Top 5 matchups for Week 12 of the 2024 college football season
2. No. 23 Missouri at No. 21 South Carolina – Saturday, 4:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Missouri and South Carolina had played just twice in 1979 and 2005 before annual matchups beginning in 2012 as SEC opponents. The programs have formed a nice rivalry over the last decade with the Tigers winning nine of 14 games overall against the Gamecocks. Mizzou is on a five-game winning streak over South Carolina and handed the Gamecocks a 22-point defeat at home last season.
This year鈥檚 matchup figures to be closer despite South Carolina entering as sizable home favorites with both teams ranked and holding onto a sliver of hope when it comes to the College Football Playoff race. The Tigers haven鈥檛 met expectations this fall but saved their season with a comeback win over Oklahoma last week and have only lost to ranked opponents Texas A&M and Alabama. However, both were ugly losses where the offense struggled which continues to be a theme for Mizzou with Drew Pyne replacing injured starting quarterback Brady Cook.
The Tigers鈥� 10th-ranked total defense has often saved them this season and will need to play exceptionally well to earn a road win on Saturday. South Carolina has just three losses on the season to Ole Miss, LSU and Alabama, with the latter two being decided by three points or less. The Gamecocks have had three impressive blowout victories since over Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. While the offense has played well, South Carolina鈥檚 12th-ranked total defense leads the way behind a talented linebacking core and sack leader Kyle Kennard. South Carolina should be able to shut down Mizzou鈥檚 offense, particularly if Cook is out again.
