Tennessee Volunteers vs Missouri Tigers Betting

With Kentucky struggling, the SEC seems to be wide open. Tennessee is 6-0 and ranked seventh in the latest AP poll. A few spots behind the Volunteers at No. 12 are Missouri, which has also jumped to a 6-0 start.

Arkansas at 8-0 and Georgia at 7-0 is the other teams that remain undefeated entering league play. With a limited number of quality opponents in non-conference play, it’s been difficult to determine just how strong the teams are. That changes this week as conference play commences.

In a great opening matchup for those betting online, Missouri hosts Tennessee for early bragging rights in the conference. It’s a long season, with COVID-19 uncertainty lurking, but the game will give an indication if the rankings and hype are justified.

Tennessee Volunteers vs Missouri Tigers

Tennessee Update: How Good Are They?

Rick Barnes’ Volunteers have feasted on a less than challenging schedule. Their best win has been over Colorado of the Pac-12, which has started 6-2.

Three games were canceled, including one against the ACC’s Notre Dame that would have provided a suitable test.

Tennessee is averaging almost 81 points a game behind balanced scoring, with four players in double figures. Offensively, the Vols are still struggling against good defenses, putting up 56 against Colorado and 65 on Cincinnati.

Size is an issue, with 6-9 senior forward John Fulkerson the only real threat on the inside. Guard play is the strength of the team, with 6-4 junior Victor Bailey leading the way, averaging just over 13 points a game to lead the team.

Defensively, Tennessee is tenacious, limiting opponents to just under 53 points a game, second in the country. For them to have a chance at national relevance and NCAA March Madness going forward, they’ll need to play consistently good defense to make up for their lack of size.

Missouri: Is Its Ranking Justified?

Unlike Tennessee, Missouri has had some solid early season tests on its schedule. Wins over 21st-ranked Oregon and sixth-ranked Illinois have been the highlights of its 6-0 record. The Tigers also have a victory over traditionally tough Wichita State.

Their last win made plenty of college basketball news, as it was a 54-53 squeaker over 6-3 Bradley out of the Missouri Valley Conference. With a tougher non-conference schedule than most other SEC teams, the Tigers have a bit of an advantage as the games begin to count in the standings.

Missouri sports a veteran-laden lineup, with three seniors, a junior and a sophomore in the starting lineup. They are led in scoring by 6-2 junior guard Xavier Pinson at 14.3 points a game.

Senior guards Mark and Dru Smith are right behind him with 13.8 and 13.2 points, respectively.

Jeremiah Tilmon, a 6-10 senior forward, is a force on the glass, averaging 8.2 points and 7.8 rebounds a game. The fifth starter is 6-7 sophomore forward Kobe Brown.

As a team, Missouri is averaging 75 points a game while giving up 65.3, 140th and 91st in the nation, respectively.

The Tigers are relentless on defense with a balanced, guard-led scoring attack. They haven’t lit up the scoreboard since an opening 91-64 win over Oral Roberts, but part of that is due to a challenging schedule.

Tennessee vs Missouri: Game Preview

Without being truly tested to date, it’s difficult to tell just how good Tennessee is or will be as the season unfolds. The teams match up well with each other, relying primarily on their guards to lead the way.

Tennessee has a great, experienced coach in Rick Barnes as well as a bit more firepower in its offense. The Volunteers haven’t been tested, but defensively, they can be stifling.

Despite the lack of quality wins, the Vols are probably still the better team and can step up when needed.

This is likely going to be a low-scoring affair, with most possessions lasting well into the shot clock. Look for Tennessee to keep Missouri from getting good shots.

Looking at the college basketball odds, Tennessee comes into the game as a three-point favorite, despite being on the road. Look for the Vols to cover, but barely.