The Alabama Crimson Tide will travel to Columbia, Mo., to face the undefeated Missouri Tigers this weekend. The Tigers are off to their best start with a 5-0 record since the 2012 season. Part of their success is their running game, featured by star running back Ahmad Hardy, who has 730 yards for nine touchdowns through five games.

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Hardy's speed and ability to break away from defenders has been a challenge for every team the Tigers have faced this season, and without a doubt, the Tigers will rely on Hardy's abilities on Saturday against the Crimson Tide.

Missouri's Offensive Stats According to ESPN:

PASSING
Comp-Att: 116-153
Net Passing Yards: 1,278
Yards Per Pass Attempt: 8.4
Net Passing Yards Per Game: 255.6
Passing Touchdowns: 10
Interceptions: 3
Sacks-Yards Lost: 12-63
RUSHING
Rushing Attempts: 247
Rushing Yards: 1,460
Yards Per Rush Attempt: 5.9
Rushing Yards Per Game: 292.0
Rushing Touchdowns: 18
OFFENSE
Total Offensive Plays: 412
Total Yards: 2,738
Yards Per Game: 547.6

"We are respecting their game. We do know that they have a really explosive offense, a really good running back, and at the end of the day, we're just worried about what we got to do," said linebacker Justin Jefferson regarding the Tigers' offensive presence during media availability on Tuesday.

The Crimson Tide are aware of Hardy's abilities and the importance of stopping the Tigers' run game. If the Crimson Tide want to be successful on Saturday, they will need to acknowledge what Hardy can do while also understanding how to shut him down.

"He's big, he's physical, everybody sees what he has, we respect his game, we're watching film, we're seeing what he can do, we've got to get all our guys to the ball, play Swarm D defense," said Jefferson.

With Jefferson leading the Crimson Tide in tackles with 29 and becoming a leader in his last year of college football, his experience and understanding of the game are crucial for the Crimson Tide's defense.

The Crimson Tide Sinks the Commodores in BDS, 30-14

Gallery Credit: Wyatt Fulton

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