Missouri Bowl Game 2010: Breaking Down the Tigers in the Insight Bowl

The Tigers finished the regular season tied for first place in the Big 12 North with a record of 10-2 on the season.

Now they are looking to win in the postseason as they face the Iowa Hawkeyes in what should be a classic Big 12 vs. Big Ten matchup at the Insight Bowl.

As we draw near the December 28 bowl, both teams are preparing to win a war.

This article will break down the Tigers in the Insight Bowl.

Offense

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers passes during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Missouri's offense has been quite balanced this season. They have a steady running attack but can also air it out if they need to. It creates a tough matchup for opponents.

The offense is led by junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has thrown for 2,752 yards this season along with 15 touchdowns while only allowing seven interceptions.

The Tigers average 162 yards on the ground each game.

They are led in the running game by De'Vion Moore, Henry Josey and Kendial Lawrence. These three combined are the main rushing threats, compiling 16 touchdowns.

They will need to have a great game because they will be going up against one of the best defenses in the country with Iowa.

Defense

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: James Sims #29 of the Kansas Jayhawks carries the ball as Jarrell Harrison #11 of the Missouri Tigers defends during the game on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty

The Tigers have one of the best defenses in the nation, only allowing just over 15 points per game, which is phenomenal for playing in such an offensive conference.

Their defense is really the essential component to their team, and it will need to play strong for them to beat a tough Iowa team.

Special Teams

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ST. LOUIS, MO - AUGUST 30: Juice Williams #7 of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini looks to get past Grant Ressel #95 of the University of Missouri Tigers during the State Farm Arch Rivalry game at the Edward Jones Dome on August 30, 2008 in St. L

The Tigers' special teams have been decent this season.

Their kicker is one of the best in the nation, only missing two field goals on the season and being almost automatic in extra points.

Led by Grant Ressel, they will need to have a great game on special teams, because with such a defensive battle, this one could be decided by the special teams.

Coaching

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Gary Pinkel of the Missouri Tigers looks on from the sideliens during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Tigers are coached by Gary Pinkel. Pinkel is regarded as one of the best coaches in the nation and has been with Mizzou since 2001.

Pinkel shouldn't make any coaching mistakes, so that shouldn't be a big problem, but did he get his team ready to play is the real question.

Keys to Victory: Stop Ricky Stanzi

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IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Ricky Stanzi #12 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes throws down field to running back Adam Robinson #32 during the second half of play against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Kinnick Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Iow

Stanzi is almost the only offense that Iowa has. He has a great arm and could be considered a deep threat if you let him throw the ball.

He has thrown for 25 touchdowns this season and only four interceptions.

It is essential that Missouri put pressure on Stanzi, or it could be a long day for the Tigers.

Keys to Victory: Stop Adam Robinson

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 30: Running back Adam Robinson #32 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes dives into the end zone past Michigan State Spartan defenders for a touch down as quarterback Ricky Stanzi #12 watches on during the first half of play at Kinnic

Robinson has been a constant threat out of the backfield this season. He has run for 941 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.

Stopping Robinson is key to stopping Stanzi.

Keys to Victory: Contain Marvin McNutt

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IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Marvin McNutt #7 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes pulls in a touchdown pass as defensive back Jermale Hines #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes defends during the first half of play at Kinnick Stadium on November 20,

Iowa had one of the best receiving duos in the nation. Key word is "had." One half of that receiving duo, Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, landed himself in some trouble regarding drugs, so that leaves Marvin McNutt.

Stopping McNutt is no easy task. This season he had 51 receptions for eight touchdown catches while compiling 798 receiving yards.

If the Tigers can stop McNutt, Stanzi will be in trouble.

Keys to Victory: Run the Ball

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers carries the ball during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

As tempting as it may seem to just unleash the deep pass, it is essential that the run game is established in this game for the Tigers. If they can establish the run, it will open up that deep pass and allow them to score some serious points.

Keys to Victory: Win the Turnover Battle

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Jordan Webb #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks carries the ball into the endzone for a touchdown as Kenji Jackson #13 of the Missouri Tigers defends on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (P

Against Iowa, winning the turnover battle will be key. The Hawkeyes are able to take away the ball with ease and do not give it up often.

Winning the turnover margin will be key for Mizzou in this one.