This looks like a shootout waiting to happen with both offenses averaging over 500 yards per game. I think we get a great line and some value here with the way the media is hitting the SEC's recent out of conference play. Missouri is also considered one of the worst and now Indiana's offense is lighting up the score board getting a ton of hype so it should be an easy win for Indiana right?
I don't think so. Missouri had the worst luck last year not only did they face the second toughest schedule having to face the top 4 teams in the SEC a year ago, but they had injury issues starting in the spring with their QB Johnathan Franklin who is now back looking like the 2011 version. They also lost their star RB in Henry Josey and the offensive line was decimated by injuries with all 5 of the starting group missing at least some time last year. All in all this team went 5-7 considering and now they have been playing with a chip on their shoulder because everyone in the media has destroyed this team for not being able to hang with the SEC.
Take a step back and realize that Indiana has had an easy schedule and yes they played a good Bowling Green team and dominated them, but Bowling Green had a new QB in there and Navy and Indiana State were both able to move the ball on this defense scoring 41 and 35 points. Missouri is more balanced and has better athletes with an experienced dual threat QB. Indiana's defense is in major trouble here on Saturday night considering it gave up 444 yards rushing to Navy this is not a good defense by any means and Franklin should expose them with his arm and legs. I look for Missouri's WR Dorial Green -Beckham to have a great game at 6-6 and 225 lbs he's a handful and is drawing comparisons to Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson.
Don't get me wrong I was impressed with Indiana's offense, but Bowling Green did stop them twice on 4th down on the goal line and Missouri should be able to get off on 3rd down as their strength is the defensive line. Now once again they are flying under the radar because they have just 2 sacks, but this unit is quick and the first teams they faced ran spread attacks and got rid of the ball quick. Missouri had their first two match ups against similar offenses and they have had an extra week to prepare for it. I'd be shocked if we didn't see an improvement and some struggles by Indiana. After all Missouri has 6 interceptions in 2 games a clear indication their defensive line is better than the 2 sacks they have and Indiana is already -2 on the year and is one dimensional. Missouri also has the best player in the secondary for both teams with EJ Gaines who is said to have NFL pedigree. At the end of the day I think Indiana still has a long way to go and I'll take advantage of an early mistake.
