Alabama Crimson Tide football vs Missouri Tigers football isn’t your typical cross-divisional SEC blood feud. It doesn’t have the century-old spite of the Iron Bowl or the "Third Saturday in October" bitterness. But honestly? If you’ve been watching the last few years, you know this matchup has become a weirdly accurate barometer for where the SEC power structure actually sits.
Missouri used to be the "new kid" in the conference. They walked in from the Big 12, won back-to-back division titles, and then kind of settled into a middle-of-the-pack groove that frustrated fans in Columbia. Then Eli Drinkwitz happened. On the other side, Alabama is navigating the "Life After Saban" era under Kalen DeBoer, proving that the machine doesn't just stop because a legend retired.
The 2025 meeting in Columbia was a perfect example. Bama won 27-24, but it wasn't the kind of blowout we saw in 2024 when the Tide rolled 34-0. It was a dogfight.
The 2025 Clash: A Turning Point for Both Programs
When the Tide rolled into Faurot Field last October, Missouri had a 15-game home winning streak. People were starting to wonder if Alabama's defense had lost its "Bama Standard" edge.
Ty Simpson, who has taken the reigns at QB, had to be surgical. He finished 23-of-31 for 200 yards and three touchdowns. That doesn't sound like "video game numbers," but in a game where every possession felt like a chess match, it was exactly what DeBoer needed. Missouri’s defense, which was ranked near the top of the country in rush defense at the time, actually held up pretty well. They limited Jam Miller to 85 yards on 20 carries.
But Bama did what Bama does. They found a way on fourth down.
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A critical 29-yard catch by freshman Lotzeir Brooks on 4th-and-8 basically broke the Tigers' hearts. That's the difference in these games. It's not always about who has the better roster on paper—it's about who doesn't blink when the stadium is shaking. Missouri’s Beau Pribula was impressive, throwing for two scores and running for another, but a late interception by Dijon Lee Jr. sealed the deal.
Why the History Favors the Tide
If you look at the all-time series, it’s heavily skewed. Alabama has won seven straight meetings dating back to 1978.
- 2025: Alabama 27, Missouri 24 (Columbia)
- 2024: Alabama 34, Missouri 0 (Tuscaloosa)
- 2020: Alabama 38, Missouri 19 (Columbia)
- 2018: Alabama 39, Missouri 10 (Tuscaloosa)
- 2014: Alabama 42, Missouri 13 (SEC Championship, Atlanta)
Missouri’s last win against the Tide? You have to go all the way back to the 1975 season opener when the Tigers stunned Bama 20-7 in Birmingham. Before that, Mizzou actually beat them in the 1968 Gator Bowl.
Basically, if you aren't a fan of the Tigers, the history looks like a long list of Alabama dominance. But the scores are getting tighter. The gap is closing. Drinkwitz has recruited at a level Missouri hasn't seen in decades, and it's showing up in the physicality of the trenches.
Coaching Philosophies: DeBoer vs. Drinkwitz
Kalen DeBoer brings a "new age" offensive brilliance that contrasts with the old-school defensive slugfests we used to expect from Alabama. He’s 18-3 against AP Top 25 opponents for a reason. He’s a winner. His system prioritizes spacing and getting the ball to playmakers like Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard in space.
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On the flip side, Eli Drinkwitz is a bit of a wildcard. He’s aggressive, he’s vocal, and he’s built a culture of "Why not us?" in Columbia. Missouri's strategy against Alabama has shifted from "try to survive" to "attack the weaknesses." In 2025, they targeted Alabama's secondary early and often, finding success with Donovan Olugbode.
The tactical battle is where this game is won. Alabama usually has the depth advantage, but Missouri has mastered the art of the "transfer portal reload," bringing in guys like Ahmad Hardy to keep the run game viable even when they lose starters to the NFL.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There’s a common misconception that Missouri can’t handle the physicality of the SEC's elite.
That’s just wrong.
In the 2025 game, Missouri actually outgained Alabama on the ground, 163 to 125. They won the "line of scrimmage" battle for large chunks of the game. The issue for the Tigers hasn't been strength; it’s been depth and late-game execution. Alabama develops a roster that is three-deep at almost every position. When a starter goes down in the third quarter, the drop-off is minimal. Missouri is still building that kind of sustained depth.
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Another thing? Don't assume Alabama is "vulnerable" just because the scores are closer. Under DeBoer, the Tide has shown a remarkable ability to win different types of games. They can win a 45-42 shootout, and they can win a 27-24 grinder.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As of right now, the 2026 SEC schedule has been released, and it’s a gauntlet for everyone involved. Alabama will host teams like South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas A&M. While Missouri and Alabama aren't scheduled to meet every single year in the new division-less SEC, their recent history ensures that whenever they do pull each other's name out of the hat, it’s going to be a "Circle the Date" game.
Missouri is no longer a "cupcake" on anyone's schedule. They proved that by snapping off 15 straight home wins before the Tide finally broke the streak. For Alabama, games like the ones against Missouri are proof that the program remains the standard, even as the rest of the conference tries to catch up.
Practical Steps for Fans
If you're planning on heading to the next matchup, keep these things in mind:
- Book Columbia early: When Bama comes to town, hotel prices in Columbia triple. If you aren't looking six months out, you're staying an hour away in Jefferson City.
- Watch the trenches: Don't just follow the ball. In this specific matchup, look at Alabama’s offensive line (led by guys like Parker Brailsford) against Missouri’s edge rushers. That’s where the 2025 game was decided.
- Appreciate the new QBs: We are in a new era. Ty Simpson and Beau Pribula are the faces of these programs now. Forget the names from five years ago; the style of play has shifted to more mobile, quick-release systems.
- Check the injury report late: In the 2025 game, Jam Miller’s late-game injury almost swung the momentum back to Missouri. These physical games take a toll.
The Alabama vs. Missouri series might not have a catchy nickname yet, but it’s becoming one of the most honest tests in college football. One team is trying to stay on the throne; the other is tired of being the underdog.
Next Steps for Alabama Fans: Keep a close eye on the development of the young secondary players like Dijon Lee Jr. and Zabien Brown. Their ability to handle high-volume passing attacks will be the deciding factor in the 2026 SEC race.
Next Steps for Missouri Fans: Watch the recruitment of the offensive line. To beat Bama consistently, the Tigers need to not just match them for three quarters, but have the bodies to finish the job in the fourth. Check the latest transfer portal entries to see how Drinkwitz bolsters the defensive interior for the upcoming season.