Missouri has had troubles with Oklahoma in the past but this is revenge for their loss in the 2008 Big 12 Championship. This is the closest match up between these two teams in many years in my opinion. 77% of the public is jumping on Oklahoma and their #1 ranking but hte line has dropped from +3.5 to +3.
Oklahoma has not faced a passing game that is this good. The closest thing is a Cinci team that they also played on the road and barely beat 31-29. Cinci did not have their act together then either and now they are ranked 43rd. Missouri is ranked 19th and they are not turning the ball over like in years past. Oklahoma has 81st pass defense and they got that mark by facing an 81st average passing attack. Air Force doesn't really even attempt to pass yet they still are ranked 82st. Missouri also has a better defense than what Cincinnati has shown which makes this game even more desirable as Missouri is very strong up front and ranked 29th overall in total defense.
Missouri was a huge question mark, but now they are starting to become the real deal as they beat a very similar team last week on the road in Texas A&M in which they forced turnovers and dominated the game in a 30-9 win. A&M ranked 18th in total offense 10 in pass 63 in run.. Sound familiar? Oklahoma is 17/12/56.. So similar and Missouri held that team to 9 points on the road. Now dont' get me wrong Oklahoma is much more of a challenge, but their defense is not typical Oklahoma defense and Missouri should be able to keep QB Blaine Gabbert clean. He's been flawless this season and he's looking like a mature confident passer. Defense gets a premier pass rusher back in Aldon Smith look for him to play 10-15 plays and give Landry Jones some pressure. The defensive line overall has played well and they are stopping the run too which is what they'll have to do against DeMarco Murray. They've only allowed three rushing scores all year long.
AT the end of the day Oklahoma is not the same Oklahoma team of years past. They haven't had a difficult schedule to really make me say wow they should be favorites and Missouri could be in great shape if they win this game with Nebraska on deck.
