The only matchup this week where both teams are ranked is the ACC vs. SEC matchup in Columbia, with the Missouri Tigers (No. 6) hosting the Boston College Eagles (No. 23).

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

The red-hot Tigers have yet to allow a single point to their opponents this season, despite scoring 89 points themselves. The Tigers are one of six SEC teams ranked in the top seven in this week’s AP poll.

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

Odds current at time of publication, courtesy of ESPN BET

Spread: Missouri (-15.5)
Money line: Missouri (-700), Boston College (+500)
Over/Under: 53.5
Distribution of the first half: Missouri -8.5, Boston College +8.5
First half moneyline: Missouri (-550), Boston College (+360)

Pamela Maldonado’s tip of the game: Missouri -15.5

I’m all about transparency and sharing my thoughts when it comes to evaluating a game. I originally wanted to predict the over at 54.5, but couldn’t find a compelling reason for Boston College to contribute, so I’ve settled on Missouri -15.5.

Missouri has posted back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1935 and has outscored opponents 89-0. Tigers quarterback Brady Cook was 10th in yards per pass attempt last season. Although he ranks 82nd after two weeks, based on the level of early competition, Missouri has not needed to implement such an offense to execute a game-winning plan. We could see that passing power this week.

Missouri returned all four of its top receivers from last year, including Luther Burden III. Burden is on the injured list because of an illness but is expected to play. Aside from Burden, however, Cook has a strong receiver corps, including Theo Wease Jr. and Mookie Cooper. Boston College’s defense allowed 10.9 yards per pass against Virginia Tech last season and another 18.5 yards per pass against Louisville, helping the Eagles rank 84th in yards per pass allowed.

Missouri has more than just a passing game; it also has a versatile running attack that ranks 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 running game that can keep defenses guessing as it has to consider the quarterback on every play, open up routes for the running backs, or create opportunities in the read-option game.

Meanwhile, Boston College ranked 119th in opponent yards per run 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 run scores. I’m still happy with over 53.5, but if Missouri’s offense is as good as I think it is, they can score over 40 points on their own. Bill O’Brien’s team has yet to be tested and could be in for a rude awakening after 0-2 games against Florida State and FCS Duquesne. Good luck, Eagles.

Betting trends

• Boston College has a record of 4-1 ATS in their last five games as an away underdog.

• Missouri has a record of 5-1 ATS in their last six games against seeded opponents dating to last season.

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

• Missouri is the favorite in their last five games at 4-1 ATS.

Courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info.

More about week 3: