The only matchup this week where both teams are ranked is this ACC vs. SEC clash in Columbia. The No. 6 Missouri Tigers host the No. 23 Boston College Eagles.

Boston College opened the season with a memorable win over Florida State and can make a statement with a victory on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the red-hot Tigers have yet to give up a single point to opponents this season, while scoring 89 points of their own. The Tigers are one of six SEC teams ranked in the top seven in this week’s AP Poll.

Watch all the action at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

Odds are current at time of publication, courtesy of ESPN BET

Distribution: Missouri (-15.5)
Moneyline: Missouri (-700), Boston College (+500)
Over/Under: 53.5
Spread first half: Missouri -8.5, Boston College +8.5
Moneyline first half: Missouri (-550), Boston College (+360)

Pamela Maldonado’s best pick of the match: Missouri -15.5

I’m all for transparency and sharing my thought process when it comes to handicapping a game. I initially wanted to predict the over at 54.5 points, but couldn’t formulate a strong enough reason for Boston College to do its part. As a result, I swung to Missouri -15.5.

Missouri has started with back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1935, outscoring opponents 89-0. Tigers quarterback Brady Cook was 10th in yards per pass attempt last season. Though he ranks 82nd after two weeks based on early-season play, Missouri hasn’t had to implement that kind of offense to execute a game-winning plan. We could see that passing prowess this week.

Missouri returns all four of its top receivers from last year, including Luther Burden III. Burden is on the injury report due to an illness but is expected to play. However, in addition to Burden, Cook has a stack of receivers, including Theo Wease Jr. and Mookie Cooper. Boston College’s defense allowed 10.9 yards per pass to Virginia Tech and another 18.5 yards per pass to Louisville last season, helping the Eagles rank 84th in yards per pass allowed.

Missouri has more than just a passing game; it also has a diverse rushing attack, ranking 13th in rushing yards per game with Nate Noel leading the way. With Noel and Marcus Carroll in the backfield alongside Cook, Missouri has a versatile ground game that can throw defenses off guard, accounting for the quarterback on every play, opening up lanes for the running backs or creating opportunities in the read-option game.

Meanwhile, Boston College ranked 119th in yards per opponent rushing attempt in 2023. The variety in the run game makes Missouri more unpredictable and effective in the red zone, where space is limited, which has helped Mizzou currently rank seventh in rushing ratings. I still like the over 53.5, but if Missouri’s offense is as good as I think it is, they can score 40+ points on their own. Bill O’Brien’s team has yet to be tested and could be in for a nasty surprise after playing 0-2 Florida State and FCS Duquesne. Good luck, Eagles.

Betting trends

• Boston College is 4-1 ATS in its last five games as an underdog.

• Missouri is 5-1 ATS in its last six games against ranked opponents since last season.

• Boston College is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games against non-conference opponents.

• Missouri is 4-1 ATS in their last five games as a favorite.

Thanks to ESPN Stats & Info.

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