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Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has voiced strong confidence in Missouri ahead of their clash with South Carolina, forecasting a home victory during Thursday’s episode of Always College Football.
He highlighted Missouri’s balance, trench dominance, and the uncertainty around Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers as decisive factors. According to McElroy, Missouri’s defensive front can pressure a struggling South Carolina offensive line, potentially tilting the game.
Programs Heading in Opposite Directions
While South Carolina, led by Shane Beamer and offensive coordinator Mike Shula, searches for momentum following a 31-7 loss to Vanderbilt and an in-game injury to Sellers, Missouri has surged to 3-0.
The Tigers, under Eli Drinkwitz, are fueled by quarterback Beau Pribula and a dynamic rushing attack featuring Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts. This contrast sets the stage for a pivotal matchup at Faurot Field.
Why McElroy Backs Missouri
McElroy praised Pribula’s accuracy (76% completion rate, 7 touchdowns, just 1 interception) and his ability to extend plays with his legs, stressing how this complements Hardy’s explosiveness and Roberts’ power running.
On defense, McElroy believes Missouri’s front can disrupt South Carolina’s offense, which has struggled to create big plays—especially without Sellers.
Even before Sellers exited last game, South Carolina ranked 118th in total offense and 120th on third down, falling further behind with Luke Doty under center.
McElroy also emphasized Missouri’s top-five defensive metrics and playmakers like Damon Wilson and Zion Young who consistently collapse pockets. He noted that Missouri has covered the spread in eight straight games, proving their consistency.
The Health Factor and Tactical Matchups
McElroy acknowledged Beamer’s optimism about Sellers’ return, but argued that even if he plays, Missouri is the more complete team with a physical run game and multiple play-action options for Pribula. This depth and versatility, he suggested, make Missouri difficult to contain.
The Deciding Factors: Quarterbacks, Third Downs, and the Trenches
This matchup likely hinges on three elements:
- Quarterback Health: If Sellers plays, he adds a designed-run threat and vertical passing, but his recovery from concussion protocol leaves uncertainty. Without him, Doty must perform efficiently against a Missouri defense allowing only 191.3 yards per game.
- Third-Down Efficiency: Missouri excels at sustaining drives, while South Carolina struggles to convert third downs, limiting their possession time and chances to create explosive plays.
- Line of Scrimmage Control: Missouri’s physical offensive line could control the tempo, while their defense aims to neutralize South Carolina’s top-50-ranked defense featuring Dylan Stewart and Jalen Kilgore.
This combination of possession control, physicality, and defensive consistency supports McElroy’s projection that Missouri will secure a home win on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Greg McElroy’s prediction of a Missouri victory over South Carolina rests on clear performance gaps: quarterback health, third-down efficiency, and trench dominance.
With Missouri’s balanced attack, stingy defense, and consistent form, McElroy sees them as the more complete and prepared team to claim victory at Faurot Field.