Delaware State vs. Missouri 2016: Game time, TV schedule, odds, how to watch online and 3 keys to the game

Game Time: 4 p.m. ET

Channel: SEC Network

Radio: Missouri Tigers Sports Network

How to watch online: WatchESPN

Spread: n/a because Delaware State is awful.

Ah yes, the matchup we’ve all been watching for. Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Georgia last weekend, Mizzou hosts the Delaware State Hornets, an FCS opponent. The Hornets might be the worst team to ever travel to Columbia, so we’re not going to spend a whole lot of time analyzing this game as if the outcome is debatable in any way.

Missouri is going to win, and they’re going to win big. With a trip to LSU on the docket next week, the Tigers might be looking ahead enough to let the Hornets score a touchdown. Otherwise, this game won’t be close. If it comes across your television, and you’re not a fan of either team (Hi, Delaware State fans!), change the channel.

Here are the three keys to the game for Mizzou:

Make this a blowout early

Last week was painful for Tiger fans. After leading for most of the game, Mizzou choked away what would have been a huge victory, potentially allowing them to jump into contention for the SEC East title.

As we’ve already stated multiple times, Delaware State is really, really bad. They lost to Monmouth by multiple touchdowns. Mizzou could beat them with their walk-ons. If nothing else, it will feel cathartic to beat the living hell out of a far inferior opponent. Get Drew Lock and the offense their confidence back, get the backups some run, and go down to Baton Rouge feeling good about yourself. You’re going to need it playing in Death Valley at night on homecoming.

Keep everyone healthy

An injury is never a good thing. But it’s especially difficult to swallow when that injury comes in a meaningless game. This key goes hand-in-hand with our first key. The earlier the Tigers can run up the score, the earlier they can get their best players off the field and ensure they’re ready to go next week.

Don’t show your hand

Again, this week’s game is almost more about next week than anything else. There’s no reason for Mizzou to open up the playbook beyond the bare minimum. They should be treating this game like you play Madden against the computer. Just use those same four plays and cruise to victory. Save the fancy stuff for the games that really matter.

Prediction

The 61 Mizzou put on Eastern Michigan is the bar here. Any number other than zero for the defense should be considered a disappointment.

Mizzou 70, Delaware State 0