The No. 2 Auburn Tigers enjoyed a successful non-conference schedule, earning 12 wins, which built momentum to carry into SEC play.
The first SEC team on Auburn’s docket will be the Missouri Tigers, a team that has taken several giant steps forward in their quest to become one of the SEC’s top programs. The Tigers from Columbia will enter Saturday’s game with an 11-2 record after winning just eight games last season.
The vibes surrounding the program are rising thanks to the efforts of Mark Mitchell, Tamar Bates, and Caleb Grill, who average over 12 points per game. Aidan Shaw’s 57% three-point percentage has also played a role in Missouri’s hot start to the 2024-25 season.
What can Auburn fans expect out of Missouri on Saturday? To find answers, we reached out to Missouri beat writer Grant Salsman of the Columbia Missourian for help. In this week’s “Behind Enemy Lines,” Salsman discusses the vibes centered around the program, Missouri’s notable win of the season, several key players to watch, and so much more.
Here is the latest edition of “Behind Enemy Lines” featuring Grant Salsman of The Columbia Missourian.
The best is yet to come?
Missouri is off to a hot start by winning 11 games and exceeding its 2023-24 win total. What are the vibes in Columbia surrounding this team?
The best way to describe the vibes in Columbia is cautiously optimistic. Fans are excited about the team, especially following the upset victory over bitter rival Kansas. The cautious aspect comes from the 0-18 SEC season. I think to really get the fan base to buy in Missouri needs to start well in the SEC.
A giant step forward
How big was the win over Kansas in terms of the current trajectory of this year’s team?
That win over Kansas was everything. One win over Kansas is the equivalent of ten wins. The win has the fans believing. It also has the team playing with a noticeable swagger that they can play with and beat any team in the country.
From hot (seat) to not
How did Missouri fans view Dennis Gates at the beginning of the season, and how has that changed through 13 games?
I think the fans who are locked in on college basketball realized before the season what a great job Gates did in the transfer portal. Missouri came off an 8-24 season and Gates was still able to bring a top recruiting and transfer portal class. The majority of fans though felt like Gates needed to show something and after an 11-2 non-conference he has bought himself some good grace.
Leaving his mark
Mark Mitchell has made a quick splash since transferring from Duke. Is he viewed as the “missing piece” from last season’s roster?
Mark Mitchell has been brilliant this season after transferring to his hometown school. Mitchell Is averaging 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists this season. He also has size which has been vastly important for Mizzou in the physical SEC. His 6’9, 230-pound frame makes him a force on defense and a threat to rebound from the wing. He has been one of the missing pieces that Gates just did not have last season. The other is Josh Gray. With Gray Missouri has a true center, something they did not last year. Gray at 7-0, 260 pounds does not have the best stats offensively but has been vital on the defensive side for the Tigers.
Grilled to perfection
Which players have caught your attention this season?
Caleb Grill and Anthony Robinson II have caught my eye through 13 games. Grill has only played in eight games after suffering a scary injury and was out over a month before returning against Alabama State on Monday. He’s averaging 12.6 points per game and is one of the best 3-point shooters in the country. On the season he’s shooting 51.1% from long range. Robinson II has garnered some attention as a fringe NBA prospect. The sophomore guard has taken a huge jump after his freshman year. He’s averaging 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists a game. He commands the offense but on top of that is a force on defense averaging 2.5 steals a game.
Win the arch
What will Missouri need to do well in order to leave Auburn with a win?
Missouri is going to have to shoot lights out to defeat Auburn. Attempting to “muddy” up the game and try to slow down Auburn does not feel like a viable strategy. If Mizzou has a chance to win this game they need to find a way to put up points. Lately, Missouri has struggled from the 3-point line, and that needs to change. Tamar Bates and Grill need to shoot well and if Missouri can put up 80 plus points they have a chance.
Tigers on top?
What is your final score prediction?
It will be a very difficult task for Mizzou. I think they could keep it close but Auburn will pull away. Final score prediction: Auburn 87 Missouri 72
This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Behind Enemy Lines: Auburn-Missouri preview with Grant Salsman of The Columbia Missourian
