Missouri vs. Arizona State: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Game Time and More

The Missouri Tigers may be ranked No. 21 in college football, but they still have a lot of work to do after a mediocre performance against the Miami RedHawks in Week 1.

Missouri junior quarterback James Franklin, who succeeds former star Blaine Gabbert, wasn't pleased with his performance in the Tigers' 17-6 win, giving himself a C-minus, and coach Gary Pinkel said after the game, via ESPN, "I thought we just made more first-game mistakes than we've had for a long time. We have to get better, and we've got to do it pretty fast."

That's why the Tigers' Week 2 game against the Arizona State Sun Devils could be dangerous. Not only are they not playing very well at this point, but they face a Sun Devils team that just blew out UC Davis 48-14 and has the most votes among teams outside the top 25 in the AP poll. Junior quarterback Brock Osweiler leads the team under center and finished with 262 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against Davis.

Where: Sun Devils Stadium

When: Friday, Sept. 9, 10:30 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3

Listen: Sports Radio 810 WHB

Betting Line: Arizona State -7.5

Key Storyline: James Franklin's Play

It's never easy losing a quarterback of Blaine Gabbert's caliber, but it was because of James Franklin that Gabbert's younger brother, Tyler, transferred when he found out he was No. 2 on the depth chart at the start of spring training. Franklin has a lot of competition under center beyond Tyler, but his controlled demeanor and decision-making won him the job in Week 1.

He wasn't spectacular, but he didn't play poorly, either, against Davis. He went 17-of-26 with 129 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but broke free for 72 yards and a touchdown on the ground. 

He made up for a pick in the earlygoings with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Lucas in the fourth quarter, which allowed the Tigers to distance themselves. Franklin may not be Gabbert, but if he plays decent football this season, the Tigers still have the talent, depth and experience to be a threat.

Arizona State will be a big test.

Who Might Not Play for Missouri:

Brad Madison, Questionable

Jacquies Smith, Doubtful

Eric Waters, Doubtful

Jerrell Jackson, Doubtful

Travis Ruth, Doubtful

Will Ebner, Out

Gahn McGaffie, Out

Brandon Durant, Out for Season

Elvis Fisher, Out for Season

Marcus Murphy, Out Indefinitely

Who Might Not Play for Arizona State:

Adam Tello, Questionable

Devan Spann, Questionable

Aderious Simmons, Doubtful

T.J. Simpson, Doubtful

Ezekiel Bishop, Out for Season

Omar Bolden, Out for Season

Deantre Lewis, Out Indefinitely

J.J. Holliday, Out Indefinitely

Brandon Magee, Out for Season

Joita Te'i, Out

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

The Missouri Tigers are on the outside looking into the BCS bowl picture right now, but they absolutely have to beat the Sun Devils to have a chance. The Sun Devils, on the other hand, would undoubtedly become a top-25 team if they beat Missouri, but a BCS bowl is probably out of the question for them, too.

What They're Saying:

Gary Pinkel:

"You grow from adversity. You don't like going through it, but you grow from it."

Missouri, as the No. 21 team in the nation, didn't look particularly impressive against the RedHawks in Week 1. But it was also the team's first game with a new quarterback. There's still time to get better and the defense was solid. There's a lot of experience on this year's squad. You figure they'll bring a much better effort against Arizona State on Friday.

Dennis Erickson:

"He did what he should have done in this game, to be honest with you."

The most impressive thing about Osweiler's performance under center was that he threw for more than 250 yards and two touchdowns in limited action. He had cramps midway through the third quarter and was kept off the field with the game already in hand. He was incredibly effective early on, which allowed Erickson to rest him once he started wincing in pain.

Missouri Player to Watch: James Franklin

As mentioned before, the Tigers should have a solid season, but how far they ultimately go will depend on Franklin's progression and development. He was decent in Week 1, but he's going to have to be much more than decent if the Tigers are to legitimately contend for a BCS bowl this season. How he fares against a solid defensive team in Arizona State should say a lot about the Tigers' chances.

Arizona State Player to Watch: Vontaze Burfict

Sun Devils inside linebacker Vontaze Burfict is one of the most feared defenders in the country, a legitimate first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Sporting News named him a first-team All-American in 2010 after he led the team with 90 tackles, including 8.5 for loss, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He's an absolute nightmare to run on and he hits extremely hard in the open field. His physicality was apparent last season when he got called for numerous personal fouls after the whistle, but the coaching staff has said he's more disciplined this season. A scary athlete. 

Key Matchup: James Franklin vs. Arizona State Defense

Arizona State may be unranked, but it still has one of the most dangerous defenses in the nation. Whether it be on the defensive line with last year's Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, Junior Onyeali, or in the linebacking corps with Burfict, this is a physical team that is bound to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. Franklin's decision-making will be put to the test.

On the Hot Seat: James Franklin

 Have I mentioned James Franklin yet? Franklin not only has the entire Tigers Nation pressuring him to be the next Blaine Gabbert, he has a slew of quarterbacks on the depth chart who will be pushing to take his starting spot all season long. Franklin's likely going to be on the hot seat all season, even if he overachieves, because the expectations are so high in Missouri.

Prediction: Arizona State 27, Missouri 20

I think Missouri is destined for an upset here. Franklin still hasn't grown into his role yet and Arizona State's defense will give him more trouble than Missouri's will for Osweiler. It's going to be a physical football game, but I'm taking the team with the better quarterback here.