Coming off a much-needed bye week, Auburn football returned back to its normal routine as the Tigers prepare for a road matchup against No. 19 Missouri.

Despite sitting at a 2-4, and 0-2 in the SEC, linebacker Eugene Asante believes the teams record does not reflect the true identity of this group.

Asante has 19 tackles through the first six games and recorded a season-high five tackles in the 31-13 defeat to Georgia.

“I know it hurts the fans that the results aren’t there, but I do believe in the leadership of this team. I do believe in coach [Hugh Freeze] and his vision,” Asante said. “I understand with somebody like that at the helm, good things can come out of it. The biggest thing is just us as players taking accountability for our mistakes.”

“I think the bye week was good in terms of trying to refocus ourselves on everything we need to do and be able to understand we still have goals we want to accomplish with this team. Obviously we had goals at the beginning of the season. Just readjusting and pivoting our goals and understanding that we can finish the season strong.”

He added on how important just one win is for the team right now.

“I really believe once you get one and gain momentum you understand and get back into the swing of things,” Asante said. “Confidence really does come from winning and having good tape and going out there and playing well. If we can get one it would build a spark within this team that it really needs at the moment.”

Missouri’s offense averages 33.50 points per game sitting at 5-1 on the season. The wide receiver duo of Theo Wease Jr. and Luther Burden III enters this weekend’s matchup with 805 combined receiving yards.

Auburn‘s secondary has been filled with underclassmen after the injury to junior Champ Anthony. Freshman Jay Crawford and Kaleb Harris will get majority of the snaps against Missouri’s receiving duo.

“We are kind of throwing Jay Crawford in the fire, but we’re always emphasizing that he’s not a freshman anymore. We’re like ‘bro, you’re built for it,’ Asante said. “He’s certainly somebody that came into college ready to play. He doesn’t carry himself as a freshman. I’m excited to see what he does this week in practice. I know he’s going to have a great game.”

Nate Neal leads Missouri‘s rushing attack with 471 yards and Marcus Carroll has 281 yards adding on to the Missouri fire power. Quarterback Brady Cook has 1351 yards through the air with 11 total touchdowns and one interception.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup, Asante‘s mantra for the defense this week is elevating their level of play.

“Just challenging the corners all week to understand that this is elite competition we’re going against. I’m telling the corners and everybody that will be on [Luther Burden III] to play your game and show who you are. It’s another dynamic person we have to stop. They’ve got great running backs. All three of them are really good. That’s my job and my responsibility to go shut those guys down. I’m preparing and ready to go do that.”

Auburn faces Missouri at 11 a.m. CT, the game will be broadcast on ESPN.