Alabama vs. Missouri: Tigers have recent history against No. 1-ranked teams

The Missouri Tigers don't have a great history against teams ranked No. 1. Based on their most recent home encounter with the nation's best team, however, Tigers fans are probably holding out hope as they welcome the defending champion Alabama Crimson Tide to Columbia.

The last time Missouri played host to a No. 1 ranked team was in 2010, when Blaine Gabbert led the Tigers to a 36-27 win over the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners. While the Sooners were No. 3 in the AP poll, they laid claim to the top spot in the BCS rankings that week.

There is some history against Alabama, too. Back in 1978, Missouri held a 20-17 lead over No. 1 Alabama, but got outscored 21-0 in the second half. Aside from that 2010 win over Oklahoma, the Tigers are 0-12 against top-ranked teams.

Missouri has to reckon with the best defense in the country, however, if it wishes to repeat 2010's success. Alabama allows just seven points and 192 yards per game, while also netting +2.4 turnovers per game.