Bleacher Report - Articles by Peter Fleischer

Missouri Basketball: Top Prospect May Commit this Weekend

Peter Fleischer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:37:07 -0500

While the football team–still in season, I might add–is in Manhattan, Kansas, this weekend, it's the men's basketball team that is getting all the big headlines at Mizzou.

The Tigers' opponent Friday night at Mizzou arena? Northwest Missouri State.

But that's not what all the buzz is about.

Rumor has it from multiple sources that No. 15 overall 2010 prospect Tony Mitchell will be in attendance to take in Missouri's second exhibition game of the season, and if it's anything like the first, Mitchell should like what he sees.

As one of the most athletic forwards in the Class of 2010, Mitchell would seemingly fit perfectly in a system that ran up almost 100 points on Truman State last week and held the Bulldogs to ONE field goal in the second half.

The up-and-down, free flowing system would fit Mitchell's skill set like a glove.

Maybe there's more to it, but the logic is pretty simple to me. Missouri and Mike Anderson sent a much less gifted and athletic DeMarre Carroll to the NBA in the first round last season. And he only got to spend two seasons in Anderson's "40 Minutes of Hell" system. Put the even more amazing Mitchell in that same system, and I think the wonders will shock you.

Frankly, I'd be surprised if Mitchell didn't commit this weekend to Mizzou. His stated top three are Georgetown, North Texas, and Missouri. In the last three weeks, he has visited the other two favorites and NOT committed. You do the math. This could be the biggest weekend for Missouri basketball recruiting in years.

Side Note: There's ANOTHER rumor, though much less solid, that 2011 Top Five prospect Bradley Beal will also be in Columbia to take in the weekend's festivities. If that's true, and the Tigers get two Top 20 recruits (albeit in different classes) on campus in the same weekend, that's elite status.

Good players like to play with other good players, so Mitchell committing could have a monstrous sway on Beal. Beal's the type of player that is so good that he can commit whenever he so chooses. But having a good experience in one of his earlier visits to CoMo would definitely help the Tigers' chances.

He's No Jeremy Maclin, But Missouri's Danario Alexander is an All-American WR

Peter Fleischer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:13:38 -0500

Missouri's Jeremy Maclin was a national icon for two years in college football. His lightning speed and breathtaking cuts in traffic were legendary, thrusting him into the conversation as one of the best playmakers in the land, and eventually the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.

He's got Danario Alexander to thank for all of that.

In the fall of 2007, after Maclin was recovering from a knee injury, Alexander was the most impressive wide receiver in that fall camp, beating out Maclin for the starting receiving job opposite Will Franklin, another future NFL player. But Alexander broke his wrist in the season opener against Illinois, and wasn't the same until this season, after tears to his ACL finally healed.

But boy, has he ever looked great at 100 percent.

Alexander is quietly having a better season than Maclin ever had one year after Maclin went to the Eagles at pick No. 19. He definitely deserves All-America consideration, and NFL scouts should be watching.

Alexander ranks fifth in the nation in receiving yards with 1,038 (222 behind Maclin's single-season record), sixth in yards per game, and is tied for ninth in receiving touchdowns.

In addition, he's doing it without much help. The next best two receivers on Missouri have just 1,000 receiving combined.

At 6-foot-5, Alexander is deceptively fast. His long strides make him look like a gazelle on the field, galloping past defenders and breaking arm tackles with relative ease. One of his most impressive plays came last Saturday when he reached high for a ball up the middle, landed and absorbed a big hit, and bounced off the defender to take the ball over 80 yards to the house for a score.

He's got the speed, the courage to make catches in traffic, and the athletic ability to outjump and muscle most cornerbacks when the ball is up for grabs. Missouri fans will be sad (and probably frightened) to see Super Danario leave for the greener pastures of the NFL (and graduation) this fall, but they won't have to fret long. He'll almost certainly be a quality wide receiver in the NFL for years to come, probably in the mold of the athletic Justin Gage.

In a season where the Tigers have made fans miss the results of the last couple of years, Alexander has helped them forget their most explosive superstar ever.

Tiny Brandon Banks Poses a Huge Problem For Mizzou

Peter Fleischer — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:02:56 -0500

In light of Baylor scrub Nick Florence looking like freaking Dan Marino in Columbia on Saturday (obviously I'm still a little bitter), I can only cringe when I think about lightning fast Brandon Banks going up against the sieve that is Mizzou's secondary on Saturday in Manhattan.

Equipped with a coach that isn't an idiot (with all due respect, Ron Prince), some momentum, and an offense centered around getting him the rock, Banks is poised to cash in on a Tiger team that might give up a big receiving day to my high school.

Banks has got 43 receptions for 529 yards on the season (good for over 12 yards a touch), and also wreaks havoc on special teams, where the Tigers have been especially bad in recent weeks. Baylor consistently fielded kicks near the back of the end zone and took the ball out past the 30 and 40.

The real question is how is Missouri going to attempt to guard Banks? Carl Gettis, if he's out of the hospital for all the burns he suffered on Saturday, is obviously not the No. 1 cornerback capable of sticking Banks.

And in all fairness to Gettis, not many people are. But then again, the secondaries got beat over the top, the linebackers tackled poorly. This is a unit problem, and Banks will probably expose every bit of the defense.

This is certainly a crossroads for Mizzou. They can win two or three of their next games against zero teams that are ranked, get into a bowl, and retain some respectability.

Or they can let Bill Snyder and his rejuvenated team crush them in Manhattan, they can (maybe) win another conference game, finish around the bottom of an absolutely PATHETIC Big 12 North division, and focus on next year, when the youngest two deep in the nation has more experience.

This game, and how successful the Wildcats are at using Banks, will say a lot about Gary Pinkel. Banks is BY FAR the biggest weapon on their team. They really have no good quarterback. If Banks is able to run wild, you gotta wonder what Pinkel is doing other than game planning to stop the Cats only true lethal weapon.

After the embarrassment I saw last Saturday, I say Banks unleashes for a sick line of something like 150 yards and a couple scores. Why not? The positive side of me hopes Mizzou can rebound and show encouraging signs of life, but logic says otherwise.

Missouri Secondary Has Most Embarrassing Effort This Fan Has Witnessed

Peter Fleischer — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:21:30 -0500

All summer long the Mizzou secondary talked about how their simplified game plan and increased accountability under new defensive coordinator Dave Steckel would improve their horrid pass defense from a year ago.

For a group that talked so much about improvement, and "shocking the world" and showing the country what they could do, the results have been awful.

Hell, if they had admitted they were going to be bad, they'd still be terrible.

Carl Gettis is the perfect microcosm. He talks more trash than anybody on the team, and routinely gets toasted.

I was one of the many who thought Mizzou really had a chance to smoke Baylor this weekend. What an idiot I look like. The stats indicated Missouri should win. But they were disgraced on their home turf.

And there's one reason.

The secondary.

Let's look at the facts here boys.

Blaine Gabbert throws for almost 500 yards and has zero turnovers. Sure, Missouri's one-sided offense is a little too predictable (that's an argument for another day), but when a team rolls up 478 total yards and scores 32, they should win.

The defensive front allowed 39 yards rushing for 1.7 yards per carry. That's Steel Curtain good.

Now comes the good stuff.

The secondary gets roasted for a Baylor school record 433 yards through the air by a freshman who is starting his fourth game. Baylor had scored no more than 10 points all season long, yet drops 40 in CoMo.

What a disgraceful game and effort. I'm not going to get started on why Derrick Washington didn't get enough carries or why we literally saw NONE of the two-back set that Mizzou has been successful with in the last two weeks despite being ahead and in perfect position to run the ball.

The entire Missouri secondary should be embarrassed.

I know I am.

Monster Recruits Could Lead to True Return of Mizzou Basketball

Peter Fleischer — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:28:45 -0500

I couldn't find a picture of Missouri men's basketball coach Mike Anderson smiling or looking happy.

Couldn't do it.

But if he signs a couple of enormously talented recruits that he's rumored to be close to, that could change. The man might turn into a Stride commercial. If CMA signs Tony Mitchell and Bradley Beal (2011) , this guy's pearly whites may NEVER go away.

Mizzou has signed one five-star recruit since sites like Rivals started paying attention to this sort of thing nearly ten years ago. That was Linas Kleiza, who left after only two years of ball to be a first round draft pick and double-digit scorer in the NBA before landing a lucrative contract in Europe.

They also landed in the Elite Eight last year with a team full of hard-working, smart players who bought into Anderson's hard working system known as "40 Minutes of Hell".

To imagine how that system would work if Anderson had top-flight talenta and athleticism is truly mindboggling.

Mitchell's top two are Georgetown and Missouri, and he has been quoted as saying that he wants to visit Columbia before the early signing period ends. If that happens, I'd bet on him being a Tiger. A former Kansas State commit, his mom is taking the driver's seat in his recruiting, and she supposedly loves CMA, well-known as a people person. I'd be sort of surprised if he isn't a Tiger by Thanksgiving.

Mitchell is absolutely perfect for 40 Minutes. He's a 6'7'' wing from Dallas that has good ball skills and unbelievable athleticism, but might be a little raw around the edges. Perfect. Getting him out onto the open floor at Mizzou Arena sounds like a dream come true while Anderson and staff hone his skills and technique.

DeMarre Carroll is the perfect example of a guy that bought into CMA's system and made it to the NBA as a first rounder based on technique and hardwork alone. Combine that with Mitchell's skills and you have a star.

Beal will be a much tougher sign, but the Tigers have made up a lot of ground. A few months ago the shooting guard out of Chaminade Prep in St. Louis was supposedly only thinking about UNC, Duke, and Kansas.

Now? He cancelled his latest trip to KU to watch his little brother's football game, and his home state school is looking a whole lot more appealing. He's currently the seventh overall recruit in the country for 2011.

As a Tiger basketball fan, I literally can barely contain my glee at the thought of these players in the 40 Minutes system. Sign these players and combine them with the young talent in Columbia and you're looking at a lineup of three top 60 national recruits (Phil Pressey rounds out the three) and a major scorer in English.

Back in the day, Missouri was pulling big time recruits left and right. Travon Bryant, Kalen Grimes, Marshall Brown, and Jason Horton are all high-quality recruits that didn't pan out. But if Anderson, who has been successful with less than marquee talent, can start to reel in some big fish, look for Tiger hoops to be able to play with the best of them for a long time coming.

Baylor Blowout Looming? Missouri Tiger Fans Confident Against the Bears

Peter Fleischer — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:20:28 -0500

If there was EVER a Big 12 game Missouri was gonna win by blasting an opponent, it's tomorrows game against the lowly Baylor Bears.

I'd like to somewhat preface this article by saying I loved the Bears headed into the season. With Jay Finley and Kendall Wright flanking Robert Griffin as young stars spiking some hope into the depressing Baylor athletic department, I was actually rooting for Baylor to make a move in the loaded South division.

But that certainly hasn't happened. After Griffin went down in the season's third week, this team has pretty much been void of hope or even a competitive spirit. They haven't scored more than 10 points in any Big 12 game, and the defense isn't much better. They rank no better than 90th in any major defensive category.

Tiger fans are excited about this weekend. It's supposed to be a beautiful day in Columbia, which means not only will fans watch the game comfortably, but more importantly is that healing quarterback Blaine Gabbert and his teammates on offense will have plenty of flexibility to throw the ball without worrying about the elements.

Run or throw? The Tiger should have their choice, running the ball well in their last couple games, along with Gabbert getting outside the pocket as his ankle improves. And if he can avoid stupid interceptions like he threw last week against Colorado, Gabbert will have the chance to really get the offense going.

Mizzou has to win out the rest of their games to retain the Big 12 North crown, and this could be a fun way to get that going. Baylor is down; look for Mizzou to kick them.

Reality Faces Mizzou: Winning Out Is Only Option to Defend Crown

Peter Fleischer — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:48:58 -0500

Young defensive end monster Aldon Smith loves to do John Cena's "You Can't See Me" celebration after he gets a sack (he had three Saturday in Boulder). And that's all well and good. The Tigers got back in the win column with a 36-17 victory.

However, the fact of the matter is that Missouri can barely see the top of the Big 12 North division. In one of college football's worst divisions, they can barely see their shot at repeating staying alive.

The North currently sits like this ahead of Missouri:

1. Kansas State sits in first at 3-2, but they finish playing Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. I woudn't be surprised if they dropped all three, but then again they looked pretty good against Oklahoma before losing in Norman.

2. Nebraska is tied for second at 2-2, but you can pretty much pencil them in for a loss to Oklahoma this weekend, their game in Lawrence is looking pretty difficult, and for a team that lost to Iowa State and the Cyclones backup quarterback, KSU and CU are no longer gimmes either.

3. Iowa State is 2-2 also, but should probably be 1-3. How they beat Nebraska in Lincoln still floors me, but I don't expect them to beat Missouri or Oklahoma State.

And that's it. Surprisingly, there is no Kansas in front of Mizzou. Colorado is, as usual, a doormat. The North is (again surprisingly) winnable. Bear with me; if Missouri wins out, they have a very good shot at winning the North.

Say the Tigers beat Baylor in Columbia (this is close to a given), beat Kansas State in Manhattan (not too crazy again, but not a given with how Bill Snyder has had the 'Cats playing in the Big 12), defeat ISU at home (again, they should expect to win), and beat Kansas on neutral ground to finish the year. Missouri ends up at 9-3, and walks into the Big 12 title game for the third straight year IF:

1. Kansas State loses Kansas or Nebraska. Is that too out there? To a team that lost to University of Lousiana-Layfeyette 17-15? No. Bill Snyder is doing a good job, but the team is undermanned from the Ron Prince years.

2. Nebraska loses to Oklahoma (looking likely), and drops one of three games to Kansas (road), KSU, or Colorado (road). Going into the season (both regular and conference) I thought the Huskers were the best team in the North. But after that Iowa State loss, I wouldn't bet on them ever again. Cody Green appears talented but is too young, and Roy Helu has faded big time after a huge start to his season.

That's it. If Missouri wins out, that's all that has to happen. They have four games against their four weakest conference opponents, two at home, one on neutral ground. Their quarterback is getting healthier, their two-deep (the youngest in the nation) is getting more experienced and better, and their angry after an embarrassing start to the conference season.

I would hardly put my money on it, but stranger things have happened. Aldon Smith loves to say "You Can't See Me", and at the end of the season, there's still a chance that all opponents will be able to see is the Tigers stealing their third straight Big 12 North title.

Aldon Smith Shines Bright During Mizzou's Dark Days

Peter Fleischer — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:25:50 -0400

Nothing much has gone well for the Missouri Tigers football team lately.

The Tigers haven't won since September, their stud young quarterback suddenly looks average and injured, Danario Alexander is the only spark on offense that warrants any applause, and the defense has been giving up more points left and right.

But one youngster has come to play week in and week out, even when the rest of his team seemingly didn't show up against Texas last Saturday.

Redshirt freshman Aldon Smith was an absolute monster against the No. 3 team in the nation in Columbia. He had 11 unassisted tackles, four for a loss, and two sacks. He leads the team with 6.5 sacks and doesn't show any signs of stopping.

For a team that got straight-up bullied all night against the top-flight Texas team, and one that simply must get to the quarterback to make up for a secondary that appears to be prone (AGAIN) to giving up the big passing play, Aldon Smith helps.

But what's even more important is looking towards the future, Smith will be wreaking havoc for years to come. Coupled with sophomore Jacquies Smith (no relation), the Smiths should have no problem teaming up and getting into opposing backfields for years to come.

Aldon is a big-time player, but unlike Brian Smith, the last big pass rusher at MU, he's got an NFL body. He stands at a chiseled 6'5", 250, and coaches say he has room to add more weight without sacrificing speed. Think current 49er Justin Smith (who has over 50 sacks for his NFL career).

With such depressing days upon the city of Columbia, Missouri, Aldon Smith represents a reminder of what can be and possibly more happy days ahead as the Big 12 schedule gets easier. It was just last year that Mizzou was loaded with NFL talent and sending people to the league like they were a big-time program. Aldon Smith is that type of player.

He's certainly not going anywhere, and if his attitude and talent can positively affect some of his teammates, better days loom.

Homecoming a Big (Literally) Weekend For Recruiting Visitors at Mizzou

Peter Fleischer — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:34:49 -0400

With most of its class already wrapped up, Gary Pinkel is addressing positions of need with his remaining scholarships. And he's definitely addressing "big" needs this weekend.

Defensive tackle is probably the biggest spot left to fill on the Tigers recruiting checklist. With Sheldon Richardson and Ty Phillips both failing to qualify in the 2009 edition, Pinkel needs to ink one and maybe even two big bodies to clog up the middle for his 2010 class.

This weekend's Homecoming visitors might help solve that problem.

Of the four visitors the Tigers are receiving, three are defensive tackles. One is defensive back Corey Mosley, who Mizzou only recently offered.

Of the big three, Lawrence Rumph is probably the least likely to sign with Mizzou. He's already verballed to Texas Tech and although everybody knows that means nothing these days, it's unlikely he jumps ship.

I'd put my money on Dominique Jones to sign if I had to pick a candidate. Mosley is his teammate (and supposedly has Missouri on top right now), and the Tigers look to be competing most closely with Kansas State. Not exactly stiff competition. He's got a decent build already and could shoot up the depth chart if he gains weight onto his 280 pound frame early.

D'Angelo McCray is probably a backup option at this point. A JuCo defensive tackle from Hutchinson, Kansas with great size, there's a reason his best offer is from UCF. However, schools such as Tennessee, Arizona and Illinois have all shown interest along with Missouri, so it's not the worst option the Tigers could have.

While none of these prospects are monster targets in the figurative sense, if Mizzou can find a defensive tackle they're happy with to at least provide depth next season, it'd be an important part of this year's recruiting class. If Mizzou gets a verbal (or two, if Mosley pulls the trigger) this weekend, consider it a success.

Mizzou Defense Improving, Still Not Contender-Worthy

Peter Fleischer — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:34:59 -0400

The phrase, "offense wins games, but defense wins championships" almost perfectly describes the Missouri Tigers the last few seasons.

Sure, they've racked up consecutive double-digit win seasons, a couple Big 12 North titles (gee, great), and won their bowl games. But what have they actually won ?

With a team that put up points with the best of them but gave up points like a team set on "Rookie" mode on Xbox, you'd think the Tigers were throwing complete scrubs out there.

Not so.

Missouri had three players off last year's defense get drafted into the NFL, a couple more get try-outs, and an all-conference linebacker in Sean Weatherspoon.

Clearly, something had to change.

This season, Mizzou has gone with a much more simplistic approach, blitzing less, rushing the passer much more effectively from their front four, and giving up the big play rarely. Give last year's offense this years defense, and Missouri probably never loses to Oklahoma State last year, plays Texas much closer, beats KU, and you're looking at a one-loss team that wins the Big 12 North.

If only. Excuse my day dreaming.

Anyway, the results have been better with a much younger and less developed team. The Tigers rank 34 in scoring defense and are also in the top half of the nation in passing defense, an area they really struggled with despite having a second-round safety in 2008.

However, this year's offense just isn't going to put up a similar production rate. Namely, its talent thirsty. Danario Alexander is a beast, but he's probably not even as good as Jeremy Maclin. Blaine Gabbert has the physical tools but isn't healthy or experienced. And Derrick Washington and the offensive line have yet to get the running game clicking.

Yet it's still not enough. The Tigers have got to get better games from their defense if they want any chance at competing in the Big 12. Is it fair? Not at all. But sports rarely are. For years the Missouri offense has put its "D" on their back and scored enough to make up for defensive flaws. Let's hope 'Spoon and the defensive can return the favor in 2009.

Missouri Students Hoping for Homecoming Magic in Columbia

Peter Fleischer — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:21:01 -0400

The Missouri Tigers certainly didn't invent the upset. In fact, lately, they haven't even really performed it at all.

But, the University of Missouri did invent the tradition of Homecoming, and it's with that history that they are hoping for a little payback for an event borrowed.

Heck, every school has Homecoming now. Can't we get a little payback?

A victory over No. 3 Texas this weekend would definitely serve as ample reward for our services.

The outlook on campus is grim. I don't care if Colt McCoy is playing with ONE ARM (much less a sore thumb), the Longhorns should be favored, and big. It's safe to say that Texas is probably a more talented team than the Dez Bryant-less, Kendall Hunter-less OSU Cowboys, and Missouri only kept that game close for a half.

Nobody expects Mizzou to win this game, but that's often how upsets happen. In fact, I'd say I'd be less surprised if Mizzou wins this game than if they won last week in Stillwater.

McCoy is banged up, Texas' offense is relatively one-dimensional, Mizzou hasn't lost on Homecoming in years, and Blaine Gabbert should be healthier than he was against Oklahoma State last week, when he was constantly overthrowing targets while pushing off of that sore back ankle.

The Tigers senior class is not used to losing. Sean Weatherspoon, Danario Alexander, and Company have won more than 30 games thus far in their careers. A three-game losing streak is unacceptable, even if it is against their three toughest opponents of the season.

The student body has come to the support of their struggling team, even if they have realistic expectations. While nobody is demanding a victory from the Tigers, this game has also been sold out for weeks, with tickets demanding triple-digits online for even the cheapest of spots.

Gold hoodies and shirts are flying off the shelf in the student bookstore like the university is giving away actual gold—Mizzou will absolutely have a big and spirited crowd behind them on Saturday night.

The view from campus in Columbia? They understand that David doesn't always defeat Goliath. David probably doesn't defeat Goliath actually. But David can beat Goliath every once in awhile.

Oklahoma State and Missouri in Same Big 12 Galaxy with Stars' Status in the Air

Peter Fleischer — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:56:47 -0400

It's not often that a potential all-conference player misses a big game. It's an even rarer occasion that two players miss a game.

But that was the case last week for the Oklahoma State Cowboys against Texas A&M, and it might be the case again against Mizzou on Saturday. While star running back Kendall Hunter (1,555 yds, 16 TDs rushing last year) might or might not come back after missing three games, Dez Bryant almost certainly won't play.

Bryant, as everybody knows, was suspended last week after lying to the NCAA regarding the contact he had with Deion Sanders. Although head coach Mike Gundy and OSU are backing Bryant in the appeals process 100 percent, it's almost impossible to expect Bryant to return for the showdown with Missouri, or at all.

Hunter's situation is different. He claimed a couple of days ago that he expects to be back against the Tigers. Gundy said differently. Given that the team had recently been rumored to have been pursuing a redshirt season for Hunter, I'd say he's probably out.

So how will this impact Saturday's game? Like it would against anybody. Two talented skill players miss a game and that school is at a disadvantage.

Normally, I'd predict Oklahoma State in blowout fashion, simply because few people, if any, can score with them when they're completely healthy. But Keith Toston, while talented, isn't Kendall Hunter. And you have to wonder how Zac Robinson will perform without his leading receiver. Josh Cooper, his second leading target, has barely 150 yards on the season.

Oklahoma State will be playing the first home game in their conference season, but will that be enough to push them over the top? And on the other hand, Blaine Gabbert might not be healthy, either. If that's the case, Mizzou might struggle for the second week in a row to light up the scoreboard.

This is a situation all Tiger fans should keep an eye on as it progresses through the week. If Robinson is playing without the rest of his Three Muskateers, Missouri has a much better chance to steal a game on the road and return to .500 in conference play.

Missouri Tigers Collapse in Columbia, Have A Lot to Change

Peter Fleischer — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:12:30 -0400

For three quarters last Thursday, the Missouri Tigers sloshed their way to a 12-0 lead against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, playing poorly but holding the Nebraska offense at bay.

But out of nowhere, Bo Pelini, Zac Lee, and the Huskers seized the game, and the Big 12 North division, by the throat. Scoring 27 unanswered points and silencing a drenched and depressed crowd in mid-Missouri.

So where does Missouri move on past this? With NU in the drivers seat moving forward, Mizzou will have to hope for a miracle to win the Big 12 North again. Nebraska should be favored in the rest of their games outside of their pending showdown against Oklahoma in early November.

But that doesn't meant the season is lost for Missouri. Their road game against Oklahoma State this Saturday is definitely winnable, and other than their Homecoming game against Texas, should also be favored, or at least a contender, in the remainder of their match ups.

Here are a few steps and developments the Tigers will have to make to have any hope at recapturing the Big 12 North and earning national relevance by the end of this college football season.

-Play four quarters: Other than their game against Illinois, Missouri really hasn't put forth a full effort. They looked good at times against Bowling Green and Nevada, and obviously against Nebraska for three quarters. If this young team can gel and mature to the point of playing a complete game, look out.

-Protect Gabbert: Okay, this one comes with a bit of an asterisk. There are respectable NFL linemen that couldn't cover Ndamukong Suh. I knew the guy was a beast, but he was an absolute, one-man, monster in Columbia. If I see another single guy that talented this year, I'll be surprised (especially since Dez Bryant was suspended).

That being said, he lived in Mizzou's backfield and tweaked quarterback Blaine Gabbert's ankle. Who knows what that game is like if Blaine is healthy. Probably the same, but we'll never know. Missouri needs to protect their young gunslinger for the offense to have success the rest of this season.

-Life at running back: Not sure if Derrick Washington is the problem, but he's not doing anything as the starting running back. Then again, neither are any of his backups, or Gabbert. Missouri needs to have a well-rounded offense, especially without the star power of years past.

-Avoid blown coverages: This pretty much applies for all the teams in college football. For the first four games and three quarters of Missouri's season, their secondary looked pretty good. However, two of the three late touchdowns that Zac Lee gave up were blown coverages where his target was relatively wide open.

The Tigers have to prove that they are capable of covering opposing players for the remainder of the year. Again, Mizzou isn't going to put up 50+ on people every week right now, so they'll have to have a solid defense.

-Start fast: The Tigers haven't scored a touchdown on their opening drive once this season, a far cry from where they were just last season, when scoring on every drive seemed to be the expectation.

With a young team, it would serve the Tigers well to get up early and often in order to build confidence and have a flexible game plan for the later part of the game.

Depending on if you're an optimist or realist, Mizzou can win anywhere from 7-11 games over the rest of the season. If they start knocking items off this list and begin perfecting their flaws as a young team with much potential, they'll inch closer towards a double-digit win total, the standard for a successful year at a big time program.

Battle For the North: Position- By-Position Breakdown of Nebraska V. Mizzou

Peter Fleischer — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:16:06 -0400

Going into Thursday night's showdown in Columbia, Missouri, the margin of superiority to this point between Nebraska and Missouri is almost too close to call. The teams are a combined 7-1 and all scheduling, territory, and intangible arguments aside, both teams have largely looked impressive.

So rather than give an argument for why one team or the other is going to win, why not break this down scientifically? After all, these teams are putting the same amount of players on the field with stars on both sides. Ultimately, the best cumulative effort will pull through in mid-Missouri.

I'll grade these teams by giving them an EVEN score, where neither teams earn a point, a SLIGHT EDGE, where the leading team gets a (+1), and a BIG EDGE, where the leading team gets a (+2).

Do we know how this game is going to go?

Husker fans thought they had a good chance to win last year in Lincoln, and Missouri was up by almost 40 midway through the third quarter. Anything can happen. At least, this way we're putting some logic behind this match up.

Quarterback:

Blaine Gabbert is playing as well as any quarterback in the nation. He's among the nation's top producers in touchdowns, passing efficiency, yards/attempt and completion percentage. He's also thrown zero interceptions. I don't except Gabbert to win the Heisman anytime soon, but he's been real good.

Zac Lee on the other hand has been serviceable, but not amazing. He's got a 7:3 touchdown to interception ratio, but hasn't thrown the deep ball very much. Apparently, (I haven't watched the guy play yet), he's got the arm to get it downfield, so I'd look for Bo Pelini to take some shots at a Missouri secondary that has struggled in years past.

This nod definitely goes to Gabbert. He'll be playing at home and he's got significantly better numbers than Lee. However, if Lee gets going, this game is over. Missouri cannot stop both Roy Helu and Lee, and I don't see them (or anybody) cold-stopping Helu.

SLIGHT EDGE: MISSOURI

Running back:

Peculiar comparison here.

Helu is on fire this year, staking his claim as possibly one of the premier backs in the land. On the other hand, Washington really hasn't gotten going at all after rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring almost 20 touchdowns last season.

Will Helu continue his magic? Will D-Wash continue to struggle?

Helu is the type of rusher that could gash the Tigers, who are pretty good at stopping up the middle with senior defensive tackle Jaron Baston and an impressive linebacking corps. But Helu gets to the outside and slashes on the edge of the line, where linebackers meet up with him after four or five yards of gain.

I see this being a problem for Mizzou.

On the other end, Washington isn't particularly fast for a running back, and Nebraska has Ndamukong Suh on the interior of their defensive line. Suh is possibly the best tackle in the country, so good luck to a struggling Missouri line in regards to opening up holes for D-Wash.

This could be a particularly big area of the game if Missouri tries to stop the run and ends up getting burnt through the air as well. Until I see Missouri have a good running game against a solid opponent, I'm not convinced the Tigers are a decent running team.

HUGE EDGE: NEBRASKA

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends:

Just like I'm not a firm believer in Derrick Washington right now, I am definitely not a huge believer in Nebraska's pass catchers. Whereas the Tigers have both proven and young talent, I'm not sure Nebraska has anybody worth worrying about in the passing game outside of Mike McNeil.

Simply put, Danario Alexander would be playing on Sundays if he was 100 percent the last few years, and it seems like now he finally is. The Tigers top three wide receivers have more yards combined than Zac Lee has thrown for total. Match the two units up, and there really is no comparison at this point. Plus, Husker safety Larry Asante has been banged up, and Rickey Thenarse is also expected to miss the game.

HUGE EDGE: MISSOURI

Offensive Line:

Not a whole ton to say about this unit, since you don't really break down individual players here.

Nebraska has blocked well and protected Lee fairly well. Missouri has struggled in the run game at times but has been pretty good in pass protection. One thing I don't buy at all: Nebraska "dominated the vaunted V-Tech defensive front." Child please. Tech ranks 78th in run defense.

EDGE: EVEN

Defensive Line:

Yes, the Huskers have Suh, but the Tigers also have Aldon, Jacquies Smith and Brian Coulter, three beast rushers from the outside. Baston is solid on the inside too. I think a huge part of this match-up is how do the quarterbacks facing the pressure handle themselves?

Zac Lee was clearly rattled in Blacksburg and had a tough time dealing with defenders constantly in his face (most guys do). On the other hand, Gabbert has dealt with a collapsing pocket quite well during the season. Suh leads a more talented unit, but not by a whole bunch across the board; and Gabbert should handle pressure better.

SLIGHT EDGE: NEBRASKA

Linebackers:

This might be the biggest mismatch of the day.

Sean Weatherspoon is an All-American. Andrew Gachkar, Luke Lambert and Will Ebner are all tough, smart backers. They'll help a ton versus Helu.

On the other hand, Nebraska has a trio of young players that haven't proven themselves outside of this year. In addition, the Huskers have claimed that they'll run a dime package for most of the game, leaving redshirt Will Compton to be the lone linebacker on the field.

Compton is a redshirt freshman that has never seen a passing attack like Missouri's. 'Spoon, Gachkar, and Co. are a talented bunch that have seen high powered attacks in the past.

HUGE EDGE: MISSOURI

Secondaries:

Both teams have been good this year. Both teams struggled big time last year. Both teams have new defensive schemes that are taking time to install.

There are a couple of edges I give to both sides.

I think the Huskers are better, but are not completely healthy. In addition, Pinkel had no problem carving up Pelini last season. The Huskers are better than 2008, but game planning is still the same. However, something should be said for the Huskers leading the nation in scoring defense, even if they haven't played any juggernaut offenses.

SLIGHT EDGE: NEBRASKA

Intangibles:

Let's just make a list. Because this game will be effected by tons of factors.

-Pinkel creamed Pelni last year. So you have the victor vs. the angry guy seeking revenge.

-The game is in Columbia, on Thursday night, and Nebraska's "best fans in the world" didn't even sell all their student allotted tickets. Just sayin'.

-The forecast says heavy rain.

-Mizzou feels it's underrated. Maybe reasonably so. Here's their chance to prove themselves.

-Nebraska feels the North is their division forever and always, and they want to rightly claim it back. Again, a major opportunity on Thursday.

SLIGHT EDGE: MISSOURI, based mainly on home field advantage.

Prediction:

Well, the matchup's say it all. Missouri plus two. I'm gonna translate that into a two score win for Missouri. Not too unreasonable.

Tigers win, by a margin between 6 and 14.

Should be a fantastic game.

Mizzou Recruiting Part II: Top Three Tiger Must-Signs

Peter Fleischer — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:13:55 -0400

With the recruiting season midway over and the 2010 signing day a mere six months away, the Missouri Tigers have signed 15 players to their latest crop of future frosh, with at least six more to ink.

Since this is going to be one of Missouri's smaller classes in a while and they have already gotten verbal commitments from a lot of priority players, coach Gary Pinkel and staff have a little bit of flexibility. They'll be in the rare position to turn down players that in previous years they would have jumped at.

That being said, who are the ideal targets left on board that Mizzou might finish up with? Here are three big national names that the Tigers might sign before February 2010 that could really put the icing on their latest recruiting cake.

-Daryl Williams (OL, ***):Williams is a name I've mentioned before. He's actually the best friend of current Missouri commitment James Franklin, the four-star quarterback from Texas. Williams has nice agility and size for an offensive tackle, and although the Tigers have already signed three offensive linemen, including Top 100 player Nick Demien, they'd jump at the chance to finish their line coup with Daryl.

Williams was at one point considered an Oklahoma lean, but it appears that he's as good as gold (and black) now. Williams as admitted he'll probably sign with Missouri once he gets the chance to take an official to Columbia with his parents.

-Curtis Carter (ATH, ****): Carter is probably the least likely guy on this list to get, but man he'd be a great fit in the Zou's spread offense. Carter's a smaller athlete at 5'10'' 160ish, but his sub 4.4 speed and moves in space have college coaches drooling. Missouri coaches see him as a slot receiver in a DeSean Jackson-type role.

Earlier this year Carter was a looking heavily at Nebraska, but it appears that Missouri has made up ground. He's headed to Lincoln next week with a Mizzou official scheduled for December. If his recruitment lasts as long as December, certainly no guarantee, it will probably look pretty good for the Tigers.

-Marcus Lucas (WR, ****): Lucas is the biggest target left on Missouri's board. One of the top receivers in the nation and the top unsigned player in the state of Missouri, Lucas would be an absolute nightmare to cover in the spread, but he's still looking very seriously at the University of Oklahoma.

OU routinely gets is big of top-line recruits, but that might not be how the story ends with Lucas. With OU having a down year, Missouri losing it's top two receivers, his mom being a former student-athlete at Mizzou, AND the rumor that his family wants him to stay close to home, I honestly think MU will ink this guy. And it'd be huge for them.

-Extras:

-Tyler Gabbert (QB, ****): The younger brother of MU starting QB Blaine, Tyler has recently given the Tigers a hard look with the dismissal of Blaine Dalton opening up the depth chart in Columbia.

-Kony Ealy (DE, ****): Ealy, another top ranked recruit from Missouri, is a speed pass rusher. Ealy is still considering Georgia Tech and Memphis in addition to the Tigers, but Mizzou has a combo of convenient location and tradition that should be able to get Ealy signed.

Mizzou Recruiting Part I: Top Three 2010 Commits Ready To Help Tigers

Peter Fleischer — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:45:15 -0400

In this interesting bye week, with a game last Friday and a game next Thursday, we've got a little bit of time to look toward the future for a minute before thinking about the showdown against Nebraska. The 2010 recruiting class for the Tigers has about 15 commits, with around six to eight spots remaining.

This Tiger class is shaping up to be pretty good. Very good in fact. Although it might not stack up to other schools in the Rivals star system, Gary Pinkel and Company have shown an ability to find players that they believe will make an impact regardless of stars.

Missouri has landed big in and out of state guys that they've marked as priority, and have some exciting potential commitments on the horizon if they continue to make a good impression.

So who are some guys that the Tigers have already received verbals from that might be able to help Mizzou in the near future? Some players that might become household names for fans in Columbia?

3. Lucas Vincent, DT

Vincent, listed as a big defensive end at 6'3", 267 lbs, is actually planning the switch to defensive tackle upon his arrival in Columbia in January. Vincent is enrolling early in effort to get into the weight room and make an immediate impact next fall.

Vincent is leading an undefeated Olathe North team that has a shown to have a stout defense. Young Lucas has gotten into the backfield to attack the quarterback and stop the run, and looks to transition pretty well to the next level.

He's got a decent sized frame for college ball and his commitment to come in early at Mizzou shows a determination that will only give him an edge once he hits the field.

With 2009 stud Sheldon Richardson still in California attempting to become eligible at junior college, Mizzou is a little weak on the interior of their defensive line. Jaron Baston is a senior, and Dominique Hamilton and Terrell Resonno are average but not great players yet at tackle.

Lucas Vincent could definitely come in and play early if he makes a good impression in spring ball and puts on the necessary weight to play on the inside.

2. Nick Demien, OL

Demien tore his ACL early this year before his season actually started, and will probably miss his senior season. However, that doesn't take away from the true monster that he is and might be at the next level.

Demien has great size (6'6" 300 lbs), hands and technique, making him the top recruit in the state of Missouri and the 68th recruit in the country according to Rivals. He paved the way for former four-star running back Montee Ball at Timberland High in Missouri, and should be healthy by the time he hits campus at Mizzou.

A dominant run-blocker but underrated pass blocker with good speed as well, Demien might see a red-shirt next fall at Mizzou because of impressive depth at offensive line. Starters Dan Hoch and Elvis Fisher will be juniors at tackle, Jack Meiners will be a sophomore and Justin Britt, who coaches have raved about, will probably keep his red-shirt intact and have freshman eligibility next season.

But the potential that Demien has coming out of high school trumps the skill level seen from any of those guys. Even if he does red-shirt, count on him playing the moment he is eligible, even if he takes a spot from an older player.

Demien has the potential to morph into a three year starter and NFL prospect before his time in Columbia is over.

1. James Franklin, QB

The dismissal of freshman Blaine Dalton this fall makes the signing of Elite 11 prospect James Franklin an even bigger deal at Mizzou. Franklin wowed scouts with his arm and legs at the quarterback camp this summer, and has looked great this fall, leading his Lake Dallas team to a perfect 5-0 start.

Franklin, who stands at 6'2", 220, might remind some of Brad Smith because of his impressive speed, but those who have watched him play are more impressed with his pocket passing abilities. He's got an above average arm and good accuracy, only throw two interceptions as a senior.

Franklin has the chance to come in and back up Blaine Gabbert immediately, especially since he is enrolling early in January. 2009 signee Ashton Glaser has not impressed coaches very much yet, and Jimmy Costello is a former walk-on with limited ability. If Franklin can make a smooth-ish adjustment to the Division I game, he definitely could see the field early.

Franklin is also an important recruit who can help Mizzou because of the baggage he might bring. Best friend and teammate Daryl Williams is a three-star offensive tackle with an impressive offer list that includes Oklahoma and Miami. He has looked hard at Mizzou for a long time, but is still due to take officials to the Sooners and possibly Kansas. If Franklin can lure in his big buddy, that'd make his signing all the better.

The Blame Game: Mizzou's Washington Not At Fault For Poor Running Game

Peter Fleischer — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:10:24 -0400

Maybe "poor" is a bad choice in wording (I ran out of space for my headline). But Missouri's running game has hardly been good this year.

Going into the season, many people, including me, thought that the 2009 offensive line would be the best in Gary Pinkel's tenure in Columbia.

With three returning starters from a good unit, plus sophomores Austin Wuebbels and man-child Dan Hoch stepping in following extensive action last season behind the previous starters, I thought this line wouldn't miss a beat after being largely excellent in 2008.

But so far, I've been very wrong.

Young tackles Elvis Fisher and Hoch have been mostly ineffective, especially when dealing with speed rushers. The interior of the offensive line has failed to get any sort of consistent push for the running game, leading to many negative gains and disappointing numbers, especially after Derrick Washington exploded onto the scene last year as a true sophomore.

BUT, D-Wash is not to blame. That's for sure.

First off, the numbers aren't that bad. Sure, they are a tad bit deceiving—aided by a couple of fluke, big gains—but Washington is still averaging 4.4 yards per carry with a couple of touchdowns. Those numbers aren't great, but they're respectable.

In addition, check the footage. D-Wash is breaking at least one tackle per play. He's never been the fastest back, but when there's a hole, he's still getting through it pretty well. There just haven't been many holes.

Missouri's opponents haven't always helped. They have typically sent numerous extra defenders to the line in effort to make first-year starter Blaine Gabbert beat them (something that definitely hasn't worked).

Anybody calling for Washington's head as the starter at Mizzou is crazy.

Literally. Kendial Lawrence and Devion Moore are both smaller backs that have never carried the full-time load as a starter. Plus, it's not like their numbers are any better. Washington is dependable and an above-average blocker.

The buzz around campus has grown loud enough to reach D-Wash's ears—as he tweeted over the weekend that it was rough to hear your own fans calling for your job—but he has only stay motivated.

Although the running game's issues certainly don't fall solely on him, Washington does need to improve. Maybe the less faithful fans will light a fire under him.

Looking forward, the running game must be better in conference play.

Nebraska is looming in a primetime showdown next week. The Huskers have been respectable against the run at 44th in the country in yards/game, and they have a beast on the interior of their line in Ndamukong Suh. If Mizzou can't get a good push off their line, it won't be D-Wash's fault if the running game again struggles.

Tiger fans should appreciate what they have. Washington is a junior who has already rushed for 1,000 yards in a season and scored over 20 touchdowns. Having that kind of talent is an asset few schools can boast.

If he can't get it done, there have got to be more reasons to blame than just him.

I, for one, am trying to remain patient.

Does the running game have to get better? Absolutely.

But that same running game is going to remain completely intact—other than starting right guard Kurtis Gregory—until 2011. For a team that has produced three straight 1,000 yard rushers, I have faith the Tigers will get rolling on the ground.

Knotted Up in The Big 12 North: Top Teams Looking Even

Peter Fleischer — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:55:43 -0400

The rankings show it, and so do their records. After non-conference play, a Big 12 North division that many predicted would be a two horse race has become a three trick pony. Missouri has surprisingly performed up to similar standard that heavy favorite Kansas and blast-from-the-past Nebraska were held to before the football season began.

So how do the Tigers stack up against their rivals from the West? With Colorado and Kansas State looking downright pathetic in the early weeks of the 2009 season and Iowa State clearly still not ready to contend for a division crown, Mizzou clearly needs to worry most seriously about the Huskers and Jayhawks in defending their North crown.

The three teams are a combined 11-1, with the lone loss coming when Nebraska lost a tough road game against Virginia Tech that they led until the end. These three schools are a blown coverage away on a Tyrod Taylor bomb from being 12-0 on the year.

However, unlike years past, the Tigers might have the weakest non-conference schedule and resumé. Illinois has looked downright awful in their only two games that matter, Bowling Green and Nevada are decent but not intimidating schools that have given the Tigers a run for their money, and if anybody wants a cookie for rolling up points on Furman University in Columbia, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

In Lincoln, the non-conference record actually speaks volumes, even though the Huskers certainly can earn the “Biggest Choker Thus Far” award out of these three for that stinker they laid in Blacksburg. They should have won the game against the Hokies, and have blasted respectable teams in Florida Atlantic and Louisiana-Layfayette.

Want a comparison? The Huskers beat ULL 55-0. LSU only beat the Ragin’ Cajuns 31-3. The Huskers definitely have the most non-conference bragging rights.

Kansas has (not surprisingly) scheduled themselves a cupcake non-con schedule. However, they’ve also handled their business like legit contenders. They routed all the teams they were supposed to in Northern Colorado, Duke, and UTEP, and Southern Miss is a talented team that the Jayhawks led for almost their entire game.

Although the Southern Miss game was closer than most Rock Chalkers would have liked, the Golden Eagles are a much better team than Bowling Green, the team that gave Mizzou a run for their money on their home turf.

I have to pick the Cornhuskers if I’m going to bet on a team to win the North. I could easily see Missouri or Kansas sliding in and filling the role of champ, but Nebraska just looks too good. They win that game against the Hokies and they’re easily a Top 15 team.

Mizzou is looking like a much more attractive pick than they were when the season began. Their season really might come down to how their first league game goes next Thursday. If they beat the Huskers, they’re in the drivers seat against whom I deem their stiffest competition. Lose, and they’re playing catch-up to a team that has looked better to this point.

Forget the Rankings: Mizzou Should be Happy with Zero Losses

Peter Fleischer — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:23:50 -0400

It might not have been pretty at times, but winning isn't always pretty. Anybody complaining about the Missouri Tigers' current standing should take a sip of reality and realize how pretty the Tigers are actually sitting.

Any Mizzou fan that says one month ago they wouldn't be happy with a 4-0 start is a liar. Flat out. With a neutral site game against a team knocking on the Top 25's door, a home opener against a MAC school that loves upsetting BCS clubs, and their first road game against a pissed off and talented Nevada team, and many pundits saw the Tigers realistically limping into conference play at 2-2, with their toughest games yet to come.

Yet here they stand, undefeated. Behind a young gunslinger with a thus far perfect starting resume and an All-American linebacker named after a breakfast utensil.

True, Missouri's toughest scheduling lays ahead. They have three straight games against teams ranked in the Top 25, Blaine Gabbert is bound to show signs of his age soon enough, and it's doubtful one year after being one of the most horrific units in the country that Mizzou's D is actually one of the top 25 scoring defenses in the nation.

But if you had told me during the summer that Mizzou would be perfect through four games, plus have games set up against Iowa State, Kansas State, Colorado, and a Griffin-less Baylor squad, I'd say if you can pencil us in for 8 victories minimum with one of the youngest teams in the country. I'd have taken that in an instant, and still will.

Tiger fans have been griping lately about the Top 25 rankings. Sure, it's debatable that Missouri is the highest undefeated team that can't crack the AP's polls, and they also took steps back in the coach's poll even though they won on the road on national TV, but who really cares? Win any two of the next three games and the Tigers are looking at a possible double digit win season.

This isn't supposed to be Missouri's year. They lost almost every star they had minus linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. Fans shouldn't remember that earlier this decade the team was dropping non-conference games to Troy and New Mexico. Gary Pinkel's current unit is in a whole 'nother stratosphere.

Who cares if the national respect isn't there just yet? All MU can do is keep racking up wins. A huge opportunity looms against Nebraska on Oct. 8 in Columbia. Defend your home turf, and Mizzou beats a top 20 opponent in its third national TV appearance of the young season.

That'll get you attention. And a 5-0 start, which is one win away from bowl eligibility.

Baby steps Tiger fans. A bowl is all but a lock. The Tigers young talent looks good. The love will come in due time. Just keep winning.

I Can Do Bad All By Myself: Kansas' Football and Basketball Teams Brawl

Peter Fleischer — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:15:12 -0400

What a complete joke.

That's the only thing I can think of when I hear about the University of Kansas hosting their version of "The Outsiders" on campus not once, but TWICE this week in Lawrence.

My eyebrows were raised earlier this month when star wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe was suspended for the team's first game of the year against powerhouse Northern Colorado. KU easily rolled over the Bears 49-3, Mark Mangino made a "statement" and the team moved on. Some discipline.

But now the Jayhawks have gone too far.

It all started earlier Tuesday morning with posts on his Facebook account. Sophomore guard on the basketball team, Tyshawn Taylor, posted on his Facebook account at 11:12 a.m., "Keep my name out ya mouth for you get smacked in it," apparently angry at something or another.

But hey, that happens all the time. Everybody's guilty of posting something crazy or frustrated once in a while.

Then 30 minutes later, good old Tyshawn was at it again, this time saying, "Never get outta character... I'm always a G about it."

Oh... good.

Around 6:30 p.m., the "G" that is Tyshawn Taylor was sent to the hospital (he would later post AGAIN on Facebook that his injury was obtained by punching somebody) for a dislocated thumb. Apparently the guy's got bad punching form.

So a KU basketball player goes to the hospital after being in a fight. Seems like a big enough deal for concern. After all, when Stefon Hannah and some of his teammates were involved in an altercation a couple of years ago at Mizzou protecting Hannah's girlfriend, the whole campus felt the effect. Half the team was suspended... literally

BUT, that's not the end of young Tyshawns' story.

He got into a fight on campus, in front of Burge Union in broad daylight on Tuesday evening.

And as it turns out, more members of his team were involved, apparently having his back against his opponents.

Who were... get this. ON THE KU FOOTBALL TEAM.

Yep. Kansas' football team and basketball team went all Civil War on campus in Lawrence. Aren't you guys supposed to be representing the same academic institution and athletic program? Don't you guys use the same training facilities? This isn't exactly extreme gang warfare. You're all going to school for free to play for the same fanbase.

And the best part of this story, is that they weren't done.

Wednesday morning, as if the two teams hadn't learned their lesson, the two groups went at it AGAIN. Outside of Wescoe Hall, again on campus, a football player was allegedly pushed down the stairs by a basketball player around 10 a.m. Police were called, and athletic director Lew Perkins confirmed the report.

These aren't small fish involved either. Allegedly, the whole skirmish was involved around football players having beef with star point guard Sherron Collins. You know, the same Collins that is a top NBA prospect? That is the face of the team?

There were more than 15 football players involved, along with basktetball players Mario Little, Morris twins, Taylor (again), Brady Morningstar, Travis Releford, Tyrel Reed, Thomas Robinson, Elijan Johnson "and others."

I'm not mathematician, but that's MORE THAN 10 BASKETBALL PLAYERS INVOLVED. ALMOST THE WHOLE TEAM!!

In addition, Briscoe was seen by eye witnesses at the scene. Like this guy isn't in enough trouble as it is???

Perkins said that the reports will be reviewed and the school will move forward accordingly, and that should be only the first step of a long punishment process.

If this doesn't get eaten up by the media, I don't know what will. Kansas swept the Briscoe issues under the rug, and also did a great job of ignoring the fact that starting freshman offensive lineman Ben Lueken was sent to the intensive care unit by running back Jacques Crawford this summer after Crawford allegedly hit him with a car. Crawford was kicked off the team and Lueken left the school.

My Tiger's take on this?

I feel bad for the students, and am ashamed of the adults.

Where is the structure? Not to base this completely off a rival's perspective, but Hannah was dismissed from the basketball team within a day of his altercation. Freshman Blaine Dalton was kicked off the football team for two alcohol-related arrests. This would not be tolerated where I go to school, nor many other institutions across the country.

Coach Mark Mangino as well as basketball coach Bill Self are in awkward positions. Self has tradition and history to uphold, yet if he punishes every player involved, he's going to have to forfeit games, and that might be the most humiliating option possible.

And Mangino has almost built a Big 12 North champ. The Jayhawks came into this season largely considered the favorites to win their first division crown. But when is enough enough with Briscoe? The guy's a walking problem, has already been suspended once this year, and now he's fighting on campus? Give me a break.

Team-oriented goals aside, these kids have to be punished. There is no way that two teams representing a Big 12 school can meet on campus TWICE IN 24 hours, fight each other, have the police called, and get away with it.

Standards have to be upheld at some point, especially when you're athletes are acting like thugs.

If KU hasn't reached that point before, they have now.

Nevada vs. Missouri: Trap Game or Blowout in the Making?

Peter Fleischer — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:26:54 -0400

Not in my memory can I remember a game that sends mixed signals quite like this Nevada game that the Missouri Tigers are about to play.

On the one hand, you have Missouri coming off a 69-17 blowout in 2008. Out-coached and played in Columbia last season, Nevada was absolutely blitzed in every phase of the game. Gary Pinkel and Co. couldn't have forgotten last year's game plan right?

You also have a talented young quarterback poised to rip apart a struggling secondary in Blaine Gabbert. Jimmy Clausen torched the Wolf Pack for 315 yards and four TDs earlier this year. BG might have a similar performance. Blaine has completed 68 percent of his passes and thrown eight touchdowns to zero interceptions this season. Big numbers might come this Friday in Reno.

But on the other hand, you have the revenge factor. The Wolfpack was embarrassed last year. Senior quarterback Colin Kaepernick, a talented dual-threat in his own right, has got to be determined to give the Tigers a taste of their own medicine. And running back Vai Taua and wide receiver Luke Lippincott (who has been at Nevada for about a million years) are the type of players that would have gauged Mizzou's defense in recent years.

Plus, the Wolfpack are playing their first game at home of 2009. Although the maximum capacity in Reno might not exactly be "the big house," they'll still have a crowd that will be jacked and ready to roll against the Tigers on Friday night football. With the nation watching, they'll be looking to pull an upset.

And what about veteran head coach Chris Ault?

The guys about to notch his 200th career victory. He was admittedly angry at his team's performance at Faurot Field last year. He might not be Vince Lombardi here, but he's a very well-respected coach. If a coach is going to lead an upset, it'll be a guy like Ault.

What will happen this Friday in Reno? Of this two-faced matchup, I could truly see either side of this Jekyll and Hyde showdown coming to fruition.

Mizzou looked garbage against Bowling Green, and looked equally bad in the first two drives of their game against Furman. Although nobody will talk about it because the Tigers ended up dropped 42 on the Paladins in the first half, until Danario Alexander threw a trick play touchdown to Jared Perry, that the Tigers just might not be a very good football team.

In addition, people might mock this claim, but Kaepernick, Taua and Lippincott can get to the end zone, and the Tigers, while they've looked improved this season, have a tendency to give up big points.

I'm not gonna predict a choke job by Missouri in Reno. But be on the look out. This one's got potential to get wild.

St. Louis Cardinals Ripped Off in Mark DeRosa Deal

Peter Fleischer — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:03:01 -0400

It may not be his fault, but John Mozeliak has been bamboozled.

Who would have thought that when Mozeliak acquired Mark DeRosa from the Cleveland Indians in late June that he would trade for Matt Holliday, who would then go on to have an MVP-caliber second half?

And there was no way that Mozeliak or anybody else could predict the wrist injury that DeRosa endured less than a week after beginning his stint with the Cardinals.

But the fact of the matter is that DeRosa has hit .230 for the 'Birds. He's struck out 45 times in only 187 ABs, and his eight home runs in 54 games are deceptive; he's got only 20 RBI.

DeRosa is due to be a free agent at the end of the season, and even if he wants to sign with St. Louis for a discount and try to be the ultimate utility man that many saw him being in the Gateway City, how much longer is he really going to be productive?

DeRosa is due to be 35 at the beginning of next season, but even if he can play a few more solid years, now that Brett Wallace is in the Oakland organization, the price to get him is much too steep.

Chris Perez is already a solid reliever at the age of 24. Although his 4.17 ERA is a tad high, he's also got more than a strikeout per inning pitched, and is certainly a potential closer in the majors.

And how about Jess Todd? The player-to-be-named-later in this deal was actually a huge name to lose out on. In only his third professional season, Todd was rushed to the bigs with Cleveland, but has the stuff to be a possible stud in the future as well. He's already got over one strikeout per inning in the big leagues, and held hitters to a batting average against of around .200 at Triple-A.

With Ryan Franklin suddenly pitching like Eric Gagne (the Brewers edition), and both Todd and Perez, 23 and 24 respectively, this trade is looking like a potential disaster for the Cardinals.

Unless DeRosa can play through pain and have a big end to the season, Mozeliak has bargained away two of his best young talents for a rent-a-player that can barely hit over the Mendoza line.

Missouri Fans Concerned About Blowout: Will Tigers Return to Form?

Peter Fleischer — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:40:38 -0400

They had escaped with a 27-20 victory in the second week of a season, but there was a bitter taste in the mouths of Missouri fans after this week's game against Bowling Green.

Fans young and old ridiculed Blaine Gabbert's tuck-and-run tactics despite no throwing lanes being open. They criticized punt returner Carl Gettis for fumbling a punt he had no business fielding, even though they had also screamed at him to stop fair catching. They questioned whether a high school team had snuck onto the field in Illinois jerseys to make their Tigers look so good the week before in St. Louis.

To put it bluntly: Tiger fans were pissed. And embarrassed.

This isn't the Mizzou team people were used to seeing. But in my eyes, a win is a win. Against a Bowling Green team that beat Pitt as recently as last year, and has taken down other major conference foes, I'm glad my squad is still undefeated.

And maybe...hopefully...the Tigers will get back to their high-powered offense this Saturday.

The Tigers face the Paladins of Furman in Columbia at 1:07 p.m. CT, and although a few numbers lead to a queasy feeling in my stomach (Furman leads the FCS in third-down conversions and is top 20 in five other offensive stats), other factors lead me to believe Gabbert and Co. will be alright.

Gary Pinkel's Tigers rout FCS teams by an average score of 43-7. Gabbert looked excellent in the second half against Bowling Green, throwing two deep touchdown passes of over 25 yards and avoiding any turnovers.

After seeing their starters often pulled in the third quarter the last two years during non-conference games, MU fans might be a bit spoiled. Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin aren't coming back, yet Tiger fans want to see similar results.

They want the 21-point first quarters. They want Gabbert to chuck five effortless scores, and see at least one return for a touchdown. That's not going to happen every week. But it might just happen against Furman. And that would go a long way in making Tiger fans happy.

Gary Pinkel recently has very publicly called Missouri fans out. He has explicitly said that Mizzou has performed to top-notch, powerhouse expectations in recent years, and it's time for "The Zou" at Faurot Field to match that output. But watch out, Gary.

Calling for your fan base to support you more strongly only works if your talk on the field matches your talk off of it. And a one- or two-touchdown win over an FCS opponent won't cut it this week.

Phil Pressey Impressed With Missouri Football, Decides To Join Tigers Basketball

Peter Fleischer — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:07:26 -0400

The University of Missouri is hardly known for its stout football tradition.

In fact, the Tigers, still confused about whether they're in rebuilding or reloading stage, almost lost to the Bowling Green Falcons on Saturday.

However, with more than 65,000 strong coming out for the team's first home football game of the season, Missouri fans might have helped their school out in more ways than one.

The crowd undoubtedly helped the Tigers come back from 14-point third-quarter deficit, but they left enough of an impression on four-star 2010 basketball recruit Phil Pressey that he committed to Missouri before leaving his unofficial visit.

One of the factors in his decision was his interactions with the students and atmosphere during the football game.

Sure, it's expected that Pressey enjoyed the facilities, scrimmaging with the Tiger players, and he even has a family connection on the staff (Mike Anderson was a teammate of Pressey's father at Tulsa).

But Pressey listed his time in the student section and in "Tigerwalk," a Mizzou tradition when fans walk the team from the practice facility to the stadium hours before the game, as a reason for his signing.

The Mizzou campus is truly buzzing over Pressey, with people's Facebook statuses welcoming "Mighty Mouse" to the Tiger family, and pegging him as Missouri's next big star.

Not since the golden years of the Quin Snyder era has MU given a care about a recruit that has committed to play for the basketball team, yet Pressey is bringing back a blast from the past.

Gary Pinkel and Mike Anderson have both built programs basically from the ground up, and now it appears they are working together.

Pressey, the No. 54 overall recruit for 2010, is the type of player that can help bring Mizzou back to perennial contention.

The Pressey buzz is larger than any other this week. The football team will almost certainly beat Furman in Columbia on Saturday, in what form or fashion that happens remains to be seen.

But the impact of Pressey, who also provides lure to future players who are thinking about signing with Mizzou, leaves a crater with it's impact in the minds of MU sports fans who are looking for good news.

Mizzou CV: Bowling Green Nightmare(s) in Hindsight at MU

Peter Fleischer — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:26:17 -0400

It wasn't so long ago that Mizzou students held their collective breath every time the fourth quarter rolled around, regardless of the score or opponent.

The fourth quarter represented "that time" again in Columbia: time for Gary Pinkel's team to blow another one.

Much has changed since the early years of Pinkel's regime, and with memories of Maclin streaking to the end zone or Coffman hurdling a defender, those nightmares have become a thing of the past. Missouri hasn't blown a big game in recent memory (the KU game in 2008 is debatable), and they certainly haven't lost to any mid-majors.

Will a blast from the not-so-fun past hit the Tigers on Saturday, when the Bowling Green Falcons come into town? The Falcons beat Mizzou twice, in 2001 and 2002, including a 51-28 stomping in Columbia in '02.

MU students don't think so.

With their last upset loss to Bowling Green coming in 2002 (the Falcons lead the series 3-1), no current Tigers have played in the series between these two teams, but as a former MAC coach, Gary Pinkel won't overlook his former conference foe.

Missouri students and players have a confident vibe heading into this game. After an impressive win against Illinois in St. Louis, Bowling Green should be an easier task. Mizzou is at home, and although Bowling Green has won many games against BCS conference foes, Missouri hasn't lost a non-conference game since 2005.

It's amazing to see how the culture of the Missouri football has changed in the last seven years. Missouri has gone from an average-at-best football school to a unit that has won as many games as most in the last two seasons aside from USC and Oklahoma.

Bowling Green has an experienced play caller in Tyler Sheehan, and a veteran corps of receivers, but I have to side with the optimists on this game. Some older MU fans are cautious, noting the Falcons' recent wins against major foes, but I think Illinois is more talented. Yeah, Ron Zook sucks as a coach, but the Tigers are at home, too.

Call me a youngster or a homer or both, but this new-age Missouri team is ready to roll. Expect a margin similar to the arch-rivalry game, even if Sheehan puts up a couple more points on the Tiger defense.

Mizzou Campus Voice: Tiger Fans Should Exercise Caution

Peter Fleischer — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:46:33 -0400

In the last 24 hours, I've heard it all.

Blaine Gabbert is better than Chase Daniel or Brad Smith.

Blaine Gabbert is actually the LOVE CHILD of Chase Daniel's poise and Smith's athleticism.

Blaine Gabbert is the next Tim Tebow.

You can already pencil Blaine Gabbert in as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Easy now, Tiger fans. Gabbert looked fantastic yesterday against Illinois, but let's pump the brakes a little bit before we anoint him as The Chosen One.

Gabbert's debut was one of the most impressive performances of college football's opening weekend. He didn't turn the ball over and excelled in every facet of the game. But, Illinois might end up being a pretty bad defensive team. Their inexperienced safeties, notably senior Donsay Hardeman, were completely out of position half the time yesterday.

Ron Zook routinely has this team overrated, but I wouldn't yell from the mountain tops just yet about putting big numbers on the Fightin' Illini. They might end up being one of the most leaky secondaries in the Big 10.

Yes, Gabbert found the hot receiver when the Illini blitzed, but he also panicked early on when facing pressure, chucking one ball up for grabs that easily could have turned into a pick six, and getting flagged for a blatant intentional grounding.

The fact is, Gabbert's young. There will be growing pains. Any MU follower who is anxious to label him as an All-American needs to remember that he is a 19-year-old kid with a lot of learning to do.

That being said...yeah, it was a sick debut.

Gabbert threw rockets off his back foot, found the open receiver when faced with the blitz, seemed to have good disgression when faced with the decision to pass or run, and also demonstrated that he has the heart to take a hit. Facing Bowling Green next week in Columbia should be a cakewalk compared to the Arch Rivalry game, but will consistency be an issue?

Gabbert was in his hometown in St. Louis making his first collegiate start. Will being on Faurot Field make a difference? Bowling Green beat Troy 31-14 this weekend, so they look like a weaker opponent than Illinois, but the Falcons have had Pinkel and Mizzou's number in the distant past.

In all reality, Gabbert probably won't face a real test until he goes up against Oklahoma State's secondary in Stillwater on Oct. 17. With Bowling Green, Furman, Nevada and Nebraska coming up on the schedule, it's quite possible that Gabbert has distorted, Heisman-like numbers going into the middle of the season.

But Tiger fans cannot exercise enough caution. After last season started so well with a more talented and experienced offense, any labeling or confidence behind Gabbert and this year's unit should be done with only cautious optimism.

Live From STL: Mizzou V. Illinois Arch Rivalry Blog

Peter Fleischer — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:09:58 -0400

Game Time: 2:40 CT

-2:00: Forty minutes before the game is due to start and the Dome is still pretty quiet considering the bad weather. I figured people would file in early but everybody's still tailgating. So far the crowd is split pretty evenly.

Pregame thoughts: Both teams look hyped, particularly Mizzou. This does not mean in any way, shape or form that they will play better. But they are younger and haven't lost to Illinois in St. Louis since the 19th century.

Mizzou Key to the Game: The running game. Whoever controls the ball will win this game. If D-Wash busts loose for 150 yards again, Mizzou should win. If Juice Williams breaks the 100 yard mark on the ground, Illini is probably rolling, and I'd hedge my bets on them.

Illinois Key to the Game: Avoid the turnover. Turnovers have crushed U of I the last two years. Pig Brown took a fumble the length of the field in 2007 then picked a ball off in the end zone to seal a shootout for Missouri. Last year Sean Weatherspoon came up with a big pick-six off Williams. If they take care of the ball, they probably win.

-2:30: Illinois' marching band is pretty bad ass.

An interesting side note to watch out for as the game clock ticks below ten minutes to go before game time. Sportsmanship. While you might not see any LaGarette Blount-style haymakers thrown, these two teams have a history.

Sean Weatherspoon tweeted 50 days ago that he was going to "squeeze the pulp out of Juice", referring to the star Illini quarterback, and while Ron Zook and Williams were diplomatic, they also decided against shaking hands before the game.

MU says that U of I are the ones that won't shake hands. Illinois is not denying that. So while Derrick Washington and Daniel Dufrene aren't claiming that the other side deserves "a** whuppings", the two sides aren't buddy-buddy.

-2:42: Mizzou kicks off. The Tigers are in a three linebacker set, different from their typical look last year that featured more defensive backs. Juice takes advantage of the typical MU cushion that the DBs give receivers, but the Dufrene gets nowhere on a run.

Juice is picking apart the secondary. Plain and simple, the U of I receivers have room to work. Illinois marching down the field.

Big 3rd and 11 after a bad Williams pass. Four wideouts. Carl Gettis comes flying in on the sideline and almost picks a pass off, Illinois will punt on their first drive. Missouri looks good versus the run but Juice looked pretty good at times too. MU ball at the 7 after a nice punt.

-2:48: Missouri back in their own end, I can't imagine they do much on Gabbert's first drive that's too crazy. After a negative run, Danario Alexander runs out past the 20. There's some cushion. Gabbert also keeps the ball Tebow-style a couple times (sorry for the heresy), then runs an option for the first down. This is slow and methodical, but Mizzou is moving the chains.

A 15-yard facemask penalty helps Mizzou move further down the field, but if you're a Missouri fan you gotta be terrified with what Blaine Gabbert just did. He saw pressure in the pocket and literally through the ball to nowhere. Sure, the ball wasn't picked off, but NOT a smart move. Now he's done it twice, and this time he's called for intentional grounding. He's young, but staying poised is important.

Mizzou can't convert a 3rd and 22, but they come close. Danario catches his fourth pass of the drive. Kicker Grant Ressel drills the first kick of his college career, a 32-yarder, and the Tigers go up 3-0.

-2:58: Illinois returns the kick to the 28, but good boot by MU's Tanner Mills.

Gotta comment on Danario Alexander. Two years ago rumor had it that Alexander had a better fall camp then Jeremy Maclin. That was the last time DA was completely healthy. I'd never compare him to J-Mac, but he can be very good if 100%. He caught four passes for 47 yards on that drive. Impressive numbers.

Illinois is playing small ball with two short plays, Juice is flushed out of the pocket and it looks like U of I will punt again. Good pressure by Missouri's d-line.

-3:06: Mizzou moving slowly but again, moving. A lot of running and short passes. They get their third first down past midfield and have thrown the ball once. Welcome to Blaine Gabbert's first career start.

...nevermind. Gabbert saw something he liked pre-snap, and had good friend and fellow sophomore Wes Kemp streaking down the sideline WIDE OPEN. Brilliant of Gabbert to see the seam. He's got his first TD pass of the day (a 49-yarder), Missouri up 10-0.

-3:14: I don't know if Illinois would be completely buried if they go down big just because of the fire power they have. The Zookster's squad can definitely score points. But if Juice and his offense don't get on the board here, you gotta figure momentum is swinging dangerously close to Missouri for good.

Zook goes back to the bread and butter: running with and through Juice. Smart. The Fighting Illini pick up a quick first down, and keep marching. Getting past midfield, Illinois hasn't passed once, and it's working like a charm. At the end of the quarter, Illinois is down to the Tigers' 14.

-3:20: After the second quarter begins, it's third and 3 Illini. Big play. Mizzou stuffs the run to the strong side, and it looks like Zook will play it safe and get the three points. He does. 10-3 Mizzou.

-3:26: Mizzou finally fields a kickoff and No. 9 receives, but that ain't Jeremy Maclin. Jasper Simmons, a JUCO transfer, is taken down just past the 20. The Tigers will miss him an enormous amount this season.

Jared Perry drops a catch, not sure if he should have had it, but he could have. Illinois is called for a dumb unnecessary roughness penalty. The Illini are more talented but definitely less disciplined thus far.

Illnois comes up with a big stop on third and 1, and Mizzou is forced to punt for the first time. Big stop by Illinois. Now they can tie it all up after a rough start. Typical Arch Rivalry with U of I coming back. A beautiful punt by Jake Harry lands the ball at the six deep in Illinois territory.

-3:33: Missouri has looked very good against tailback runs. They stall the Illini for a third and 10, flush Juice out of the pocket, but can't chase him down. He hooks up with Mikel Leshoure for a first down.

Another third down forced by the Tigers, this time five yards to go. Different result this time. Backfield pressure causes Juice to overshoot a throw, and the ball is picked off by senior safety Hardy Ricks. Missouri ball at the 26.

The Tigers get NOTHING on this drive. Not an inch. Way to step up by Illinois. Grant Ressel looks to connect on a 44-yarder and hits it. It wasn't pretty, but he hit it. Big game so far by Ressel to start his kicking career.

-3:41: Eddie McGee in the ball game at QB for Illinois. So is Juice (but not at QB). It didn't go well. Two plays, minus five yards. On third down, different story. Juice back at his normal spot, and he runs for eight yards. However...a little late on this drive. Illinois punts. Gotta wonder what Zook is thinking there.

BUT, no matter. Mizzou flagged for a roughing the kicker penalty, and Illinois has life again. It's redshirt frosh Kip Edwards. Pretty much nothing he could do to avoid it as he barely clipped punter Anthony Santella's leg, but it's a legit call.

Now Illinois is marching, capitalizing on their momentum. Mizzou is caught with too many men on the field and now quickly went from getting the ball back to having their opponent on their own 37-yard line.

After a brief stand by Mizzou, fourth and 1 faces the Illini. Look for Juice to get the ball.

He tripped in the backfield. Juice did get the ball, but fell down, and thus was down immediately without contact from the opposition. Big break for Mizzou. Their ball.

-3:53: The Tigers keep the chains moving on their drive after a Wes Kemp reception is labeled a catch after review. I personally thought there was no way he caught that in-bounds.

For Illinois, has their offense taken a step back? Are they just starting slow? Because they have put up three points with less than three minutes left in the first half against a team that returns almost nobody to an awful defense. If I'm an Illinois fan, I'm alarmed with how they have struggled to consistently move the bal so far this afternoon.

Missouri will have a fourth and 2 on the Illinois 28. I bet they go for it.

Yep.

Danario Alexander catches a pass on the left sideline, first down Mizzou. Almost inside the 20 with the clock winding down on the half. Let's see if they play it safe or go for a TD.

True freshman TJ Moe drops the first collegiate pass thrown his way, and man was he open. Ressell tries for a 41-yarder with six seconds left, it's cash. He's been phenomenal in his first collegiate half. Hitting three FGs, two outside forty yards? Can't ask for more.

-4:02: Mizzou squibs the kick (so weird to type that phrase), and the clock goes out on the half. Missouri - 16, Illinois - 3. The MVP thus far? Ressell.

-THOUGHTS AT HALFTIME:

-Illinois' offense WILL break through. I'm sure of it. They have put up too many points on Mizzou and have too many horses to not get some big numbers on the scoreboard.

-Is Ressell this good? Sure he's indoors, but he's also a sophomore who hasn't kicked in a game once. Is he gonna keep drilling kicks? If so, Missouri doesn't have to move the ball as well as they would if U of I was getting into the endzone.

-Turnovers will rear their ugly head. I don't know if it'll be Juice or Blaine, but somebody's offense is gonna start coughing the ball up. Juice is too turnover prone, and Blaine is too young and unpoised to NOT turn the rock over...right?

-No Dufrene? Illinois running back Daniel Dufrene hasn't carried the ball once. Gotta assume the hammy injury was too much and he'll sit today out. That could be huge, because U of I running backs have run for a total of 45 yards on 14 carries (3.2 yds/carry).

-4:24: Just got big news in the press box, both Rejus Benn and Jason Ford will miss the rest of the game with sprained ankles. That is massive. Game-changing. It will be very tough for the Illini to put up big points on the scoreboard without those two.

Jasper Simmons puts up a decent return, it's called back for holding. Young team=dumb mistakes for Mizzou. Blaine Gabbert makes a nice play rolling out of the pocket to convert a first down early in the drive.

Danario Alexander (get used to hearing/seeing his name if healthy) breaks a tackle on a short slant over the middle, gains 31, Mizzou in business at Illinois' 28. The next play, Wes Kemp makes a gorgeous diving catch in the back of the end zone, but Gabbert led him too far. Out of bounds.

Danario Alexander is in beast mode. Gabbert spots the blitz, hits DA over the middle, and Alexander breaks numerous tackles, almost scoring over the right pylon. A couple plays later,and Gabbert hits Jerrell Jackson in the end zone for a touchdown. Gabbert handled the pressure pretty well there.

Not looking good for the Illinois, but then again, it didn't look good the last two years, and they came back and competed, making both games close. I'd be surprised if they rolled over and went away in 2009.

-4:34: Illinois clearly going for broke at this point. All passing plays, spread sets. A false start penalty stalls the drive but then Juice races out of the pocket to complete a long pass and first down. Followed by another seven-yarder.

Illinois is sharing the ball and moving the pigskin with relative ease. Then comes the fumble. Jeff Cumberland coughs the ball up after a nice run after the catch, and the Tigers are really in a position to put this game away.

Will they? They haven't in the past.

-4:38: The answer to my question is no. Missouri can't move the chains, as Gabbert's cannon overshoots Jared Perry on third down, and three-and-out gives the ball back to Illinois. U of I muffs the punt, but recovers.

Illinois hasn't really looked ready at any point yet. I still definitely don't count them out.

-4:44: The Illini look lifeless. Incompletion, minus one yard run, collapsed pocket that leads to an incomplete pass and Juice on his back. Defensive end Jacquies Smith was all over him that time. Three and out.

-4:48: Derrick Washington scampers for 11, then a third down pass to Danario for a first down. In Illini territory, Missouri busts this game open. Jared Perry catches a screen pass and somehow squeezes through a seam to score a 46-yard touchdown. Nice to get him in on the act for Mizzou.

This one looks like it's over. I held out hope for Illinois for a while, but it's 30-3 and they look like they're sleep walking out there. This drive will indicate whether I'm right or wrong, but if they don't score here, it's over.

-4:55: Illinois is good enough to get back into this game. But they are dink-and-dunk-ing their way up the field right now, and I don't think that's enough. They've ran over three minutes off the play clock, and only converted two first downs.

-5:02: End of the third quarter, Illinois still marching up the field, slowly but surely. Camped on Missouri's five-yard line, they are poised to score their first touchdown of the young 2009 season. Will their momentum be enough to get them back into the game?

-5:07: Fresh into the fourth quarter, Illinois converts a first down and keep their drive going. A touchdown seems inevitable, but there's really not that much to talk about. No play has gone for more than 11 yards this drive. No play has lost more than two yards.

Finally Mikel Leshoure punches in a one-yard TD, but even the seventh point won't go smoothly today for Illinois. Kicker Matt Eller nails the left cross bar, and it's 30-9 Missouri with 13:19 left to play.

5:11: Missouri starts this drive at their own 26. If they score points here, I'm putting the nail in the coffin. I'm guessing they'll go conservative and milk the clock. I'm not sure why, but Gary Pinkel has always pulled back the reins when his team is up but the game isn't quite over. Maybe he's not trying to run up the score, but it can lead to his team choking away games.

Wow. Gabbert's arm is just downright disgusting. He just threw 30 yards off his back foot on a complete dime down the right sideline to Jared Perry, first down Mizzou after facing a third and 19 deep in their own territory. Chase Daniel can't make that throw.27

Now he picks up and runs for 12 yards. No matter who you're rooting for, the kid is impressive today. The Tigers are moving the chains now pretty smoothly. After a big 32-yard gain by Illinois, Gabbert runs for a tough, Tebow-esque eight yard TD. No, he is not Tebow.

Call it a Jake Locker-esque TD. I don't care. Bottom line, today Gabbert has 313 yards passing, four total touchdowns, and it's his first career start. He's a big quarterback with a laser arm, and he's big and strong enough to run and pick up tough yardage. Mark this game as a successful debut.

-5:24: If you're looking for meaningful updates beyond this point, tune into a different game. It's 37-9 and I'm actually surprised Juice Williams is still in the game. He gets sacked on consecutive plays to end the drive, and Illinois punts.

Look to see some backups in for the Tigers.

-5:28: Former walk-on Jimmy Costello is into the game as the No. 2 quarterback. Very nice to get him some game reps. And with the first play, Kendial Lawrence burns his redshirt early with a carry for three yards. Look for Missouri to factor him into the offense more as the year goes on and he adjusts to the college game.

The Tigers second string offense isn't doing anything. Jake Harry punts for the second time today and it's another amazing effort. The ball is downed at the two. Illinois just cannot catch a break. They'll work with a long field.

-5:31: Juice is out of the game, and Eddie McGee peaked in 2007 here in St. Louis. For some reason Spoon is still in the game, and he crushes Hubie Graham on the sidelines after a catch. Then Jaron Baston brings down McGee, and Illinois punts again.

This game's over folks. Technically there are around three minutes left, but I doubt if either team gets another first down. Post-game thoughts after the post-game comments from coaches and players.

-POST GAME THOUGHTS:

-Blaine Gabbert was everything you could ask for. Almost 400 yards total offense, four TDs, no turnovers. He ran, he threw, he was good inside and outside of the pocket, and he did it all against a good opponent, in his hometown, in his first collegiate start. Well done Blaine.

-Juice Williams did nothing that you thought he'd do. I figured he might roast the Tiger secondary or run all over Mizzou, but he did neither. True, he didn't have Jason Ford and Rejus Benn all second half, but for a four-year starter who has in past years destroyed Missouri, he was awfully disappointing. 233 total yards and an interception is not a good day at the office for Juice. Especially against MU.

-I would not bet on Danario Alexander staying healthy. He's never done it, plain and simple. But if he does stay healthy, I would bet on him being a star. Nine receptions for 129 yards in his first game of 2009 bodes well for Mizzou, who has had a pass catcher drafted in the first three rounds the last two seasons.

-Is Ron Zook officially on the hot seat yet? He came in favored for the first time ever in the Arch Rivalry game, and got absolutely smoked. If Zook didn't have the more talented team, he certainly had the more experienced unit. The offense looked bad, Mizzou took what they wanted, and Zook had no answers. Putting up nine points against Missouri isn't an encouraging start to a year.

Missouri Tigers Position Preview: Offensive Line

Peter Fleischer — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:46:20 -0400

Previous Position: Wide Receiver/Tight End

Although most of the offensive attention has been placed onto skill positions in previous seasons as the Missouri Tigers have put up massive numbers, little love has been shown to the offensive line, who have paved the way for three straight 1,000 yard rushers, a Heisman trophy finalist, and NFL first round wide receiver.

Well that offensive line unit might actually be the best part of the Mizzou team in 2009. With three starters returning and two other substitutes sliding in that earned significant snaps last year, the Tigers will have big bodies capable of pushing weight with the best of them.

The lynch pin will undoubtedly be All-Big 12 caliber center Tim Barnes. Barnes performed very well last year as a first time starter, and the junior-to-be will almost certainly improve in '09. Although players from bigger football schools like Texas might receive more recognition, one will be hard pressed to find a better center in the league.

The guard spots are held down by senior Kurtis Gregory, who will be starting for his third year, and putting in more excellent work. He's a given to hold his own with any player in the league. At the other guard spot will be sophomore Austin Wuebbels. As a red shirt freshman last season, he was rotated in and out of the rotation during the game, and was essentially a sixth starter. Don't expect any drop off with Wuebbels stepping in.

The tackle spots are just like the rest of the line. In the hands of young, powerful players that ooze potential. Elvis Fisher (all 6'5'' 300 lbs of him) started last year as a red-shirt freshman, coming out of nowhere in fall camp to earn the top spot, and played very well. Other than Mizzou's blowout loss to Texas, he either dominated or held his own against everybody.

Dan Hoch should be very similar on the right side. He traded snaps with Colin Brown last year (who was drafted in the fifth round), playing meaningful snaps and definitely getting good exposure. He was the top-rated football prospect out of the state of Iowa in the 2008 recruiting class, and at 6'7'' 320 lbs, he looks the part. Hoch is probably the least experienced of everybody, yet might have the most star power.

There are no stats to help predict success on the offensive line other than past success, which is not an effective way to predict future success. Mizzou has had a great offense as of late, and returns more experience and star power than any year in recent memory. Although they still might (and it is certainly not a given) struggle against top-flight schools like Texas and Oklahoma, who doesn't?

All in all, I expect this line to shock some people, like Texas Tech last year. If he can remain healthy, Derrick Washington should run for at least 1,000 solid yards behind them, Blaine Gabbert should have plenty of time to adjust as the season goes on, and Barnes and Hoch might solidify themselves as NFL prospects of the future.

Missouri Tigers Football: Strange Obstacles Damaging 2009 Recruiting Class

Peter Fleischer — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:01:15 -0400

Although Missouri's 2009 recruiting class wasn't exactly heralded by the experts, college football recruiting continues to become more and more of a needle-in-the-haystack type of process. Former two-star guys like Sean Weatherspoon and Danario Alexander are leading the charge this year in Columbia, and four-star athletes like Michael Keck and Gilbert Moye have not contributed to Missouri at all since committing. Keck isn't even with the team anymore.

However, it doesn't hurt to reel in a star player or two. Jeremy Maclin worked out okay, didn't he? The bottom line is Missouri coaches have recruited fairly well in recent years, regardless of star ratings.

That's why a recent rash of maladies has been so painful to this most recent class, robbing the Tigers of three of their most highly thought of players, all with different pedigrees coming out of high school.

Perhaps Sheldon Richardson is the biggest loss, but it wasn't unexpected. Richardson, the No. 4 overall recruit in the country last season, had fears that he wouldn't qualify all year as a senior, and those worries ended up being true. The defensive tackle/tight end hybrid is now attending JUCO in California, and currently hopes to be a Tiger by 2011.

So there goes the biggest gem of the class. Richardson had been dominating everywhere he played. The PSL in St. Louis. The Army All-American game. There is almost no doubt that he would have been an immediate presence for the Tigers.

Also gone off the defensive line is Ty Phillips out of East St. Louis. Phillips flew under the radar a bit as his season went on, but performed well in the Offense-Defense All-American game, and his stock shot up as signing day neared. Phillips was expected to have a chance to contribute immediately, but even more so, the depth for the future was going to be big with Jaron Baston graduating this year.

Phillips' situation is a bit more fluid, and not all answers have been exposed, but allegedly, documents regarding his eligibility have come into question, and he will not play Division-I ball for a couple of years at the earliest. Regardless of who's at fault, Big Ty was almost certainly going to contribute, if not now then in the future. It's another blow to a defensive front that lost three starters last year.

Last but not least is Chris Freeman. Rumors are abound that the big 6'8'', agile lineman will not play football this year, and maybe not ever again. He allegedly has a heart condition, and obviously no young athlete is going to risk his life over a football career. This has not been confirmed yet by anybody, but if true, it puts a big hole (no pun intended) in the future of Mizzou's offensive line.

Freeman has been compared to Orlando Pace for his size and speed, and was known as the most impressive lineman prospect in the 2009 class. With a talented and deep o-line this year, Freeman was likely going to get the chance to redshirt, develop, and hopefully mature into a beast. At the end of the week, we will know if he is healthy to do that or not.

The bottom line here is that Gary Pinkel and his staff are getting robbed of the top talent that they're bringing in. Throw in Richardson, Phillips, and Freeman, and this group looks like they can contribute immediately and for a while. However, with three of his top recruits gone, who knows what to expect now?

This shouldn't effect Mizzou now. True, freshmen rarely make an impact, and certainly shouldn't be counted on. But next year, or the year after, the Tigers might feel some pain because of this. Next year, with Baston gone and unknowns at the other interior spots, Richardson was nearly already penciled in as a starter. Phillips would have received playing time as well.

And Freeman, whose health is (like I said) immeasurably more important than his playing career, the Tigers might have missed out on a special talent.

All of this might be for naught. Maybe Freeman is healthy enough to play. Maybe Richardson will develop for a couple years at JUCO, come back as an elite level player, and Mizzou can hold off on their defensive line needs until then. And although Ty Phillips seems to be lost for a couple of years, if not permanently, perhaps another unknown recruit will fill his void.

After all, Mizzou has proven to be good at filling the gaps with those diamonds in the rough.

Road To Success? Cardinals' Schedule About to Get a Lot Easier

Peter Fleischer — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:09:00 -0400

Despite improved play after acquiring Julio Lugo and Matt Holliday, the St. Louis Cardinals have not really gained much ground on the National League Central division. After Chicago's 4-2 win over the Reds on Monday, the Birds are actually behind the Cubbies because of playing more games despite the winning record in the season series.

The future is bright for St. Louis. With an MLB high nine off days over the course of the rest of the year, and a schedule in August that includes seven (of eight) series against losing teams and five off days, the Birds are poised to go on a run. Here are three reasons that the Cardinals shouldn't sweat too much about their battle over first place based on the past couple weeks.

3. Pujols' Struggles: Honestly, how long is this going to last? Albert hasn't hit much of anything since the All-Star break, but the Birds have still held off all contenders. With him playing well again and Matt Holliday and Ryan Ludwick demanding respect behind him, the Cardinals will have a better offense than they've had in years.

2. No Fifth Starter: Todd Wellemeyer might not make another start in Cardinal red ever again, and that's because of all the off days on the schedule. They won't need a fifth starter until August 11th next, and only one more time in the month. Mitchell Boggs has been serviceable with the club, and Carpenter, Wainwright, Piñeiro, and Lohse might be the best top four in the National League. This will help ensure that the Cardinals avoid any form of a skid, especially if the offense continues its ways.

1. Poor Opponents: 21 of 24 games that the Cardinals have this month are against losing opponents (the 'Stros are at .500). Thirteen of those games are against the Padres, Pirates and Nats, who have essentially mailed in their seasons. The Cardinals, with their streaky hitting and dominant pitching, can certainly take advantage of this match up. Tony La Russa's teams always play well late in the season, and this unit should be no different. With plenty of rest, new talent on the team, and a kind schedule for the rest of August and leading into September, St. Louis definitely will have a chance to waltz into fall with the NL Central lead.