Missouri has a nice home-streak going right now but that doesn’t scare Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have the second best offense in the nation with playmakers such as QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon. On paper, the Tigers stand next to no chance. But analysts are circling this game, saying it could be a roadblock for Oklahoma St. Maybe the Cowboys overlook the Tigers and underestimate Faurot Field. It was only one year ago where the Missouri knocked off another team from the same state in a massive upset. This game will look much different though. Gone is first-round QB Blaine Gabbert, the Cowboys are not a rival, and the game will not be on the ABC primetime slot with ESPN College Gameday around to excite the fans. Can the crowd bring the same magic?
There are some key points the Tigers need to consider if they want to bring down the #4 Cowboys. How do you stop a high-powered offense? The best solution…keep them off the field. Mizzou has the leading conference rusher, Henry Josey, and with Franklin, the Tigers can put up impressive numbers on the ground. At times, the Tigers have looked their best playing up-tempo and rushing to the line. This week, they need to do the exact opposite. If it comes down to a shoot out, Mizzou does not have the firepower to keep up with the Cowboys. Step number two is playing smart. The three keys to this is minimizing penalties, limiting turnovers, and avoiding third and longs. Last year, the Tigers were one of the best in the nation in avoiding penalties but that hasn’t been the case this year. They cannot afford costly penalties that may force them to throw the ball. Oklahoma State has forced an impressive 17 turnovers in their last four games. Mizzou isn’t turnover prone but Franklin has to get better at his progression reads and avoid looking down receivers to keep the defense on their heels. Lastly, the Tigers do their best when they have the option to run the ball. Preventing third and long situations will minimize the chances of turnovers and prevent the Cowboys from unleashing a hard pass rush.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers have a tall task. LB Will Ebner remains out and starting DT Terrell Resonno will not play. The Tigers have depth at defensive line but it hasn’t showed. Oklahoma State has a fairly balanced offense that employs a solid rushing game, mixed with short passes. Right when the defense is falling asleep, they can burn you long with star receiver Justin Blackmon. And Blackmon is just the start. The Cowboys have one of the better receiving corps in the nation so the Tigers secondary can’t afford to pull many double teams Blackmon’s way. They will have to force Oklahoma State to be one-dimensional; probably the best option being through the air so the secondary can maybe come up with a turnover or two to help the offense out. And the defense needs to pick the opportune times to blitz. Weeden is super efficient and gets the ball out of his hands quick. A heavy dose of blitzes will not be the recipe for success against the Cowboys offense. Catching Weeden off guard can be successful as we saw last week against Texas.
The college football season hasn’t seen a great deal of upsets yet. Missouri could certainly bring one here. Two weeks ago, Missouri fell short against Kansas State but then did a complete one-eighty against Iowa State. Pinkel has his troops fired up and back to playing sound football. If Mike Gundy makes the huge mistake of looking past Missouri, the Tigers could do what no one has yet this year. The chances of that happening aren’t high but it is college football. If Syracuse can trounce West Virginia (anyone see that game tonight?!), then Missouri can certainly beat Oklahoma State if they play fundamentally sound. Tune in at 11 am CT on FX to watch the game and enjoy.
Back to the Missouri Tigers Newsfeed