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Missouri vs UMass Week 5 Betting Preview
The Missouri Tigers return home Saturday night to host the UMass Minutemen in Columbia. Missouri is 4–0, ranked No. 20, and averaging 46 points per game. UMass is 0–3 and allowing nearly 39 points per contest.
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One Plan, Total Coverage
Coach Eli Drinkwitz has cautioned against complacency before the bye week, stressing discipline and execution even in a heavy favorite spot.
Line Movement and Odds
- Spread: Missouri –44.5
- Total: 56.5 points
- Moneyline: Missouri heavy favorite, UMass longshot
You can track the live numbers on the college football odds page.
Matchup Breakdown
Missouri Tigers
- Offense ranks top 10 nationally with over 550 total yards per game and nearly 300 on the ground.
- RB Ahmad Hardy has 600 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 7.6 yards per carry.
- QB Beau Pribula completes more than 72% of his passes, with 962 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
- Defense has been solid but allowed some secondary lapses against South Carolina.
UMass Minutemen
- UMass has struggled offensively, scoring just 43 points through three games.
- Redshirt freshman QB AJ Hairston gets the start, becoming the Minutemen’s third starting quarterback this season.
- Defense allows over 200 rushing yards per game, a tough matchup against Missouri’s ground attack.
- In last year’s meeting, UMass lost 45–3 at home.
Key battle
Missouri’s rushing attack against UMass’s defensive front. If the Tigers dominate the ground game early, this matchup will be decided quickly.
Injuries and Conditions
Missouri Tigers (injury report)
- No major injuries reported ahead of Week 5.
UMass Minutemen (injury report)
- QB Brandon Rose: battling injury
- QB Grant Jordan: struggled in earlier starts
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected score: Missouri 45, UMass 10
- Best bet: Missouri –44.5
- Secondary lean: Under 56.5
Missouri’s explosive offense and defensive depth should overwhelm UMass. If the Tigers pull starters early, the under becomes even more appealing.
Handicapping Angle
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