Oklahoma vs. Missouri

[ThatGuy]

I've been skimming through various sports websites, reading about the game tomorrow. I'm just going to post some of the stuff I've seen.

The Sooners are 6-12-2 all time against the AP's No. 1 team, but they are 4-1 the last five times they've played No. 1 while also being ranked in the Top 10. Oklahoma is actually favored in this game by about a field goal. The last four times the AP No. 1 team has been an underdog on the Vegas line, it has won the game outright.

The next factor: Make sure the players are not fearful. I'm not talking about being scared of getting hurt; coaches need to ensure their players aren't fearful about being embarrassed again. In football, as in life, we get what we think about, not what we want. The players must think about being efficient and excellent, play after play, with no reference to the scoreboard.

I think this is a really good observation. I'm sure the players are much more focused than we (the fans) are, but I know if I was on the Missouri football team right now I'd have a hard time getting past all of the hype and speculation.

Missouri: Everyone talks about the Tigers' offense and the weapons at Daniel's disposal, but they have a player in the secondary who is really on the rise. Junior William Moore (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) is a quality prospect who has great range in the secondary (89 tackles) and is an absolute ball hawk (team-best seven interceptions), and he's getting better and better each week.

Storylines: Like Virginia Tech, Missouri has a chance for redemption. The Sooners defeated Missouri 41-31 in Norman on Oct. 13, the Tigers' only loss of the season. Missouri is looking to win its first league title of any kind since winning the Big Eight in 1969. Bob Stoops is looking to guide Oklahoma to its fifth Big 12 title of his tenure. Each has been won with a different quarterback under center.
Player to watch: Like Pat White, Missouri QB Chase Daniel has an advantage in the Heisman race by playing only a few days before ballots are due. He has an additional advantage over White by playing against a team with six more wins in a conference title game. He fared well last time out against the Sooners, going 37-of-47 for 361 yards and a touchdown – but also two interceptions.
Best matchup: Missouri TB Tony Temple vs. Oklahoma's run defense. The Tigers' leading rusher missed the first meeting between the teams, and Mizzou ran for only 57 yards. Could a balanced offense against the Big 12's No. 1 rush defense on a neutral field make up for the 10-point deficit in October?

I cannot think of a more fitting ending to this wacky regular season than an Upset Special that involves the No. 1 team in the country winning. Hey, Vegas says it's an upset. In a rematch of two highly potent offenses and highly suspect pass defenses, the hotter, healthier Tigers prevail, 41-34.

[JL21]

Call me Debbie Downer but the one thing that I haven't liked all week has been all the attention that's suddenly been thrust upon Mizzou. Every time I turn on ESPN, I see Pinkel or Chase Daniel or T Rucker. This is a distraction that they may not be used to dealing with.

Throw in that prepping for the KU game was probably pretty draining and I'm more than a little worried.

I have faith that the team can stay focused but I don't like that it's in their face like this.

[Popeye_Card]

I could see this game going either way. It feels a lot like a "let down" game for Mizzou. But looking just at the teams, I would expect them to win.

--P--

[lukethedrifter]

I think we are going to see a near perfect Tiger performance. They got shook off the nerves vs. KU and now they are going to get down to business. I expect to see a bigger game from Maclin and the running backs.

[ThatGuy]

Call me Debbie Downer but the one thing that I haven't liked all week has been all the attention that's suddenly been thrust upon Mizzou. Every time I turn on ESPN, I see Pinkel or Chase Daniel or T Rucker. This is a distraction that they may not be used to dealing with.

+1

Quite a few analysts are predicting a Missouri win, and I've seen plenty of people complaining about the #1 team in the country being an underdog. I guess it's simply because I'm not used to all of this talk about Mizzou, but I really don't like it. I'd rather they fly under the radar.

I have faith that the team can stay focused but I don't like that it's in their face like this.

This is my biggest concern. I feel that, if they can put all of this talk in the back of their minds, they have a great shot to win. But I'm usually the kind of person who expects the worst, so I'm just afraid they're going to fall flat on their faces tomorrow.

[JL21]

What'll really bug the crap out of me is if the following happens:

1. MU loses tomorrow

2. BCS bowls have to take OU

3. BCS bowls pass up MU for KU, who would probably be ranked higher in the BCS at that point

[BenNX74205]

What'll really bug the crap out of me is if the following happens:

1. MU loses tomorrow

2. BCS bowls have to take OU

3. BCS bowls pass up MU for KU, who would probably be ranked higher in the BCS at that point

That's probably what would happen. And that would be very disappointing.

[ThatGuy]

I've been hearing that KU may get a bid to the Fiesta Bowl, with Oklahoma being a likely opponent if they win against Missouri.

That would, indeed, suck.

[BenNX74205]

I've been hearing that KU may get a bid to the Fiesta Bowl, with Oklahoma being a likely opponent if they win against Missouri.

That would, indeed, suck.

Honestly, though, if Mizzou does end up losing tomorrow and Kansas goes to a BCS bowl game, I would love to see Oklahoma play Kansas.

[JL21]

It wouldn't make a bit of sense, either. I'm sorry. Now that they've played and MU won, with the game not even close until the final 2 minutes... I don't see how that makes any sense at all.

Additionally, sure... Mizzou would have two losses but they'd both be to the same team.