Mizzou vs. CMU 2021: Time, preview, TV schedule, odds

Mizzou will play host to Central Michigan on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers are coming off a surprising 5-5 season, while the Chippewas finished 3-5. This was a down year for them after they went 8-6 with a MAC Championship Game appearance in 2019. This will be an early test for Mizzou before they take on Kentucky net week in Lexington.

How to watch Mizzou vs. CMU

Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Watch Online: ESPN App

Jim McElwain has said that the Chippewas will rotate between two quarterbacks. Who they are is yet to be seen, as we should expect Daniel Richardson, Jacob Sirmon, and maybe even Tyler Pape on the field. Leading rusher Lew Nichols is back after running for 6.5 yards per carry, 508 yards, and four touchdowns. We won’t see Kobe Lewis, as Lewis suffered a noncontact injury that is keeping him out for the entire year.

For the Tigers, it will be important for them to have a good showing offensively and defensively and get things clicking. You can find a complete overview of what Mizzou may be looking to do this season below:

As it’s the first game of the year, there will be some hiccups and issues that will need to sort themselves out. Connor Bazelak will be keyed in on, as he gets his first shot against a non-SEC team. No one’s expecting him to play as he did against LSU but relief will be felt if he can play effectively. Meanwhile, Tyler Badie will get most of the carries, but what about behind him? Elijah Young is listed behind him, but will anyone else see the field?

Defensively, who can get pressure on the QB besides Jeffcoat? After missing much of last season, can Kobie Whiteside return to his 2019 form after injuries? The secondary situation will also prove interesting, as lots of new talent will be seeing the field. Most of all, how will Devin Nicholson and Blaze Alldredge look as they replace Nick Bolton? There is a lot of potential on the Tiger defense but we will see how it all meshes.

Betting Odds

(via Draftkings Sportsbook)

Spread: Mizzou -14 | CMU +14
Moneyline: Mizzou -590 | CMU +425
Total: 60

The Tigers are a 14-point favorite going into Saturday. They may have some difficulties, but they should be able to cover that against a team that is unsure at quarterback. Jim McElwain will be having surgery after being diagnosed with Appendicitis. Associate head coach Tim Skipper will be taking over until McElwain returns. That should cause further issues for the Chippewas, and Missouri will likely start their season 1-0.

Prediction: Mizzou 38, CMU 20