Auburn Tigers vs Missouri Tigers Picks and Predictions October 18th 2025

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Missouri Tigers vs Auburn Tigers Betting Preview

The Missouri Tigers travel to face the Auburn Tigers on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in a pivotal SEC clash at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:45 PM ET on SECN.

This meeting features two programs with plenty to prove — No. 16 Missouri (5-1, 1-1 SEC) looks to rebound from a narrow loss to Alabama, while Auburn (3-3, 0-3) seeks its first conference win under coach Hugh Freeze.

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Missouri Looking to Regain Momentum

Missouri’s hopes of making a College Football Playoff push took a hit last week with a 27-24 loss to Alabama. Despite the defeat, coach Eli Drinkwitz remains confident in his team’s direction.

“Our mindset is improvement, and we’re focused on our next target,” Drinkwitz said.

The Tigers were held to 52 rushing yards by Alabama, far below their season average. Star running back Ahmad Hardy, who entered the game averaging over 145 rushing yards per contest, was bottled up, forcing quarterback Beau Pribula to take on more of the offensive load.

Pribula completed 16 of 28 passes for 162 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The first-year starter has shown steady development through six games, throwing for 1,348 yards and 11 touchdowns overall.

“I think Beau’s done some really, really good things,” Drinkwitz said. “There’s always going to be growing pains with a first-year starter. It’s unrealistic for him to be perfect.”

Missouri’s defense remains one of the best in the SEC, ranking third in rushing yards allowed (72.8 per game) and top-10 nationally in sacks (17). Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper and edge rusher Darius Robinson have anchored a unit that has held opponents under 24 points in five of six games.

For live odds and totals, check the college football scores and odds page.

Auburn Aiming for SEC Breakthrough

Auburn had a golden opportunity to upset then-No. 10 Georgia in its last game, leading 10-0 early before falling 20-10. Coach Hugh Freeze’s team again showed flashes of potential but couldn’t sustain execution for four quarters.

Quarterback Jackson Arnold, a sophomore with mobility and poise, started strong but finished 19-for-31 for 137 yards. Still, Freeze remains confident in his starter.

“When you look at the first half, you’re in love with what you see,” Freeze said. “When you look at the second half, you question why not the same accuracy. Jackson is who we’re going with Saturday, and hopefully, he continues it throughout four quarters.”

Arnold has yet to throw an interception this season and has rushed for 247 yards with six touchdowns, showing dual-threat ability that has carried Auburn’s offense through inconsistent stretches.

The loss of running back Damari Alston (dismissed for disciplinary reasons) thins Auburn’s depth, but freshman Jeremiah Cobb remains reliable with 453 yards and four touchdowns on the year.

Defensively, Auburn continues to compete despite offensive struggles. The Tigers rank 8th nationally in sacks (18) and 6th in fumble recoveries (3), anchored by lineman Keldric Faulk and linebacker Eugene Asante.

“We’re close,” Freeze said. “We just have to put a full game together.”

Read more SEC betting previews on the college football picks page.

Line Movement and Odds

Missouri opened as a slight favorite at -1.5 with a total of 43.5. The spread has held steady as bettors weigh Missouri’s elite defense against Auburn’s home-field advantage.

Current Odds:

  • Missouri -1.5 (-112)
  • Auburn +1.5 (-109)
  • Total: 43.5 (Over -113 / Under -108)

Missouri has been dominant as a favorite, while Auburn has quietly covered in several recent home contests.

Matchup Breakdown

Missouri Tigers Outlook

Missouri’s success depends on reestablishing its running game behind Hardy. When the ground game works, Drinkwitz’s balanced offense opens up play-action opportunities for Pribula and receivers like Kevin Coleman Jr. (40 receptions).

Defensively, Missouri has been relentless up front, holding opponents under 3.2 yards per carry. Their ability to force third-and-long situations has been key, and that pressure could disrupt Auburn’s rhythm.

Auburn Tigers Outlook

Auburn’s offensive identity relies on pace and efficiency from Arnold and Cobb. The challenge this week will be generating chunk plays against Missouri’s fast, disciplined defense. If Auburn’s offensive line can hold up — they’ve allowed just nine sacks in six games — they can keep the game close.

Defensively, Auburn must contain Hardy and pressure Pribula into mistakes. Expect the Tigers to bring heavy blitz packages early, hoping to create turnovers and short fields for the offense.

Key Edge

This game hinges on which defense controls tempo. Missouri’s run-stopping unit has been dominant, while Auburn’s front seven has been strong at home. The edge leans toward Missouri’s consistency and ability to win in close, low-scoring environments.

Betting Trends

  • Missouri is 21-0 straight-up as a favorite since 2022.
  • Missouri is 6-0 ATS after a loss since 2022.
  • Auburn is 13-5 ATS after a loss since 2022.
  • Auburn is 4-1 straight-up in its last five home games.
  • Missouri is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 games.
Top Winners – Yesterday
Sean Kuchman
$540
2. Info Plays
$285
3. James Acker
$217
4. Evan Lewis
$200
5. Tim Michael
$125
Top Winners – This Week
Computer Picks
$1,000
2. Jacob Hoffman
$808
3. Sean Kuchman
$762
4. Bobby Babowski
$735
5. Ryan Davis
$587
Top Winners – This Month
Sas Insider
$2,255
2. Ryan Davis
$1,440
3. Jimmy Boyd
$1,328
4. Rubi Chavez
$1,269
5. Computer Picks
$1,190

Best Bets and Prediction

Both teams bring physical defenses and methodical offenses. Missouri’s balanced attack and proven resilience after losses give them a slight advantage, even on the road. Auburn’s home crowd will keep it close, but Missouri’s defense should secure a late victory.

Projected Score: Missouri 28, Auburn 21
Best Bet: Missouri -1.5
Secondary Lean: Over 43.5

For more matchup previews and betting analysis, visit ScoresAndStats College Football.