Auburn has been oh so close in its last three games, losing to Oklahoma (by seven), Texas A&M (six) and Georgia (10). Auburn ranks 11th in the country in rush defense and has the unit to slow down Missouri's potent ground game. On Saturday Hugh Freeze & Co. get their breakthrough win against a Missouri team that will be hitting the road for the first time this season.

As Halloween approaches, Missouri embarks on its first road trip of the season. Though Auburn has dropped three in a row, the Tigers accounted well of themselves in every outing. There were one-score defeats at Oklahoma and Texas A&M, followed by a 10-pointer to visiting Georgia in which Auburn appeared the better team for much of the night. This game, too, is under the lights, which should enhance the home-field edge against a guest unaccompanied to unfriendly confines. The Tigers' rush defense, ranked 11th nationally, should be revved up to slow down RB Ahmad Hardy, No. 2 nationally for run yards.