Another big test awaits the 4-1 Mizzou Tigers as they will head to Stillwater, Oklahoma for their game tomorrow night against the 4-1 Oklahoma State Cowboys. Stillwater has been anything but hostile to the Tigers who have won their last four games there. Mizzou’s last loss at Oklahoma State was in 1992.
The Tigers are coming off a disappointing 27-12 loss at the hands of the Nebraska Cornhuskers last Thursday night. The Cowboys had a close call last week, but were able to hang on for a 36-31 win over the Aggies of Texas A&M.
This game will pose some challenges for the Tigers. If the rankings hold true, the Mizzou passing game should do well against the Oklahoma State pass defense. The Tigers are currently ranked 18th in the nation in passing yards per game, while the Cowboys pass defense is ranked 89th in the country. But the Tigers did manage only 174 yards through the air in the loss to Nebraska. Tigers quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who did suffer an ankle injury in that game, says he is more than ready for this game.
The Mizzou defense will also be put to the test as it tries to stop a very potent Oklahoma State rushing attack. The Cowboys are 24th in the nation in rushing, averaging close to 200 yards per game. The Tiger defense currently ranks 52nd against the rush, giving up about 128 yards per game.
It the Tigers are to win this game, they will have to cut down on penalties. Usually, the Tigers are one of the best teams in the Big 12 in not making those mistakes. However, that was not the case last Thursday against Nebraska as they had eight penalties for 100 yards. Penalties have also been a problem for the Cowboys as they are averaging about 10 penalties per game.
The game will kick off at 8:15 Saturday night on ESPN2.
