5 reasons why Alabama could face defeat against Missouri in Week 9

Alabama has already had a rough October. With two losses in their last three games, they are already reeling. Next comes the Missouri Tigers, who are a 16.5-point underdog, but Mizzou is 6-1 and has more than a shot at making Alabama miserable again. Here are five reasons why the Tide could lose to Missouri.

5 reasons why Alabama could lose to Missouri

Missouri and QB Brady Cook are poised for an upset against Alabama. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#1. Missouri's passing game makes few mistakes

Here's the thing, Alabama has been error-prone. While Missouri hasn't been as explosive as expected, one thing the Tigers have done a great job of doing is avoiding costly mistakes. For instance, in 191 passing attempts, Alabama has thrown six interceptions - one every 32 passes.

In 249 pass attempts, Missouri has thrown one interception. The only team in FBS football with fewer interceptions is Army, who has thrown just 56 passes on the year. Interestingly, another team with just one interception on the year is Vanderbilt, who started the Alabama slide two weeks ago.

#2. The Tigers are good on third down

Another key to Alabama's recent downfall has been poor third-down defense. In the last three games, 'Bama's defense has allowed conversions on 67, 50 and 43 percent of attempts. The Tide have fallen to the middle of the conference in third-down defense after starting the season near the top.

This doesn't bode well for Missouri, because the Tigers have been very efficient on third down, converting 49.1% of their third downs, which is fourth best in the SEC. In fact, outside of their one loss to Texas A&M, Mizzou has converted 41% or better in every game.

#3. A solid running game has hurt 'Bama

The Crimson Tide have certainly been impacted by issues in defending the opponents' ground game. In the last three games (two of which were losses), the Tide allowed 166, 132 and 214 rushing yards respectively. The Tide are 14th in the SEC in rushing yardage allowed.

Meanwhile, Missouri has been very decent in the ground game. With 172 rushing yards per game, the Tigers are fifth in the SEC in rushing. The Tigers have three 200+ rushing yardage performances this year. If Missouri can keep up its solid ground game, all is well.

#4. The Missouri defense isn't prone to big plays

Alabama's offense, while explosive, sometimes struggles to be consistent. The Tide's 22 30-plus-yard plays trails only Ole Miss in the SEC, and their 12 40-plus-yard plays rank third. But on the other hand, Alabama is heavily penalized and is ninth in the SEC on third down conversions.

All of this works into Missouri's hands. The Tigers don't give up a ton of big plays. Missouri has allowed just 16 20+ yard plays on the season, second-best in the SEC. Missouri, meanwhile, holds opponents to just 28.6% on third downs. Alabama's big-play offense could well bog down against a Missouri defense that doesn't give up big plays and gets opponents off the field.

#5. The Crimson Tide just aren't the same in 2024

This is the hardest point to quantify, but frankly, a second loss in three games shows that Alabama has lost the majesty under which it operates. Within college football, there is a solid likelihood that certain teams benefit from the mere fear that their name inspires. Playing Georgia, Ohio State or even Alabama isn't just playing another team.

On the other hand, once the glamor is gone, it's hard to get back. Nick Saban's Alabama not only wouldn't have lost two times in three games. That team wouldn't have lost to Vanderbilt or have Tennessee run the ball down their throat in the fourth quarter. Missouri isn't playing one of the nation's elite programs. Just another good SEC team, and the Tigers could handle that.

What do you think of Missouri's chances of upsetting Alabama? Weigh in below with your thoughts in our comments section!