How Soviet forces sought to saturate a carrier group

How many missiles would the Soviet Union need to destroy a United States carrier battle group?

Probably more than 88 unless they were exceptionally large, fast, and coordinated from several directions, because long-range fleet fighters would attack the launch force first.

The quoted 88 missiles are only a starting point because effectiveness depends on missile type, speed, mass, and approach geometry. A coordinated attack from several directions has a better chance of overwhelming the layered defence. The carrier group's F-14 Tomcats and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles were designed to intercept bombers and other launch platforms far from the ships. The exchange therefore begins well before incoming anti-ship missiles reach point-defence range.