Technically it is. Missouri will prove it when it plays a Southeastern Conference game at Alabama Oct. 13 before 100,000 ravenous fans.
After watching these teams each play in Week 1 ... oh my. The Tigers and Crimson Tide each won 51-14, but they played on much different competitive levels.
Missouri is seeking bowl eligibility again under third-year coach Barry Odom. Meanwhile, Alabama expects to play for national titles as long as the relentless Nick Saban is coaching.
Unlike last season, the Tigers opened with crisp execution. They kept mistakes to a minimum, avoided major injuries and granted valuable playing time to an army of true freshmen and other inexperienced players.