The Alabama Crimson Tide is preparing to face what may be its most significant challenge so far this season on the road against the Missouri Tigers, who are ranked No. 14 in the nation.

Led by quarterback Beau Pribula, who has been brutally effective both in the air and on the ground, and running back Ahmad Hardy, one of the best in the country, Missouri presents a very difficult test for Alabama.

The matchup is not a good one for the Tide, and with just a 3.5 point spread on the game, many think Missouri has a tremendous chance to win.

All of these factors make sense to be cautious about, but the most concerning might just be the fact of how good the Tigers are at home. It will surprise fans to know that tied with Alabama for the second-longest home winning streak in the nation is Missouri at 15 games, not dropping one since 2023 just like the Tide.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has established the Tigers as a team who must be respected, but what may be most impressive is just how well they defend their home turf, even in years like 2024 were they were not quite as strong.

Alabama earning a victory this weekend would take them one step closer towards maintaining what they hope by year’s end is standing alone as the longest home winning streak in college football. For Missouri, it’s now being put to the test against the biggest challenge of their season as well.

Something will have to give on Saturday afternoon, and Alabama fans will have to hope it’s the home streak being broken rather than extending to 16 games and standing alone in second place.