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Big 12 Game of the Week
Missouri (4-0) at Nebraska (3-1), 9:00 EST ESPN
Why to watch: Alright Missouri. Blasting Nevada was nice, and that shootout win over Illinois wasn’t without its charm, but now it’s time to go into hostile territory and show you can break a 30-year hex. Nebraska has owned just about everyone from the old Big 8 and Big 12 North, at least until recently, and while Missouri cranked out a 41-6 win in last year’s conference opener that jump-started the season, it hasn’t won in Lincoln since October of 1976. That was considered a monumental upset, Nebraska was 5-0-1 and the favorite for the Big 8 title, but this upset might be a little bit bigger … the other way. The Huskers are still in rebuilding mode despite a good start to the Bo Pelini era. As last week’s 35-30 loss to Virginia Tech showed, the offense still needs to find some semblance of consistency, the defensive front lacks the toughness and athleticism to hold up when beaten on, and the secondary is going to be an ongoing issue. Not only would this be a huge win for a once-proud program looking to restore the glory, but it might be a must-win with three road dates in the next four games including trips to Texas Tech and Oklahoma.
Why Missouri might win: Virginia Tech is offensively challenged. Its passing game is non-existent, the running game is mediocre, and the line has been spotty at best. The Hokies rolled through the Nebraska defense with an efficient passing game and 206 rushing yards. That was Virginia Tech and the nation’s 108th ranked offense. Missouri’s offense ranks second in America, behind Tulsa, averaging 596 yards and 54 points per game. Not only has the attack been good; it’s been unstoppable. Defensively, the unnoticed front seven has been phenomenal at getting into the backfield and it should be able to pressure Husker QB Joe Ganz all game long.
Why Nebraska might win: The offensive line is coming around. It’s not able to run block well, but it’s doing a solid job in pass protection and it’s playing better than it ever did under Bill Callahan. On the defensive side, the secondary is struggling and there were problems against Virginia Tech last week, but Pelini is bringing the noise from several spots. Illinois has a decent pass rush, but it’s not as effective as Nebraska’s will be at home; this is the first time Chase Daniel will be under steady pressure. The Tigers secondary is talented, but it’s allowing 280 yards per game.
Who to watch: The big question mark coming into the season for Missouri was the running game and replacing Tony Temple. Sophomore Derrick Washington was used sparingly last year, and now he has taken on the role as the leader of the ground game with two rushing touchdowns in each of the first four games, and a receiving score against SE Missouri State. Daniel and the passing game will always be the focal point of the Mizzou attack, but Washington will need to be game-planned for. He’s a near-lock for at least 75 yards.
What will happen: Nebraska will have to wait for its program-changing victory. Missouri is too sharp, too aggressive, and too good. As long as there aren’t a slew of turnovers, the Tigers should get through this game with ease to set up a showdown with Oklahoma State.
CFN Prediction: Missouri 38 … Nebraska 23 ... Line: Missouri -11
Must See Rating: (5 Palin vs. Biden - 1 Beverly Hills Chihuahua) … 4
Big 12 Game of the Week
Missouri (4-0) at Nebraska (3-1), 9:00 EST ESPN
Why to watch: Alright Missouri. Blasting Nevada was nice, and that shootout win over Illinois wasn’t without its charm, but now it’s time to go into hostile territory and show you can break a 30-year hex. Nebraska has owned just about everyone from the old Big 8 and Big 12 North, at least until recently, and while Missouri cranked out a 41-6 win in last year’s conference opener that jump-started the season, it hasn’t won in Lincoln since October of 1976. That was considered a monumental upset, Nebraska was 5-0-1 and the favorite for the Big 8 title, but this upset might be a little bit bigger … the other way. The Huskers are still in rebuilding mode despite a good start to the Bo Pelini era. As last week’s 35-30 loss to Virginia Tech showed, the offense still needs to find some semblance of consistency, the defensive front lacks the toughness and athleticism to hold up when beaten on, and the secondary is going to be an ongoing issue. Not only would this be a huge win for a once-proud program looking to restore the glory, but it might be a must-win with three road dates in the next four games including trips to Texas Tech and Oklahoma.
Why Missouri might win: Virginia Tech is offensively challenged. Its passing game is non-existent, the running game is mediocre, and the line has been spotty at best. The Hokies rolled through the Nebraska defense with an efficient passing game and 206 rushing yards. That was Virginia Tech and the nation’s 108th ranked offense. Missouri’s offense ranks second in America, behind Tulsa, averaging 596 yards and 54 points per game. Not only has the attack been good; it’s been unstoppable. Defensively, the unnoticed front seven has been phenomenal at getting into the backfield and it should be able to pressure Husker QB Joe Ganz all game long.
Why Nebraska might win: The offensive line is coming around. It’s not able to run block well, but it’s doing a solid job in pass protection and it’s playing better than it ever did under Bill Callahan. On the defensive side, the secondary is struggling and there were problems against Virginia Tech last week, but Pelini is bringing the noise from several spots. Illinois has a decent pass rush, but it’s not as effective as Nebraska’s will be at home; this is the first time Chase Daniel will be under steady pressure. The Tigers secondary is talented, but it’s allowing 280 yards per game.
Who to watch: The big question mark coming into the season for Missouri was the running game and replacing Tony Temple. Sophomore Derrick Washington was used sparingly last year, and now he has taken on the role as the leader of the ground game with two rushing touchdowns in each of the first four games, and a receiving score against SE Missouri State. Daniel and the passing game will always be the focal point of the Mizzou attack, but Washington will need to be game-planned for. He’s a near-lock for at least 75 yards.
What will happen: Nebraska will have to wait for its program-changing victory. Missouri is too sharp, too aggressive, and too good. As long as there aren’t a slew of turnovers, the Tigers should get through this game with ease to set up a showdown with Oklahoma State.
CFN Prediction: Missouri 38 … Nebraska 23 ... Line: Missouri -11
Must See Rating: (5 Palin vs. Biden - 1 Beverly Hills Chihuahua) … 4