The Alabama Crimson Tide enter their October 11, 2025 road showdown against the Missouri Tigers with the same mission that has defined their program for decades — dominate the trenches, control tempo, and impose their will against any opponent. Under head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama has embraced a modernized offensive identity without sacrificing its trademark physicality, and that balance will be crucial against a surging Missouri squad that has proven capable of going blow-for-blow with top-tier competition. Quarterback Jalen Milroe has been the steady hand guiding Alabama’s resurgence, showing marked improvement in his decision-making and pocket poise while maintaining the explosive athleticism that makes him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football. Milroe’s chemistry with receivers Isaiah Bond and Germie Bernard has transformed the Crimson Tide passing attack into one of the SEC’s most efficient deep-ball offenses, while the backfield tandem of Justice Haynes and Jam Miller provides a blend of power, burst, and versatility that allows Alabama to dictate pace. The offensive line — a perennial strength in Tuscaloosa — has continued to progress, giving Milroe time to operate and creating consistent running lanes against even the most aggressive defensive fronts. Against Missouri’s defense, Alabama’s approach will be methodical: lean on the run early to wear down the front seven, use play-action to stretch the field, and rely on Milroe’s improvisational ability to extend drives when plays break down.

The Tide’s receivers will face one of their tougher matchups of the season against a Missouri secondary known for its discipline and physical coverage, but Alabama’s offensive depth gives them multiple options to attack different layers of the field. Defensively, Alabama’s front seven will look to disrupt Missouri’s rhythm early by pressuring quarterback Brady Cook and limiting running back Cody Schrader’s impact on the ground. The Crimson Tide defensive line, led by standout edge rushers Dallas Turner and Keon Keeley, will need to win one-on-one battles to collapse the pocket and force Cook into quick, pressured throws. Containing All-American receiver Luther Burden III will be a top priority, as his yards-after-catch ability has torched even the best SEC defenses; expect Alabama to roll safety help over the top and bracket him whenever possible. Linebacker play will also be critical, with Deontae Lawson anchoring a unit tasked with diagnosing Missouri’s pre-snap motion and keeping containment on perimeter screens and RPOs. The Tide’s secondary, featuring playmakers like safety Caleb Downs, must stay disciplined against Missouri’s vertical passing game and avoid giving up back-breaking explosives. On the road, crowd noise and early momentum swings will test Alabama’s composure, but this is a veteran team accustomed to handling pressure. The key will be maintaining focus, minimizing penalties, and capitalizing on Missouri’s mistakes — something Alabama has done with machine-like precision in big SEC games. If Milroe stays poised and the defense forces Cook into predictable passing situations, Alabama’s talent and physicality should eventually take control. Expect DeBoer’s team to lean on its balanced offense and opportunistic defense to grind down Missouri over four quarters, using experience, efficiency, and execution to turn a potentially tight contest into a defining SEC road victory.