One question I have for Nebraska fans is this: MU had its way with Nebraska in Lincoln last season with a 6 touchdown differential for a Tiger victory. MU lost some talent, but so did Nebraska. The excitement around Nebraska football is welcomed, as it was a shame what Callahan did to your great program in just three short years.
How do you think Nebraska has closed a 6 touchdown deficit in just one year, and do you think playing in Columbia gives the Tigers a boost heading into this early showdown on October 8th?
I'll give this a shot.
First, I'd agree that that Missouri has had a talent advantage at some key positions, mostly the skill positions. Hard to argue that point with the production those players had the last few years.
Having said that, though, you then have to acknowledge that - at least this early in the season - it is reasonalble to assume that there will be a drop off in production. That's not to say that the players filling their shoes are not as talented - just that they haven't proven it yet. And Gabbert - well, I think he's going to make Tiger fans forget Daniel once it's all over with. However, the fact remains that until proven otherwise, it is reasonable to assume a lack of production compared to what Missouri has had recently.
Yes, the Huskers also lost some players that were very productive. The difference between the Huskers' loss and the Tigers's loss is that the Huskers are, for the most part, replacing that loss of production with increased talent - unproven talent, admittedly, but more athletic, explosive players. On the defensive side, that's most evident in the linebackers - far more athletic, but far less proven (and thus far less productive). With the exception of Gabbert, I'm not sure that Missouri can say the same thing. You have some athletic guys at the skill positions on offense, but I haven't seen that they are better athletes.
There are pluses and minuses to this of course - can the improved athletic talent for NU mature quickly enough? Or will there be crucial breakdowns? Regardless, that's one factor.
On the defensive side, I think that is the particularly the view of most Husker fans. Our defensive line was very good last year, and all indications is that there has been no real drop off there. The linebackers are more athletic and faster - and that plays to the kind of defense Pelini likes to deploy, and that is most effective against spread teams. Couple that with the fact that we are now beginning our second year in a new system that first required the players "unlearning" the old system as much as learning the new one, and there is pretty good reasons for the optimistic outlook.
I just got through watching the MU/Nevada game, and one thing that jumped out at me is that Missouri seems to have trouble with the middle of its defense. Nevada managed to power the ball up the middle quite a bit. That should be a Husker strength (although given our woes in the red zone against VT, that may be a case of being too optimistic).
Obviously, fans tend to accentuate their team's strengths and opponents' weaknesses, so either side could be way off.
But my feeling is that the teams are a lot closer to being equal, with similar question marks for each. My hope is that it's a great game and no one is injured.
Oh, and that the Huskers win, of course...