NamelessHusker
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[SIZE=14pt]When "O" Meets "D" [/SIZE]
Big 12 on the line
WOWT news report
Missouri thrives on its offense and Nebraska on its defense. If either gives Saturday, it could have major Big 12 North title implications.
The Tigers and the nation's 14th ranked offense will face the Cornhuskers and the nation's 12th ranked defense. Both are tied for first place, with Colorado, in the Big 12 North race.
"I think it's a great opportunity for everybody," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "We're all in it. Every game is critical."
Nebraska's rush defense is of particular concern to Missouri (4-2, 2-1 Big 12). The Cornhuskers (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) only allow 65 yards rushing a game, which leads the nation. The Cornhuskers also lead the nation in sacks (34) and tackles for a loss (70).
"When you look at the numbers and you watch the video, it's pretty staggering at how good they are in rush defense," Pinkel said.
The Tigers enter Saturday's game ranked 11th in the nation in rushing, averaging 235 yards rushing a game. They are looking to rebound from their season worst game of 88-yards rushing last week against Iowa State.
In that game, quarterback Brad Smith had a difficult time, finishing with a career-worst 89 yards of total offense. He also missed the final 9 minutes of the game with a head injury.
Despite his struggles, Smith still leads the Big 12 in rushing with 619 yards and is 15th in the nation in total offense, averaging 300 yards per game.
"There are so many factors that go into this game with a quarterback of that caliber because he can run, he can throw, and they do it out of a multiple formation where they spread you on every play," Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said.
Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor appreciates Smith's athleticism but doesn't doubt the ability of his team's defense.
"Obviously he's going to make plays because he's a great player, but I think we'll do a great job of containing him," Taylor said. "(Nebraska defenders) get ridiculous amounts of pressure on every quarterback they face, and that's just a pain to go up against a group like that."
Missouri could also find it a pain to score against Nebraska. The Tigers average 36 points a game but are facing a Nebraska defense that has held its opponents to 14 points a game.
The Cornhuskers have held Missouri to 13 points or fewer in seven of the past 10 games.
Unlike Nebraska, Missouri's defense has struggled. The Tigers allow 31.5 points a game to rank last in the Big 12.
Pinkel said, too, that Nebraska's offense is improving. The Cornhuskers have averaged 276 yards passing the past three games compared to an average of 133 yards passing the first three. The Cornhuskers also have six passing touchdowns the past three weeks compared to one the first three.
"They do a million things, but they're very calculated, very well-designed, and they keep getting better and better," Pinkel said.
A win Saturday could propel Nebraska into the national rankings for the first time since the end of the 2003 season. The Cornhuskers were just outside the AP poll this week with the 26th most points.
Nebraska is also one win away from being bowl eligible.
"A lot of things will come into play if we win this game," Taylor said
Big 12 on the line
WOWT news report
Missouri thrives on its offense and Nebraska on its defense. If either gives Saturday, it could have major Big 12 North title implications.
The Tigers and the nation's 14th ranked offense will face the Cornhuskers and the nation's 12th ranked defense. Both are tied for first place, with Colorado, in the Big 12 North race.
"I think it's a great opportunity for everybody," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "We're all in it. Every game is critical."
Nebraska's rush defense is of particular concern to Missouri (4-2, 2-1 Big 12). The Cornhuskers (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) only allow 65 yards rushing a game, which leads the nation. The Cornhuskers also lead the nation in sacks (34) and tackles for a loss (70).
"When you look at the numbers and you watch the video, it's pretty staggering at how good they are in rush defense," Pinkel said.
The Tigers enter Saturday's game ranked 11th in the nation in rushing, averaging 235 yards rushing a game. They are looking to rebound from their season worst game of 88-yards rushing last week against Iowa State.
In that game, quarterback Brad Smith had a difficult time, finishing with a career-worst 89 yards of total offense. He also missed the final 9 minutes of the game with a head injury.
Despite his struggles, Smith still leads the Big 12 in rushing with 619 yards and is 15th in the nation in total offense, averaging 300 yards per game.
"There are so many factors that go into this game with a quarterback of that caliber because he can run, he can throw, and they do it out of a multiple formation where they spread you on every play," Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said.
Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor appreciates Smith's athleticism but doesn't doubt the ability of his team's defense.
"Obviously he's going to make plays because he's a great player, but I think we'll do a great job of containing him," Taylor said. "(Nebraska defenders) get ridiculous amounts of pressure on every quarterback they face, and that's just a pain to go up against a group like that."
Missouri could also find it a pain to score against Nebraska. The Tigers average 36 points a game but are facing a Nebraska defense that has held its opponents to 14 points a game.
The Cornhuskers have held Missouri to 13 points or fewer in seven of the past 10 games.
Unlike Nebraska, Missouri's defense has struggled. The Tigers allow 31.5 points a game to rank last in the Big 12.
Pinkel said, too, that Nebraska's offense is improving. The Cornhuskers have averaged 276 yards passing the past three games compared to an average of 133 yards passing the first three. The Cornhuskers also have six passing touchdowns the past three weeks compared to one the first three.
"They do a million things, but they're very calculated, very well-designed, and they keep getting better and better," Pinkel said.
A win Saturday could propel Nebraska into the national rankings for the first time since the end of the 2003 season. The Cornhuskers were just outside the AP poll this week with the 26th most points.
Nebraska is also one win away from being bowl eligible.
"A lot of things will come into play if we win this game," Taylor said