Missouri Options

[Rocky]

I haven't seen them play.

They are 5-0, and winning by nice scores. Now I don't think they've been playing huge teams persay, but even then....hmmm.


Anybody got some insight about their team ? I can just look up stats myself, but I'm just wondering who are their playmakers, what are their strengths ?

[schwab]

Missouri  (5-0) at  Texas Tech (4-1) 7 PM EST Saturday October 7th
Why to Watch: If you believe that Texas and Oklahoma are the two best teams in the Big 12, and Texas Tech, with its win over Texas A&M last week, is probably at a step below along with Nebraska, then Missouri, the last unbeaten team in the conference, is also in there. When all is said and done, the winner of this game will likely be no worse than fourth in the pecking order for bowl games, and will likely be the third choice if Nebraska plays like it did against Kansas last week. The Red Raiders are coming off a gut-check thriller in College Station last week with a last minute touchdown pass to Robert Johnson downing the Aggies 31-27. That might have been the moment when things turned around for a Red Raider offense that was inconsistent over the first few games, but now comes a battle against a Tiger defense that ranked second in the country and tenth against the pass. Missouri can firmly establish itself as a top contender for the Big 12 title with a win a win this week and with a trip to Texas A&M next week. Win those, and the nation will start to pay attention. This is a must win for Tech with road games over the next two weeks at Colorado and Iowa State before hosting Texas.
Why Missouri Might Win: The Tigers have played absolutely no one who can throw the forward pass, but the secondary is the real deal and the pass rush is the best in the conference ranking third in the nation with 20 sacks and 42 tackles for loss in the first five games. Mizzou is getting into the backfield from every angle and in every way led by an All-America caliber year from Brian Smith, so look for the timing of the Tech offense to be thrown off a little bit thanks to the pressure.
Why Texas Tech Might Win: Tech can light it up from anywhere on the field, but it'll certainly help if it gets solid field position. Missouri's punting game has been the one major weakness so far while the return game is nothing to jump up and down about. The Tigers are also having a few problems with turnovers lately. The Missouri defense is good enough to do what TCU did and shut down the Red Raider offense, but it hasn't been tested by anyone and it can't hold up if Graham Harrell and the boys are given several easy chances and short fields.
Who to Watch: Most fans familiar with the Texas Tech offense think of Joel Filani or Jarrett Hicks as the top targets, but Robert Johnson has developed into the team's leading receiver and the go-to guy in the clutch. After arriving to Lubbock as a superstar JUCO quarterback prospect, Johnson never adapted to the attack and was moved to receiver, where he came up with a solid 2005. The light has clicked on and he as exploded for 38 catches for 351 yards and six touchdowns in five games including the game-winner against A&M and a 15-grab day to start the year against SMU.
What Will Happen: The balance of the Missouri offense will end up being too much for Tech. The Red Raiders will get their yards and points, but the Tiger secondary will do just enough to slow things down late in the game.
CFN Prediction: Missouri 27 ... Texas Tech 23 ... Line: Texas Tech -3.5
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Rachael Ray) ... 4