Showing posts with label Missouri Tigers Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Missouri Tigers Football. Show all posts

Monday, November 8, 2010

Chiefs And Tigers Let One Slip Away; KU Stages Greatest Comeback Never Seen

It can be debated who had a worse performance on Sunday in Oakland - the Refs or the football teams. Just your typical Raiders-Chiefs contest featuring 27 penalties, 2 fake punts, 6 fumbles, numerous terrible calls (for both sides) - a 4th down that was really a 1st down, and a kickoff return for a touchdown, oh yeah, and Overtime. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs by the score of 23-20 in a game that it seemed no one wanted to win. The Chiefs got off to a 10-0 First half lead that probably should have been a lot more as the Raiders made mistake after mistake that the Chiefs refused to take advantage of. A late second quarter field goal was nullified by a holding penalty on the Chiefs, and when the Raiders gave the ball right back after a terribly thrown pass was intercepted by Jon Mcgraw, the Chiefs failed once again to take advantage. The second half started with a Raiders kickoff return for a TD, and when the Chiefs coughed up the ensuing kickoff, it looked bad for our boys in red. Though the Chiefs righted the ship eventually in the second half to once again take the lead, they let the Raiders tie it up, and eventually win it in overtime.

My thoughts on the game:
-Cassel again was inaccurate most of the afternoon.
-Why can't our guy hit on the long ball? Every other quarterback in the league can throw a long ball with better accuracy than Matt Cassel. If he can't execute, stop calling the plays.
-The Chiefs defense did a nice job again, McFadden only had one long run and was contained well most of the day. Take out the KO Return TD and the Raiders only scored 16 on our D.
-I guess Charles was nicked up a little, but he needs to see more carries, he averaged 5yds/Carry to Jones's less than 2.
-This wasn't the disciplined Chiefs team that we have seen this year, but I guess playing the Raiders, a little of that is going to rub off.
-The Refereeing this year has been hideous - particularly Pass Interference calls, and can we at least get the down right? Is that too much to ask?

All is not lost for the Chiefs, they still have the lead in the AFC West, and a very winnable game coming in Denver. With all the parity in the NFL, it should be a fun ride.

Speaking of quarterbacks that can't throw the long ball, Missouri's Blaine Gabbert had a terrible night in Lubbock on Saturday going just 12 for 30 and only 95 yards. After the Tigers broke two long runs for touchdowns in the first quarter, they inexplicably stopped running and started throwing. Gabbert couldn't hit anybody and Missouri's defense wore down in the second half. The Texas Tech Red Raiders shut down Mizzou on route to a 24-17 victory effectively ending Missouri's chances for a Big 12 North title.

KU rattled off 35 unanswered 4th quarter points to stun the Colorado Buffaloes in Lawrence on Saturday afternoon. It was the biggest comeback in Jayhawk history in a game that almost no one saw. Announced attendance was over 40,000, but from highlights I've seen that is a generous estimate and there was no TV coverage. The Jayhawks have been up and mostly down for the year,but they have shown signs of life lately. Of course Colorado is terrible (winless in the Big 12 this year), so who knows.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Big Win for Mizzou Elevates Them to National Title Picture

This ain't your daddy's Tigers - or your big brother's for that matter. Saturday night the Missouri Tigers exorcised a few demons at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, beating the Oklahoma Sooners by a score of 36-27. The Sooners had beaten the Tigers 19 of 20 games prior to this years contest. The win takes the Tigers to an impressive 7-0 record and the only unbeaten team in the Big 12. Fans rushed the field to remove the goal posts and take them to Harpo's tavern downtown as is the traditional post-big game victory celebration in Columbia. The Tigers are now 6th in the BCS poll, and one of only 6 undefeated teams remaining in the country.

Missouri had Oklahoma's defense on it's heals all night with a devastating combination of running and passing plays. They rushed for 178 yards - a huge key to victory as pointed out by yours truly earlier in the week. Enough cannot be said for the play of the offensive line, Quarterback Blaine Gabbert had plenty of time to throw, and they opened up huge holes for Missouri's running back by committee. They could by the best unit in college football, plus they have a Tackle named Elvis - that is awesome.

And what about Missouri's Defense? It wasn't quite the dominating performance we have seen from the Tigers D up to this point this season, but they were excellent when it counted. On numerous occasions Oklahoma would drive down the field only to be stymied in the red zone. D-Lineman, and Raytown's own Aldon Smith made a spectacular interception and run back halting one of Oklahoma's First Half drives.

If Mizzou can go on the road and get a win next week in Nebraska, they would be virtually guaranteed a spot in the Big 12 Title game - and win out (dare to dream) and the Tigers should get a shot a National Championship.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

ESPN in Columbia for Big Matchup with Sooners

The Missouri Tigers will play their toughest, and most important game of the year tonight in Columbia when they host the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field. Though Missouri could still win the Big 12 North with a loss in this one, to be viewed as an elite team, they must beat the Sooners. Oklahoma has beaten Missouri the last 7 times they have met. Particularly painful was 2007. That year, Mizzou lost only 2 games, both to Oklahoma - the first loss took Missouri out of the National Championship picture (MU was ranked #1 at the time). There is no doubt the Tigers have motivation for this one.

ESPN Game Day has made the trip to Columbia as well. This marks the first trip to Columbia for the Game Day crew (They have been to the site of several Missouri Games, but not in Columbia). This only raises the hype and importance of this game for the Tigers. Lots of national attention can be a great thing if you can pull off a victory, it would be excellent for national reputation.

Blaine Gabbert looked as good as ever last week in College Station, but the Tigers are going to need a running game if they are to hang with the Sooners. You can't expect your defence to win this one for you. Vegas has the Sooners as a 3 point favorite. Missouri CAN win this game, but I think they don't - mostly based on past experience as a Tiger Fan. Until they show me they can beat the Sooners, I am not a believer. Oklahoma 30, Missouri 19

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