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Note: Rankings reflect the SPLN Top 117 Poll results.
Saturday's games
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No. 1 MIAMI (FLA.) (7-0, 3-0) at
RUTGERS (1-7, 0-4) Noon ET, Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, ESPN Regional |
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| Luckily for Miami, Rutgers isn't known for its rushing attack. The top-ranked Hurricanes have been obliterated by opposing ground attacks all season, but have nothing to fear from former assistant Greg Schiano and the Scarlet Knights. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| With Ken Dorsey and Willis McGahee splitting the Heisman sentiment, games like this that offer stat-padding chances increase in significance. Dorsey threw for 422 yards at West Virginia last week, while McGahee put together another 100-yard rushing game, scoring three TDs. | In the give Rutgers a little credit department (just in case alumnus Tony Soprano is reading...) it has played its best against its toughest opponents, playing Tennessee and Virginia Tech tough in 35-14 setbacks. By the time Chris Moltisani is running America's favorite family, Schiano might have RU pushing .500. | Miami has beaten Rutgers in all nine meetings. The Hurricanes have scored 50 or more points in six of their past seven against the Scarlet Knights, including a 64-6 win in Piscataway in 2000. Last year's 61-0 Miami victory was the school's largest in 47 years. |
| Bottom line: Isn't flying up to Jersey for a game like this a little wasteful? Hurricanes, 59-7. | ||
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No. 12 COLORADO (6-2, 4-0) at No. 2
OKLAHOMA (7-0, 3-0) 3:30 p.m. ET, Memorial Stadium, Norman, ABC |
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| Colorado finally looks like the team that was expected to contend for a national title. Hopes for that look glum, but the Buffaloes can emerge as a huge spoiler if they derail Oklahoma. This could very well be the first of two meetings between these schools, which currently are poised to meet in the Big 12 Championship. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| National rushing leader Chris Brown (1,303 yds) tests the league's top-ranked defense. Brown has elevated his production since former quarterback Craig Ochs quit, keeping the Buffaloes offense afloat. He leads the conference with 14 touchdowns. | DT Tommie Harris, DE Jimmy Wilkerson, LBs Teddy Lehman and Lance Mitchell, DBs Derrick Strait and Andre Woolfolk, and FS Brandon Everage are all receiving national award consideration. Oklahoma's defense ranks among the nation's top 13 in each statistical category. | The Sooners and Buffs haven't played since CU's 38-24 upset of nationally-ranked OU in 1999. Oklahoma's previous two opponents, Texas and Iowa State, have combined for just 70 rushing yards on 58 carries. The Sooners held Chris Simms and Seneca Wallace to a combined 33 percent completion percentage and six interceptions. |
| Bottom line: Spurred on by its home crowd, OU's dominant defense shuts down Chris Brown and routs the Buffs. Sooners, 34-13. | ||
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PITTSBURGH (6-2, 3-0) at No. 3 VIRGINIA
TECH (8-0, 3-0) 7:30 p.m. ET, Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, ESPN2 |
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| Virginia Tech has really struggled against league bottom-feeders Rutgers and Temple, so this showdown with conference co-leader Pittsburgh could be cause for concern. The Panthers own the Big East's second best defense, ranking just behind the Hokies in points and yards allowed. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| Lee Suggs was held to a season-low 47 rushing yards by Temple last weekend, so it will be interesting to see how he bounces back. Pittsburgh held the Suggs-less Hokies to just 15 rushing yards in last year's 30-7 win. | If Pitt's anemic offense could have fared better against Texas A&M and Notre Dame, we'd be talking about two 8-0 teams. Credit Walt Harris and Paul Rhoads for the Panthers' powerful defense, but until the offense improves, they won't ever climb past No. 3 in the conference. | Pittsburgh has never started Big East play 4-0. It has also never won in Blacksburg. DE Claude Harriott was last week's league top defensive player. Freshman kicker David Abdul booted four field goals last week, including the game-winner in OT. |
| Bottom line: Virginia Tech shakes off its recent lethargy, showing Pittsburgh how far it still must come. Hokies, 26-3. | ||
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BOSTON COLLEGE (4-3) at No. 4 NOTRE DAME
(8-0) 2:30 p.m. ET, Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, NBC |
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| Notre Dame looks to exorcise old demons when it plays host to dangerous Boston College. The Eagles have beaten the Irish in two of the past three meetings and brought their most recent serious national title run to an end, knocking off then-No. 1 Notre Dame 41-39 in 1993. BC's historic upset occurred one week after the Irish had defeated Florida State. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| Carlyle Holiday comes off arguably his best game at Notre Dame, tossing for 185 yards and two TDs at Florida State. He's 100 percent healthy after the shoulder trouble that burdened him earlier this season. | One of the graduate assistants on Tyrone Willingham's staff is John DiFilippo, son of Boston College AD Gene DiFilippo. Asked by the pesky ND media if that created a conflict of interest, Willingham replied, "that's a wonderful relationship to have as long as the father doesn't ask for any playbook material." | Boston College and Notre Dame are the only two Catholic universities which play I-A football. ND safety Glenn Earl, perhaps the least recognizable of the Irish's sterling secondary, had 11 tackles, a sack, interception, and a forced fumble at FSU. ND has the nation's fifth-best scoring defense (13.5 ppg). |
| Bottom line: History repeats itself as BC ends Notre Dame's title aspirations. Eagles, 19-17. | ||
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No. 18 MINNESOTA (5-2, 2-2) at No. 5
OHIO STATE (8-0, 3-0) 3:30 p.m. ET, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, ABC |
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| Maurice Clarett should be healthy enough to start after re-aggravating a shoulder stinger last weekend. His return is critical as the Buckeyes look to withstand the challenge of Minnesota, which has unexpectedly become one of the conference's top challengers. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| He plays in relative anonymity, but Minnesota's Terry Jackson II is one of the nation's top tailbacks. Jackson rushed for 238 yards in the Golden Gophers win at Michigan State two weeks ago, giving him the conference rushing lead (1,030 yds). He'll be facing a stern test against an Ohio State defense that specializes in stopping the run. | While Ohio State is highly respected for its terrific running game and sturdy defense, Minnesota has them beat in both areas -- at least statistically. The Golden Gophers lead the Big Ten in rushing, total defense and scoring defense, ranking just ahead of the second-place Buckeyes in all three categories. | Ohio State QB Craig Krenzel ranks eighth in the nation in pass efficiency. The Buckeyes defense leads the Big Ten in fewest points allowed per game (13.9). Punter Andy Groom has taken home Big Ten Special Teams player of the week honors the last two weeks. |
| Bottom line: If Clarett stays healthy, Ohio State has the advantage in a game that will be won via ball control. Buckeyes, 27-17. | ||
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No. 6 GEORGIA (7-0, 4-0) vs. No. 25
FLORIDA (5-2, 1-2) 7:45 p.m. ET, ALLTEL Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla., ESPN |
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| The world's largest outdoor cocktail party could serve as the funeral for Florida's season. Georgia has run the table thus far, but no win would be more gratifying to Bulldogs fans than this one, adding to the misery of Florida's nightmare campaign. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| With playmaker Damien Gary officially out for the season and deep threat Fred Gibson just getting back from a thumb injury, Florida will see a lot of senior WR Terence Edwards. Edwards, the Bulldogs' all-time leading receiver, will also handle all the return duties. | Is Shannon Snell serious? The junior Florida OG guaranteed victory against Georgia, then went on to say that the 'Dawgs would falter once more down the road, opening the door for the Gators to win the SEC East. Not to say that is inconceivable, but to run your mouth during a disaster of a season is asinine. There's a difference between bravado and ignorance. | Georgia is 11-0-1 when it enters the Florida game undefeated or untied. For the first time since Oct. 31, 1992, the Bulldogs enter the game ranked higher in the national polls. They lead the SEC in scoring (34.4) and rank second in scoring defense (16.4). The Gators have won nine of the last 10 meetings between the schools. |
| Bottom line: Rivalries like these are typically won with big plays and better coaching. Bulldogs, 41-24. | ||
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No. 7 TEXAS (7-1, 3-1) at
NEBRASKA (6-3, 2-2) Noon ET, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, FSN |
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| Nebraska might be having a down season, but its 26-game home winning streak still stands, making it a dangerous foe for Texas. The Huskers rallied for a 38-31 win at Texas A&M last weekend, showing glimpses of the Nebraska we've come to know. Coincidentally, the Longhorns are the last team to win at Memorial Stadium, riding Ricky Williams to an upset win in 1998. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| Cedric Benson is the reigning Big 12 player of the week. He rushed for 199 yards against Iowa State and could have his way with a Nebraska defense that has been carved up at times by opposing running games. The best way to keep the Huskers off the field is by pounding them into the ground. | For those calling for Frank Solich's job -- stop. He's 48-12 in four-plus years at Nebraska, and looks to have his team pointed in the right direction. People forget that the Huskers lost 13 starters from last year's team (6 offense). They're just starting to build the continuity it takes to run the option effectively. | Only twice in this series has the higher-ranked team in the national polls won. The Longhorns have won their past 11 road games (not including neutral site contests). Huskers QB Jammal Lord should become the third Nebraska QB to pass and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. |
| Bottom line: Nebraska's home-win streak comes to an end as the team's disappointing season continues. Longhorns, 31-20. | ||
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GEORGIA TECH (5-3, 2-3) at No. 8 N.C.
STATE (9-0, 4-0) 3:30 p.m. ET, Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, ABC |
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| It's hard to know what to expect from Georgia Tech, a team decimated by injuries but doesn't seem to go away. The Yellow Jackets throttled red-hot Virginia last week and will be looking to thwart the best start in N.C. State history. This will be the Wolfpack's final home game until their Nov. 23 showdown with Florida St. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| With the team hitting the most challenging part of its schedule, expect State QB Philip Rivers to step back into the forefront. Despite not doing much of late, the junior leads the nation in passing efficiency and has thrown for 485 yards and four TDs in two career games against the Yellow Jackets. | Georgia Tech lost two starting running backs and star DE Greg Gathers this season, but first-year coach Chan Gailey still has it in position for a bowl bid. The Jackets haven't gotten much attention, but last week's victory over Virginia shed further light on their unexpected success. | Georgia Tech has won four of its past five on the road against ranked home teams, although it is 2-3 against ranked N.C. State teams in series history, including a 1-2 mark in Raleigh. N.C. State leads the ACC and is sixth nationally in scoring offense (40.9) while Georgia Tech is third in the ACC and 17th nationally in scoring defense (18.1). |
| Bottom line: N.C. State rallies in the fourth to dismiss the gutty Jackets. Wolfpack, 31-23. | ||
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No. 15 ARIZONA STATE (7-2, 4-0) at No.
9 WASHINGTON STATE (7-1, 4-0) 3:30 p.m. ET, Martin Stadium, Tucson, ABC |
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| This showdown for Pac-10 supremacy involves the preseason favorite against a team many thought would finish at or near the bottom of the standings. Arizona State shocked the masses by winning at Oregon two weeks ago, then easily handled Washington last week. An upset in Pullman would put the Sun Devils in line for a Rose Bowl bid. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| DE Terrell Suggs had 4.5 sacks in last week's win over Washington last week and leads the nation with 17.5. Suggs has already tied the NCAA single-season record for sacks (Dwight Freeney, Syracuse) and could change the game's complexion if he gets to Jason Gesser repeatedly. Gesser has already missed some time with sore ribs. | Gesser needs 228 yards to overtake Jack Thompson and become Washington State's all-time passing leader. His 275 passing yards last week pushed him past recent standouts Drew Bledsoe and Ryan Leaf into second place on the school's career list (7,591). He has thrown a touchdown in 20 consecutive games. | Washington State has assured itself of the school's first back-to-back winning seasons in Mike Price's 14-year tenure in Pullman. Led by Suggs, the Sun Devils lead the Pac-10 with 40 sacks. They also lead the league in interceptions (16). The Cougars have trailed in five of their seven victories. |
| Bottom line: The Cougars running game keeps ASU from harassing Gesser, clearing the path to Pasadena. Cougars, 37-24. | ||
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WISCONSIN (6-3, 1-3) at No. 10 IOWA
(8-1, 5-0) 12:30 p.m. ET, Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Jefferson-Pilot |
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| Iowa opened eyes around the country by going into the "Big House" and obliterating Michigan last week. The unbeaten Hawkeyes have another tough test this week with Wisconsin visiting. The Badgers snapped a three-game losing streak with a blowout win at Michigan State last weekend. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| Brad Banks threw for 222 yards and three touchdowns in helping hand Michigan its worst home loss in 35 years. At this point, Banks would probably be considered the favorite for First Team All-Big Ten QB. He has come a long way since leaving Central Florida, where he originally enrolled in 1999. | Wisconsin gained a season-high 313 rushing yards against porous Michigan State last weekend, with both Anthony Davis and Dwayne Smith going over 100 yards. Davis needs just 33 yards to give Wisconsin a 1,000-yard rusher for the 10th consecutive season. | Banks ranks third nationally in pass efficiency (159.9). K Nate Keading is averaging 10 points per game and currently owns the Big Ten record with 20 consecutive field goals made. Wisconsin sophomore DB Jim Leonhard leads the conference with six interceptions. |
| Bottom line: Iowa's improbable run continues as its special teams hold back Wisconsin. Hawkeyes, 30-24. | ||
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MICHIGAN STATE (3-5, 1-3) at No. 13
MICHIGAN (6-2, 3-1) 12:05 p.m. ET, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, ESPN2 |
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| Always a big game, the Michigan-State showdown loses some of its luster this week due to the disappointing seasons both have had. The Wolverines' Big Ten title hopes took a huge hit against Iowa last weekend, while the Spartans have had very little to cheer about outside of WR Charles Rogers, slipping toward the bottom of the league standings. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| Rogers scored another two TDs in last week's loss against the Badgers and ranks third in the nation in receiving yards per game (118.6). He should see a lot of standout sophomore CB Marlin Jackson, who is one away from tying Charles Woodson's single-season school record for passes defended (15). | Michigan RB Chris Perry could have a very big game against a Michigan State defense that has been abysmal against the run. Former Spartans star T.J. Duckett gained 211 yards against the Wolverines last season; Given State's struggles stopping opponents, Perry could have a similar day this year. | Michigan QB John Navarre needs only 93 yards to move into fifth place on the school's career passing yards list (4,767). The Wolverines set a school-record with 12 sacks in last year's loss to the Spartans. A Spartans' loss would give them no room for error if they're to reach a bowl this season. |
| Bottom line: The Spartans have become the Charles Rogers' show. One-dimensional teams don't beat Michigan. Wolverines, 38-17. | ||
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No. 14 KANSAS STATE (6-2, 2-2) at
KANSAS (2-7, 0-5) 2 p.m. ET, Memorial Stadium, Lawrence |
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| First-year coach Mark Mangino has redemption in his sights as he prepares the Jayhawks to play rival Kansas State in the 100th renewal of the Sunflower showdown. Kansas hasn't beaten K-State since 1992 and could have this year's task be even more difficult if QB Bill Whittemore (knee) is out. He'll be a game time decision. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| Senior Darren Sproles became the first K-State back in 29 years to record four 100-yard games in a row. He'll be looking to move one step closer Isaac Jackson's school record of six in a row, set in 1973. Sproles leads the Wildcats with 859 rushing yards and eight TDs. | Kansas' defense has allowed an average of seven yards per play this season. The Jayhawks rank last or next-to-last in the Big 12 in most defensive categories. One of the few bright spots on the unit is LB Greg Cole, who leads the conference in tackles for loss (18). | Mangino helped revive K-State's program, serving as an assistant coach from 1991-98. The Jayhawks have beaten just one I-A opponent this season (Tulsa). Kansas State ranks third in the Big 12 and sixth in I-A in total defense (267.6). |
| Bottom line: The Jayhawks hang around before their chronic defensive breakdowns do them in again. Wildcats, 42-23. | ||
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No. 17 BOWLING GREEN (7-0, 4-0) at
KENT STATE (3-5, 1-4) 2 p.m. ET, Dix Stadium, Kent |
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| Bowling Green's Josh Harris and Kent State's Joshua Cribbs could square off for the first time in a battle of the MAC's top multi-threat QBs. Cribbs is considered a game-time decision (hamstring). The Falcons need this win to keep pace with West division co-leader Northern Illinois, who they visit next weekend. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| It might be due to opposing defenses being locked in on Harris, but Bowling Green RB Joe Alls is having a superb season. Alls still trails Harris for the team's overall rushing lead, but his 7.4 yards per carry would set a school record. He rushed for 103 yards in last week's win over Ball State. | Kent State hasn't scored an offensive TD in the past 10 quarters and desperately need Cribbs back in the mix. In fact, Cribbs has scored the Flashes' last five offensive touchdowns in the past five games. He leads all D-I quarterbacks and ranks second in the MAC in rushing (135.7). | A Kent State win would be its first ever against a ranked opponent. Bowling Green leads the nation in scoring (47.7 ypg). Kent State has the MAC's worst scoring offense (18.9) and passing offense (128.4). The Golden Flashes are coached by Dean Pees, who is a Bowling Green alum. |
| Bottom line: If Cribbs can't go, BGSU wins in a walk-over. Even if he plays, he figures to be somewhat limited. Falcons, 47-17. | ||
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No. 19 ALABAMA (6-2, 3-1) at
VANDERBILT (2-5, 0-3) 2 p.m. ET, Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville |
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| Despite no hopes of an SEC title or a bowl bid due to NCAA sanctions, Alabama is putting together its best season since winning the conference in 1999. Led by rising star QB Brodie Croyle, the Crimson Tide will be looking for their first three-game SEC winning streak under Dennis Franchione. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| Vanderbilt freshman Kwane Doster leads the Commodores in rushing yards, averaging over 5.5 yards per carry. How he fares against the Crimson Tide should dictate the team's chances for an upset. Alabama leads the SEC in rushing defense, allowing 80.1 yards per game, sixth in the nation. | Croyle is involved in a platoon with senior Tyler Watts, but many in Tuscaloosa wonder why. Watts is more efficient at running the option, but Croyle moves the team more efficiently. Barring injury, Croyle will be the starter next season, so why not get him seasoning now, especially since the Tide don't have bowl aspirations. | The Crimson Tide have beaten Vandy in 19 consecutive meetings. Alabama ranks second in the SEC and fourth in the nation in both total defense (260.4) yards per game and rushing offense (219.9). Vandy WR Dan Stricker is seventh in SEC history in career receiving yards (2,716). |
| Bottom line: Alabama has an easy time of it in Nashville, riding its strong defense to victory. Crimson Tide, 30-7. | ||
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STANFORD (2-5, 1-3) at No. 20 OREGON
(6-2, 2-2) 3:30 p.m. ET, Autzen Stadium, Eugene |
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| Oregon has dropped consecutive home games for the first time since 1997 and will look to salvage the final game of what has become a disastrous homestand. The Ducks had won 29 of 30 at home before the start of this stretch, and now faces a Stanford team against which they have dropped eight of the past 11. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| The Ducks' slide probably takes RB Onterrio Smith out of the Heisman running, but it's been through no fault of his own. Smith has been a model of consistency, eclipsing the 100-yard mark in eight of Oregon's nine games. His 126.9 rushing yards per game is currently the highest average in Oregon history. | Stanford ended Oregon's 23-game home winning streak last season, dealing it a damaging loss that ended up costing them a shot at the national title. In that game, QB Chris Lewis came off the bench to rally the Cardinal, while RB Kerry Carter scored a school record-tying four TDs. Both are back this season, although Lewis' status for this one is questionable (shoulder). | The Cardinal lead the Pac-10 in rushing (159.14 ypg). Should they hold on, it will mark the first time in school history that it's owned the league's top ground attack in consecutive seasons. The NCAA rates Stanford's schedule the third toughest in the country. Oregon QB Jason Fife ranks sixth in the nation in pass efficiency (152.19). K Jared Siegel has made his last 13 FG attempts. |
| Bottom line: Oregon snaps its slump, routing Stanford to salvage its homestand. Ducks, 48-22. | ||
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No. 21 FLORIDA STATE (5-3, 4-0) at
WAKE FOREST (5-4, 3-3) 4 p.m. ET, Groves Stadium, Winston-Salem, ESPN2 |
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| QB Adrian McPherson makes his first collegiate start for the Seminoles, who look to rebound from last week's humiliating loss at the hands of Notre Dame. Bobby Bowden benched Chris Rix in favor of McPherson, who led the team to a pair of fourth-quarter scoring drives against the Fighting Irish when the game's outcome had already been decided. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| After being held out of the first few games due to injury, RB Tarence Williams is back, hitting the ground running. Williams gained 101 yards against UNC last week, and keys a very deep rushing attack that has emerged as one of the nation's best. The Demon Deacons lead the ACC and rank ninth nationally in rushing offense (249.3). Six Wake Forest backs rank among the ACC's top 20 rushers. | Rix had one of his best games of the season against Wake last year, throwing for 345 yards. McPherson might not fare better, but his arrival is a step in the right direction. The Seminoles haven't been themselves with Rix at the helm, and there could be a correlation to the fact that his teammates have had problems with his personality. If McPherson fares well, don't be surprised to see Rix request a transfer. | The Seminoles have won the past 10 meetings against Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons posted their first shutout in ACC play since 1978 in last week's 31-0 win over the Tar Heels. FSU RB Greg Jones leads the ACC in rushing (107.0) and could become the first 'Nole to lead the conference in that category if he holds on. |
| Bottom line: McPherson's performance solidifies his starter status by helping Florida State bounce back. Seminoles, 44-19. | ||
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ILLINOIS (3-5, 2-2) at No. 22 PENN STATE
(5-3, 2-3) 3:30 p.m. ET, Beaver Stadium, State College, ESPN |
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| The Nittany Lions suffered their third close conference loss of the season at Ohio State last weekend, eliminating them from Big Ten title contention. Penn State's offense sputtered against the Buckeyes, but should get healthy against a Fighting Illini defense that ranks next-to-last in the conference in total defense, allowing 433.4 yards per game. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| Senior Antoineo Harris scored four TDs last week and became the first Illini back in 37 years to gain 175-plus yards in consecutive games. Harris' productivity has given Illinois some much needed balance, enhancing the Big Ten's most productive offense (463.9 ypg). | Penn State dropped its first non-overtime game last week, failing to rally at Ohio State. The Nittany Lions are a couple of breaks from being undefeated entering this week's game, but keeping it in perspective, have made great strides a season after most felt their program, and Joe Paterno, were on the decline. | Illinois snapped a seven-game losing streak against Penn State last season, winning 33-28. Penn State QB Zach Mills is second among Big Ten passers (1,784). Senior tailback Larry Johnson needs 58 yards to eclipse 1,000 for the season. He's second in the Big Ten with 10 rushing touchdowns and 13 total touchdowns. |
| Bottom line: Mills' two-minute drill saves Penn State from an upset in another nail-biter. Nittany Lions, 38-37. | ||
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MISSOURI (4-4, 1-3) at No. 23 IOWA STATE
(6-3, 3-2) 2 p.m. ET, Jack Trice Stadium, Ames |
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| QBs Brad Smith and Seneca Wallace should make this a treat to watch. Both are among the most exciting, elusive signal callers in the nation, and will have quite a bit at stake for their respective teams. Iowa State still has a chance to win the Big 12 North, while Missouri needs two victories to become bowl eligible. | ||
| Who to watch | Random thoughts | Fast facts |
| It will be nearly impossible to watch anyone other than Smith and Wallace. Smith, a redshirt freshman, ranks second among Big 12 QBs in rushing and total offense. He should one day become a Heisman candidate like Wallace, who had been a frontrunner for the award prior to a dismal effort against Oklahoma. | Smith operates one of the country's most efficient offenses. Unfortunately for Mizzou, you have to get it done on both sides of the ball to win games, and they haven't gotten it done. The Tigers are 11th in the Big 12 in total defense, which includes the league's worst pass defense. | Missouri WR Justin Gage owns the school's all-time receiving records for TDs (15) and the Big 12 mark for receptions (176). He needs just 10 receiving yards to break the Big 12 career receiving yardage mark (2,389) held by Kansas State's Aaron Lockett. Gage has a catch in 30 consecutive games. |
| Bottom line: Wallace's late-game heroics helps ISU outduel Smith and Mizzou. Cyclones, 41-37. | ||