When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium
TV: ABC
Radio: 1110 AM KFAB
ESPN’s “College GameDay” was in town for the first time ever, setting the stage for the nationally televised battle between two unbeatens — Mizzou and BCS No. 1 Oklahoma. The Sooners had won 19 of their past 20 against the Tigers, including a couple of memorable big-stage heartbreakers recently.
The Tigers finally got revenge Saturday night.
Quarterback Blaine Gabbert completed 30 of 42 passes for 308 yards and the Missouri defense was stout when it had to be, knocking OU out of the national title picture for the time being.
It was the first time Missouri defeated Oklahoma since 1998. The Tigers lost twice to OU in 2007, a year when they had a legitimate shot at making the BCS championship game. They were blown out by the Sooners in the Big 12 title game in 2008.
Things were different this season. Now, Mizzou is 7-0 for just the third time in school history (the first time since 1960). It heads to Nebraska with a chance at putting a firm grip on the Big 12 North race with a win.
The Tigers didn’t leave Saturday’s game without some drama.
They trailed OU 21-20 before scoring two straight touchdowns to seemingly take control. But botched execution by the Missouri kickoff coverage gave the Sooners great field position and they pulled within two scores late. Ultimately, though, Oklahoma couldn’t complete the comeback and Mizzou fans celebrated their win by rushing the field.
Gabbert shining
Blaine Gabbert’s stock is rising, even if Husker fans preferred that it wasn’t.
Through seven games, he’s throwing for an average of 271 yards and completing 67 percent of his passes. He’s tossed 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
NU supporters don’t need to be reminded that Gabbert originally made a nonbinding commitment to Nebraska during the recruiting process, but ultimately signed with Mizzou.
Running backs step up
Missouri’s ground game came alive Saturday and added some balance to its attack.
As a team, the Tigers totaled 178 rushing yards on 39 carries against Oklahoma, which was more production from their ground game than they had during both of their previous conference games combined. Their 181 rushing attempts on the season ranked last in the Big 12.
The backfield duo of De’Vion Moore and Henry Josey turned out to have large roles in the Missouri game plan. Moore had 73 yards and Josey had 64.
It will be interesting to see if the running game is emphasized to that extent against Nebraska.
Other than their shutdown performance against Kansas State’s Daniel Thomas, the Huskers haven’t defended the run consistently well this season. Oklahoma State’s Kendall Hunter ran for 201 yards Saturday.
Nose guard out
Missouri’s defense will be without a big piece on Saturday.
Starting nose guard Dominique Hamilton, a 6-foot-5, 305-pounder who plugs running lanes and disrupts throwing pockets, broke his foot during the first quarter on Saturday night.
Hamilton is out for the year.
The injury is a blow to the Tigers’ unit, though that group has performed well all season.
Missouri leads the conference in scoring defense (13.1 points per game) and ranks second at defending the run (114.6 yards per game). The Tigers allowed a season-high 27 points to Oklahoma, but they recorded two interceptions and held the Sooners to just 99 total rushing yards.
No comments:
Post a Comment