The Colorado Buffaloes have already matched their win total for 2009 through their first four non-conference games of the 2010 season. I say that to warn you not to get too hyped thinking this is an easy, sure to be blowout that we’ve gotten used to with Colorado in the last four years where Mizzou has won by a combined 149-27.
The CU offense is a little more stabilized. Head Coach Dan Hawkins has settled in on starter Tyler Hanson at quarterback and they bring in a defense that is stronger at the run and they like to blitz, which caused troubles for Blaine Gabbert when San Diego State put pressure on him. T.J. Moe, Mizzou’s top receiver, said CU may have the two top cornerbacks that the Tigers will see all season.
A breakdown of the numbers shows Colorado’s offense at 81st in the country for total offense and 85th in scoring with just under 23 points a game. The Buffs’ defense is ranked 48th and that is the area that is most improved. Tigers’ head coach Gary Pinkel says Missouri’s success is still based on the basic principle of playing catch. He feels there will be times that the receivers will get open and when they do, Gabbert must make accurate throws and they have to be able to catch the ball. Pinkel said he can’t have “Missouri beating Missouri.”
Gary Pinkel’s weekly press conference
Mizzou notes:
Defensive end Aldon Smith will not play as he continues to work his way back from a fractured fibula in his right leg. Pinkel said Smith is working hard, but just not quite ready.
Two players will be out due to indefinite suspensions. Safety Jasper Simmons will be out for violating team rules and Jimmy Burge has been indefinitely suspended, after the 21 year old was pulled over by Columbia police late Saturday night after making an illegal turn. Open beer was allegedly found in the truck Burge was driving.
Burge was under the limit for BAC, but was ticketed for two misdemeanors.
