This game will determine...
Who wins the SEC Championship, and possibly who heads out to Pasadena to play in the BCS National Championship Game. From all indications by BCS experts this week, either Auburn or Missouri needs some help, likely from Michigan State, to land a spot in Pasadena, but if either Ohio State or Florida State loses, the SEC Championship Game winner is headed to Pasadena. If the two main undefeated teams hold serve and punch their tickets to the BCS National Championship Game, then the SEC Championship Game winner has a conference championship no one saw coming and a berth in the Sugar Bowl.
Three things to look for
1. Auburn's ability to protect Nick Marshall. After the way Auburn ran the ball against both Georgia and Alabama, it would be a mistake to think that Marshall and the SEC's leading rusher, Tre Mason, won't be able to churn out yards against Missouri's 14th-ranked rush defense. When Auburn does have to throw the ball, though, the offensive line, in particular tackles Greg Robinson and Avery Young, have a tough task against Missouri defensive ends Michael Sam and Kony Ealy.
2. Missouri quarterback James Franklin on the move. Auburn has struggled at times to defend mobile quarterbacks scrambling out of the pocket, and Franklin's as mobile as any quarterback in the SEC with 412 yards this season and a 1,000-yard season in his past. Auburn has to be careful to stay in its rush lanes and collapse the pocket, shutting down running lanes, and both Jake Holland and Kris Frost will have to tackle well in open space when Franklin breaks the pocket.
3. How does Auburn handle Missouri's empty sets? The last time that Auburn played a true spread passing team in Texas A&M, Ellis Johnson went with six and seven defensive backs for most of the game, putting more speed on the field to combat the receivers and Johnny Manziel's elusiveness. Missouri could force Auburn into the same types of situations, and Auburn's secondary has to hold up against a tall, rangy group of receivers that is spread across the field.
Key matchup
Auburn's secondary vs. Missouri's wide receivers. The three-headed monster that is Dorial Green-Beckham, L'Damian Washington, Marcus Lucas has combined for 143 catches, more than 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns this season, and all three are taller than 6-4. Auburn's secondary ranks 13th in the SEC and has struggled against experienced opponents. For Auburn to win the SEC title, cornerbacks Chris Davis,Jonathon Mincy, Jonathan Jones and company have to turn in their best game of the season.
By the numbers
44 — Years since Missouri won a conference championship. Missouri last earned a conference title in 1969, when the Tigers shared the Big Eight title with Nebraska.
Significant injuries
Auburn — WR Jaylon Denson (knee) out; DT Jeff Whitaker (knee) out; LB Justin Garrett (foot) out; S Josh Holsey (knee) out; JaViere Mitchell (concussion) probable
Missouri — DT Marvin Foster (bicep)
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