Tracking Mizzou Football in '08: Missouri vs. Illinois Preview

Ah, please come in, take a seat.  We are on the eve of the first college football Saturday.  Take a deep breath, and close your eyes (after you read this next sentence).  Imagine your team, blowing out your first opponent, total domination.  Now let's get back to reality. 

The Mizzou defense returns ten starters from the Cotton Bowl, and here is the Mizzou D vs. Illinois O.

 

When Illinois Runs

The Illini lost Rashard Mendenhall, yes.  But the offensive line should be good and they have Juice Williams who can really tear up defenses with his running ability.  The Mizzou defensive returns six of the front seven that held Arkansas Razorbacks' attack in check last year, and have the talent to slow down Juice and Co.

Predicted Rushing Yards:  129 yards.  The Illini have some success, but MU's front seven is just too good.

 

When Illinois Passes

Juice Williams has improved a lot as a passer in the offseason.  He has some really talented receivers and a good O line.  The Tiger's return all four of their defensive backfield, including do-it-all safety William Moore.  The defensive front should put some pressure on Juice, but he has more than capable receivers.

Predicted Passing Yards:  244 yards.  Juice shows his improvement right off the bat, but tries to do a little too much and throws a couple interceptions, but otherwise, a very productive day.

 

Ok, here is my quarter by quarter prediction for the big game tomorrow.

 

First Quarter

Mizzou's offense doesn't look very good the first two possessions, and Daniel is sacked once.  Illinois and Juice look pretty good, scoring a touchdown and a field goal.  Daniel throws an interception to Vontae Davis.  At the end of the first, Tiger fans are sweating, it's 10 to 3, Illini.

 

Second Quarter

Juice William's tries to squeeze a pass in, but William Moore picks it off and takes it to the house.  The offense finally starts clicking, and Tiger fans aren't sweating as bad, but the Illini do get a field goal.  17-13, Mizzou leads at half.

 

Third Quarter

The Tigers offense looks unstoppable scoring three touchdowns in the third quarter.  The Illini offense starts clicking too, as Juice has a big quarter both running and passing, as they pick up two touchdowns.  After three quarters, 38 to 27.

 

Fouth Quarter 

Illinois scores early in the final quarter and they convert on the two point conversion, bringing them within three.  Mizzou gets a field goal.  Illinois gets a field goal.  Jeremy Maclin catches a pass and takes it to the house in his hometown.  Williams throws a pick on a desperation drive, and the Tigers win, 48-38.  The defense played better than the score showed, as the punting game does not help their cause.

 

There you have it, my MU-UI prediction, comment below please.