Texas vs Missouri Odds - Longhorns roll, make statement against tame Tigers
Texas have been one of the online betting favorites all season in the Big 12, but they haven’t had any statement wins yet, missing their chance in a big rivalry game last weekend. Saturday’s nationally-televised trip to Missouri is another opportunity to show BCS voters and sportsbook players that the Longhorns are worth it.
Texas vs Missouri Odds: Texas -14
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Texas vs Missouri odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The No.3 Longhorns (6-0, 3-0) are coming off a hard-fought 16-13 win over Oklahoma in the “Red River Rivalry”, but they showed that their defense was more than capable of stopping a big-name opponent. The Tigers (4-2, 0-2) lost their second straight game, falling 33-17 at Oklahoma State, and their sophomore quarterback has struggled in Big 12 play after lighting up Mizzou’s non-conference foes. Now that the BCS standings are out, every game Texas plays means something. Betting Edge: Texas
Texas vs Missouri odds maker breakdown: Offense
Texas leads the nation in points scored, but they didn’t look like it against Oklahoma, when Colt McCoy was knocked to the ground at the end of almost every play. The Longhorns turned it over three times, and gained only 269 yards, which was 175 yards under their season average. At least Foswhitt Whittaker gave them some semblance of a ground game. In Gabbert’s first four games, he threw 11 touchdowns with no picks, which were all Mizzou wins. In their last two losses, the sophomore has only one touchdown and five picks. See a trend here? The Tigers are a pass-heavy team, but it appears as though nerves are getting to Gabbert, who is halfway through his first year as the Tigers’ starter, trying to fill the shoes left by Chase Daniel. Betting Edge: Texas
Texas vs Missouri odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Longhorns’ defense kept them in the “Red River Rivalry” game, forcing the Sooners into five turnovers and a ridiculous -16 rushing yards. Texas has the No.1 rush defense in the country, but if you want to throw against them, you’ll have to deal with safety Earl Thomas, who marshals an excellent secondary. The Tigers couldn’t contain Oklahoma State, who were missing suspended All-American receiver Dez Bryant and No.1 back Kendall Hunter. Mizzou doesn’t get enough pressure on the opposing quarterback to boost their sportsbook chances, coming in T-83 in sacks. They’re fast but undersized, and that lack of size may be wearing on the Tigers. Betting Edge: Texas
Texas vs Missouri odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Longhorns had some bumps and bruises throughout the Oklahoma game to players like McCoy, Thomas and Whittaker, but they all returned. Gabbert sprained his ankle two weeks against Nebraska, and it seemed to hurt his mobility against Oklahoma State. He needs to be at 100% if the Tigers have any chance of beating Texas. Betting Edge: Draw
Texas vs Missouri betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Mizzou has dropped five straight and six of their last seven against the Longhorns, whose defense will be the story of this game. With an ailing and struggling Gabbert limping around the pocket, look for a lot of blitzing by Texas. Offensively, the Longhorns would love to redeem themselves after last weekend, especially McCoy, but it’s the ground game that will aid Texas the most. The Longhorns ran for 203 yards in last year’s 56-31 win over the Tigers. Texas needs a big win, and it comes this weekend against Missouri. BLAKE’S PICK: Texas -14
For more sports betting analysis of the week’s biggest games, check out Blake in the Betting Edge at betonline.com. For more on the Texas vs Missouri matchup, check out our stats section. Blake Frazier is one of betonline.com's college football experts.
