3 questions for Alabama Football in the decisive SEC match against Missouri

Alabama football's Saturday game against Missouri is crucial for the Crimson Tide. UA is facing its second loss of the season and a third before November would end some of the team's dreams in Kalen DeBoer's first season.

Meanwhile, the Tigers come into the game a little banged up but are on a winning streak after beating Auburn last week in Columbia. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2:45 p.m. CT at Bryant-Denny Stadium and will be broadcast on ABC.

Before we get started, here are three questions the Tide need to answer against Missouri.

Can Jalen Milroe get started?

The last few games haven't been the best for Jalen Milroe. Alabama's quarterback had a chance to build a Heisman Trophy campaign with solid performances, but instead it went wrong.

Milroe didn't throw a single interception in the first three games for Alabama. He has thrown six since then.

The Tennessee and South Carolina games were particularly bad, as the redshirt junior threw two picks in each game. The final play came at the worst possible time, on the first play of Alabama's final drive at Tennessee, ending the Crimson Tide's chance of going for a tie or a win.

If Alabama is to thrive, Milroe will need to find his form again. Some improved protection would help, and the rest of the offense needs to do its part, but it's crucial that the quarterback somehow returns to his best self.

Whether he does or not will make a big difference in the result on Saturday.

Can Alabama stop the deep ball?

Brady Cook may or may not play on Saturday as the Missouri quarterback suffered an ankle injury against Auburn that required a hospital visit midway through the game. Whether it's him or Drew Pyne behind center, Alabama's defense will have its hands full.

The Crimson Tide has struggled to stop the deep ball all season. UA has a penchant for incursions in politics, which hurt him to varying degrees in the 2024 campaign.

Meanwhile, Missouri has two frightening deep threats at receiver. Both Luther Burden III and Theo Wease can make any opponent pay for a particular move.

Alabama's secondary is struggling, with Keon Sabb out and younger defenders need to step up. The play of this group will be absolutely crucial to securing a win against the Tigers.

Can the Crimson Tide play a complete game?

Against both Vanderbilt and South Carolina, Alabama's defense made things difficult for the Tide. In the loss to Tennessee, it was the offense that never got going despite numerous opportunities.

Missouri is no slouch. The days of the Tigers living near the SEC basement are over, at least for now.

If the Crimson Tide can't figure out how to play a complete game, a home loss is on the cards. UA is running out of time to get things together, and a third loss has almost certainly ended its hopes of making the College Football Playoff.

Alabama is a more talented team than Missouri. But if it can't play the entire football, it doesn't matter.