Missouri Stands Strong in Defeat

The Tigers fell to 2-2 this week, but shouldn't lose any of their pride.  If anything they should be chomping at the bit to face the Sooners next year. 

The Tigers came out and shocked the nation by taking the lead 7-0, the first lead to be held by an opponent in Norman since 2007 (when the Tigers visited, then under Chase Daniel).  Missouri played extremely well, and with passion.  Perhaps our guest writer Tyson Hunt was right about one thing - these Tigers don't know anything about how you "have to lose in Norman."  The Tigers quickly scored again and held a 14 to 3 lead late in the first quarter.  That lead was enough to wake up the startled Sooners. 

Jones led his team to four straight unanswered touchdowns to take a 31 to 14 lead.  Despite Jones' two interceptions, he finished the day with 448 passing yards and 3 TD's.  Mizzou played much better than most in the nation expected, it's just extremely difficult to stop a team like Oklahoma.  Very few offenses of a similar style can hang with the Sooners, and it would take a defense like that of LSU or Alabama to shut it down.  (SEC beatdown in the National Title, anyone?)

But the Tigers weren't ready to quit after trailing by three scores.  Running back Josey took an option pitch 48 yards into the end zone, showcasing his exceptional speed and acceleration.  Josey, an instrumental part of Mizzou's near-comeback in the desert two weeks ago, finished the day with 133 yards.  It will be exciting for Tiger fans to watch this explosive player develop.  Franklin looked remarkably poised and led his team well considering the hostility of the environment, especially on Mizzou's first scoring drive.  However he finished the day with just 16 completions in 33 attempts, but for a respectable 291 yards.  He did put up an impressive 103 rushing yards and 2 TD's on the ground, but it was not enough to earn a W.  After Josey's TD burst, the Sooners marched down the field and scored again.  The Tigers showed heart, coming up with another TD late in the fourth, but it was too little too late.  The Sooners prevailed 38-28.    

An interesting factor to consider in this game, one that will undoubtedly leave a sour taste in the mouths of Tiger fans, is two missed field goals by Grant Ressel.  Ressel missed a 40+ yarder two weeks ago that would have edged Missouri past the Sun Devils, and missed two 40+ yarders against Oklahoma.  This is very uncharacteristic of Ressel, a very talented kicker who obviously needs to regain his confidence.  Two field goals would have cut this 10 point game to 4, and could have led to very inspired play by the Tiger D following Josey's score.  A 4 point game also would have put Missouri into position for an on-side kick following the late score.  It's unlikely, but not impossible.  Those extra 6 points could have made this a different game.

But the loss can't be blamed on the kicker.  While Missouri did play exceptionally well, there are a few factors that need to be addressed if they hope for success in the future, factors that directly contributed to their loss in Norman:

1. Add Wrinkles - The offensive minds of Missouri needed to get a little more creative to score on this Sooners defense.  The commentators on FX said it perfectly after one easily snuffed out run by Franklin: "They went to the well one too many times with that play."  Unfortunately Mizzou kept going back to the well, and were turned away again and again.  Franklin may have put up 103 yards on the ground, but he was stopped just as many times, as the Sooners could easily see it coming.  The zone read and QB sneak were entirely too popular.  As Franklin develops as a passer, hopefully Pinkel can throw in more offensive wrinkles to keep defenses on their heels. 

2. Franklin (Understandably) Needs More Experience - Franklin was very impressive as far as his poise and leadership.  But a basic element of his play needs improvement for additional Tiger success: making plays when rolling out of the pocket.  Maybe it was the exceptional ability of OU defensive backs to cover receivers, but every time Franklin rolled out of the pocket or was flushed out by the pass rush, he looked lost, and ended up throwing the ball away.  Tiger fans, don't jump my case, this is an improvement.  Franklin had zero turnovers, and is being smart with the football.  In game one he would have looked to run when forced out of the pocket, and he has already learned to keep his eyes downfield instead.  He has already learned to throw the ball away instead of forcing passes.  But in order to beat a team like the Sooners, he needs to be able to make plays happen on the move. 

3. Involve Egnew - For some reason, pre-season all-American tight end Michael Egnew didn't have a touch until the fourth quarter last Saturday.  During the reign of Chase Daniel, Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman, exceptional 6' 6" tight ends, were frequently used weapons that contributed to many wins.  If the Tigers expect to win against talented teams like Oklahoma, they need to employ their own talent much more effectively.

The Tigers are a lot tougher than their 2-2 record would suggest, but still have a ways to go before they can win once every, say, 10 years against OU instead of every 20.    

Missourian Optimism

The following article was written by guest writer Tyson Hunt.  Hunt is a long-time Mizzou fan, and his take on the upcoming game with Oklahoma comes from an extremely optimistic point of view.  This guy is about the most optimistic MU fan you will ever meet.  I'm sure he has money on Mizzou winning this weekend.  The views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of the author of the blog... hell, I think the 21 point spread is just about right.  But, it does make you think... Here it is:

The unranked “conference wreckers,” our beloved Mizzou Tigers, get ready to take on the egotistical, “we can enter any conference we wish (hahahaha)” Goliath’s, #1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners in Norman this Saturday.

Now, for the outside observer who only pays attention to what ESPN tells him/her, Mizzou shouldn’t even show up to try to compete against the Sooners this Saturday.  I mean after all, Bobby Stoops has a career record of 72-2 at home, and is 38-6 vs. the Big 12 North.  One of those 6 losses happened to come at the hands of our Missouri Tigers when Oklahoma was ranked #1 in the country and strolled into the Zou on homecoming last year, having already won the game according to the “experts.”  I won’t recap that amazing moment, because quite frankly it really doesn’t matter.  

We are starting a new quarterback who will be playing in the biggest game of his career, but who also knows nothing about “always” losing to Oklahoma.  Remember, we didn’t play the Sooners in 2009, and a lot of our players only have a memory of beating the Sooners, and so therefore should have a mental edge going into this game.  Should.

Winning in Norman is not easy, hell it’s damn near impossible.  I mean 72-2 at home!!!  That’s impressive.  Mizzou cannot afford to lose many, if any, of the in-game battles for the duration of the game.  Mizzou has to have dominating offensive, defensive, and special teams performances.  Slack in one of those areas, and OU will win their 73^rd game at home under the Stooper.   

The Tigers go into this game as somewhere around 21 point underdogs, and if I was a betting man I wouldn’t touch that bet.  But, this Tiger team has shown flashes of brilliance, and they continue to get better.  In order to win this Saturday, besides playing almost perfect, several things MUST happen:

1. Establish the running game early, and don't abandon it even if it doesn't seem to be working.  We MUST keep the Oklahoma defense on their heels and guessing all night long.

2. PRESSURE LANDRY JONES!!!  Against FSU last weekend, when the ‘Noles brought pressure, Landry crapped up his back.  He looked very uncertain under pressure and threw a couple terrible picks.  Mizzou MUST bring the heat and bring it often.  I want to see Andrew Wilson in the backfield quite a bit Saturday night.  I want to see our d-line wrecking shop on the front 4 of the Sooners.  I want to see Tigers chew up land grabbers.  I want to see PRESSURE DEFENSE!!!!! 

3. We have to win the turnover battle.  No if’s, and’s, or but’s.  We can’t tie in this category either.  We must force more turnovers than they do.  Period.

 

4. Mizzou's SEC speed!

5. Special Teams.  Again, Mizzou cannot afford to lose many battles to OU and expect to win in Norman.  We have to win the field position battle and our All-American kicker has to hit 47-yarders before halftime and at the end of regulation.  I think Grant Ressel will hit them Saturday.  Trey Barrow just has to keep doin’ what he’s been doin’.  And that is punting the ever-loving hell out of the football.  With OU’s starting WR and punt returner out (Trey Franks), a special teams fumble by OU would be nice.  Don’t be surprised to see a fake punt involving Barrow, either.  If you remember, Stoops beat Pinkel and Brad Smith at Faurot in 2002 on a fake field goal.  Mizzou led OU 24-23 with six and a half minutes to play and on 4^th down Stoops called for the fake and it went for six.  OU went for two and got that to take a seven point lead.  Remember here if you'd like:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQoLJXCYIEw  That took the wind out of Mizzou's sails and they couldn't muster another score.  Don't think Coach Pinkel wouldn't love an opportunity for payback.

Some might be surprised to learn that there are a multitude of reasons why Mizzou will win that have nothing to do with the actual game. 

Exhibit A:  Their fans.  These people don’t deserve to win.  And we all know how much “deserving” has to do with the outcome of a sporting event.

How do you put this on, leave the house, and go any-damn-where?  Just sad. 

Seriously? He can’t feel the breeze up his ass?  Really?

So, to recap…in order for Mizzou to walk out of Norman with a victory, they have to play perfect, especially in the areas we listed above.

Mizzou 31

OU 27

And even if we don’t win, at least we can be happy knowing we are heading to the SEC, and OU will be left milking the bulls of Texas.

M – I – Z !

The Highs and Lows of a Seminole Fan

The following article was written by guest writer Bill Bishop.  If you'd like to contact Bill with questions or comments about the article, email myself or Joshua J.

Florida State Seminole football.  The Streak.  Wide Right 1 and 2.  If you have ever wandered down Tennessee Street in Tallahassee, Florida, you understand.  Florida State football is often a matter of incredible highs and gut-wrenching lows.  Neither fades with time, you just have to decide where you want to focus your thoughts.  FSU football once spent fifteen years ranked in the top-five.  The 1990’s saw two National Championships and made Charlie Ward a household name throughout the Southeast.  FSU recruited a run of NFL players unseen outside of the Big Ten.  Glory days, indeed.

Since the turn of the century, life around Doak Campbell Stadium has been less than what many North Floridians hoped.  The embarrassing loss to Oklahoma - when the high-powered offense could only manage two measly points; Chris Rix and Xavier Lee; Classroom scandals, and a loss to woeful Kentucky in the Music City Bowl; The unceremonious dismissal of Bobby Bowden…  The mighty had fallen.  

2010 saw the ushering (rushing?) in of the Jimbo Fisher era.  Ten wins; Return to the ACC championship game; an always-welcome victory over Steve Spurrier in a bowl game; a heralded recruiting class; a first round draft pick QB.   Could life be turning around?

Last Saturday the sun was shining in Doak Campbell stadium again.  Expectations were as lofty as the pre-season #6 ranking.   The Seminoles boast a team with returning starters on both lines and at many skill positions.  On offense, EJ Manuel is the new Charlie - Big, strong, talented, intelligent.  He’ll be complimented by 7 returning starters on offense, including both OT’s, a guard, running back, wide receivers, and a tight-end.  The biggest question on the O-line is JUCO transfer Jacob Fahrenkrug at center, since he didn’t actually play the position in junior college.  If he adjusts, life up front will be good.  The offense did notch an unexpected loss when wide receiver Taiwan Easterling decided to pursue a baseball career full-time rather than return to the football field.  Speed is difficult to replace.  Against Louisiana-Monroe last Saturday, the ‘Noles put up 34 points.  On the surface, that’s not like the crazy hey days of the 90’s when half-a-hundred was the norm.  However, Manuel completed 65% of his passes (22-34) for 252 yards and hit ten different receivers.  Casey Weldon and Thad Busby had to be pleased.

Defensively, the boys in garnet return 8 starters from last season.  Defensive end Brandon Jenkins is a consensus pre-season All-American.  Linebacker Nigel Bradham is on the Butkus Award pre-season watch list.  Anthony McCloud (NG) and Everett Dawkins (DT) are also returning starters on the line.  Both safeties and corners are returning starters.   Experience led to the shutout last Saturday:  Zero points.  10 tackles for loss.  5 sacks.   If the 'Noles D can keep this up, Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops will rest a bit more comfortably in Mickey Andrews’ old office.  Marvin Jones and Peter Boulware had to be pleased.

If you follow college football, you know that in two weeks FSU will host the Oklahoma Sooners.  Two weeks is a long time.  By then, the Sooner Schooner could be headed for the PAC 12.. 14..?  16..?  Although I haven’t been skiving through the old haunts on Tennessee Street for a few years, I know most of the talk in the taverns will be about that game.  Charleston Southern is actually the next tune-up, but, really it’s just an excuse to tailgate.

Two weeks.  Can Jimbo and this group of talented ‘Noles put the team back on that national championship stage?  The media will still talk about last year’s blowout in Norman.  Seminole fans still want to wipe 2000's two point game off the books and reboot the Dynasty.  We like to focus on the incredible highs.