Last Minute Predictions: Alabama – Mizzou Today: Missouri Tigers Football & Basketball Recruiting

I spent the night in Birmingham after flying in quite late and just enjoyed a fantastic breakfast in a lovely little place in the city. We're getting ready to head to Tuscaloosa, so I think it's time for a last minute prediction and key story.

Forecast: I know Alabama has two losses, including against Vanderbilt, but the Tide are very good. They are more talented than Missouri and don't have an injured quarterback to take over the offense. I'm sorry to say this, but Alabama will probably win this game. But I think Missouri covers that wide range and looks competitive.

Key: Look competitive. The Tigers cannot experience another no-show game like Texas A&M. If so, say goodbye to the playoffs. I think if Missouri plays well but loses, it still has an argument if it goes on a dominant run after the bye in the final third of the season. But if things look bad out there, there's nothing that can erase two terrible performances on national stages from the minds of CFP voters.

Prediction: Brady Cook plays, but is clearly disabled. There is a risk that injuries such as an ankle sprain will worsen a few days after they occur. He won't look the same as he did when he came out of the tunnel last week and was running better than he has all season. And without his mobility, I don't think Missouri's offense can operate on all cylinders. So they score and I think Josh Manning could deliver an impressive game, but be prepared for a lot Marcus Carroll running.

Key: Speaking of Carroll, if the Tigers want to have a good game offensively, he has to carry the load. Jamal Roberts will likely get some run as well, but Carroll will have to have his best game of the season against a Tide defense that has struggled with the run for points. This is the best way to protect Cook and keep the offense on the field for as long as possible.

Prediction: Ryan Williams At least has one huge catch, but otherwise the defense plays a respectable game. I think the specific issues the Tigers had in the secondary will re-emerge, but they should be able to slow down Alabama's running game pretty well.

Key: Hold Jalen Milroe in your pocket. I'm not saying he can't still have a great game out of the pocket, but he's most dangerous when he can find a lane between rushers and is able to extend plays with his legs. He will be on the move on designed runs, but if the Tigers can keep the scramble at bay, that will take away a lot of his ability.

Go to the Tiger Walk and share your predictions and keys with me.