a better level of competition. Missouri got pushed around by Alabama last week, but it will be the bully against Memphis on Saturday.

Missouri’s output of 10 points last Saturday was not solely the byproduct of the Alabama defense. Not even QB Drew Lock, an NFL prospect, can make magic with a depleted receiving corps. Two starters are down with groin injuries, leaving unseasoned freshman Jalen Knox as Lock’s main target. Memphis’ forte on offense is rushing. Fortunately for Mizzou, it relies on a tenacious run defense that partly offsets a dirt-poor pass rush. Fingers crossed that a potentially tight game does not enter overtime.

Missouri has one of the worst defenses in the country when it comes to allowing points. Missouri allows 0.477 points per play, which ranks 100th in the nation. I expect Mizzou to win this game, but the spread shouldn't be this big. Take Memphis and the points.

Don't be swayed by these combatants just by their conferences. While Memphis is rolling in the American Athletic, Mizzou is struggling at 0-3 in the SEC. My projections indicate Memphis covering the spreading a whopping 67 percent of the time. Look for Memphis quarterback Brady White to hang with his Missouri counterpart Drew Lock. Back Memphis.