By Matt Smith
SouthernPigskin.com

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Louisiana Tech at Missouri: Time | Channel | Announcers | Preview

Louisiana Tech at Missouri, Thursday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU)

Announcers: Mike Monaco and Dave Steckel

Series History: First Meeting

Line: Missouri -19.5

Over/Under: 60.5

A successful tenure for Skip Holtz in Ruston came to an end after a disappointing 3-9 record last season. The Bulldogs will launch the Sonny Cumbie era on Thursday night, hoping for a return to prominence in a new-look Conference USA. Missouri hopes extra prep time will give them an edge heading into a key game next week at Kansas State, but the Tigers best not overlook a Bulldogs team that put major scares into both Mississippi State and N.C. State in 2021. Brady Cook will become Missouris fifth different opening-day starting quarterback in as many seasons, as the Tigers hope to open up an offense that can no longer rely so heavily on departed running back Tyler Badie. This feels like a scary game for Missouri. The Tigers will survive, but it will take most of the 60 minutes to put a feisty Louisiana Tech team away.

Prediction: Missouri 33, Louisiana Tech 24