Mizzou vs. OU: What regional writers think

Published: December 2, 2008

In his "Round Two" blog on Monday, St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Roger Hensley asked other Post-Dispatch sportswriters:

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Does Mizzou stand any chance against Oklahoma in this Saturday's Big 12 title game? Why or why not? And how about a final score?

BERNIE MIKLASZ:

Mizzou is facing a long night at Arrowhead. No chance. OU is highly motivated to advance to the national championship game. And on top of that, coach Bob Stoops and the Sooners will want to shut up critics who insist that Texas should be in this game instead. On the Mizzou side, Gary Pinkel has never beaten a team of Oklahoma's caliber, and the Tigers are hopeless on defense. At least the parking lots will empty early.

Final score: Oklahoma 62, Missouri 28.

BRYAN BURWELL:

Of course they have a chance. It's a slim one because the Sooners are playing as good as any team in the country right now, and Mizzou historically does not do well against OU's bigger and more physical players. But under Bob Stoops, OU does have a habit of losing at least one big game that they shouldn't, so maybe this is that one.

Final score: Oklahoma 61, Mizzou 35.

JOE STRAUSS:

Mizzou has an outstanding chance if Jeremy Maclin's hip heals, Chase Daniel finds a cure for happy feet against the Sooner defensive front, the Tiger special teams go crazy, Coach P. doesn't leave timeouts on the clock, Sam Bradford can't hold the ball and Benny Hinn lays hands on the secondary. Oklahoma is good enough to compete in the SEC, maybe even beat Alabama (but not Florida). It's going to take more than a few "nifty ball plays" for the Tigers to avoid tumbling from the Top 25.

In a closer than expected outcome: Sooners 41, El Tigres 27. Remember the Alamo!!!

JIM THOMAS:

When I watch the Mizzou defense, I feel like I'm watching the Rams. Namely, blitzes that don't get there and lots of blown coverages in the secondary, complete with defensive backs pointing aimlessly into space, wondering what happened. Can't see Mizzou hanging with this bunch.

Final score: Oklahoma 52, Mizzou 24.


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I still remember the last mismatch that OU played in at Arrowhead. I sat there watching a 35 - 7 trumping. I hope that OU team does NOT show up!
Terry, Raymore - Dec 3, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Maury, are you still living in the 80s? Blocks initiating contact below the waist, down field away from the line of scrimmage have been illegal since the 90s. You have to start high and then take their legs. You dont know that? Not much of a football fan, huh? Ever wonder why you dont see wide receivers rolling up safeties on running plays, aways blocking upright or in a shoving position? Apparently not, since you have no clue what the rules actually are concerning this. It WAS a cheap shot and a dirty play, something normally associatied and exected from LoSurs. Oh wait, you are Booner fan. Why would I expect you to see things as they really are?
Robert, Dallas - Dec 3, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I take that back. I guess they can have additional motivation since I heard Sam Bradford say it. :-D
Shepard, Stonewall - Dec 3, 2008 at 12:28 am
"And on top of that, coach Bob Stoops and the Sooners will want to shut up critics who insist that Texas should be in this game instead."???? So the Sooners will play harder here than they did all the other games? I think that comment is a slap in the face to the Sooner coaching staff, and the team. The Sooners are motivated every game, and this is just another step in the process of trying to be perfect and sound.
Shepard, Stonewall - Dec 3, 2008 at 12:06 am
OU already lost the big game they shouldn't have. If Venables had used the same game plan against UT that they did against Tech there would be no contreversy about anything.
Rick, Eugene - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:29 pm
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there is no way its 49-42. I agree with Sam being the best in the nation but there is absolutely no way its a a one td game. Missouri will not be able to score enough to catch up. The weather is supposed to be 40 degrees at gametime and it will get colder as the night goes on. No precipitation. thats what i saw last time i looked. I am going to freeze my marbles off but I will not see a close game. Sorry I am not hating, it just seems like a massive mismatch. I know Mizzou has alot of talent but after the last few days of OU hearing they don't belong..... its time to see who needs to be where.... Go Sooners!!!
greg, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:18 pm
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OU 49, Missouri 42. Sooners are coming off a huge win in Stillwater and have offensive momentum. Missouri is coming off a bad game on both sides of the ball in their loss to Kansas. It will be a close one, but Sam Bradford will prove he is the best in the conference, and in the nation.
Josh, Camargo - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:06 pm
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Instead of all these tie breakers why don't just have the two best teams play for the conference championship. They maybe both from the south, or the north, but they would be the best two in the conference. OU would have played in all of them since 99 under that scenario. Boomer Sooner...........
michael, round rock - Dec 2, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I'm saying that I would hurt his knees bad enough that he wouldn't be able to play at all.
Brian, Okemah - Dec 2, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I have that game recorded on my DVR and I went back to look at that play where Austin Box got hurt. And I agree with mark! Go back to the fourth quarter with 1440 to go and watch it. WR Davis trots up to Box and when Box turns his head to watch the play end, he hit Box right at the knee. Then when he goes back to the huddle he is shaking his head in a yes motion, as to say, yea, I got him. And he (Davis)had to know being a football player that a hit like that would damage another players knee! You can't sit there and tell me that a hit like that wouldn't do damage. If I was Box, I would take a little trip to stoolwater and make sure that his football career would be over!! BOOMER SOONER!!
Brian, Okemah - Dec 2, 2008 at 9:03 pm
What about this comment from Mark about OSU throwing an "illegal block at healthy linebackers." That's crazy, I was in the press box and nobody saw anything illegal, that's bull. People get hurt in this game; OSU lost two defensive linemen. Did OU have a plan to hurt them? Get a life.
Maury, Lawton - Dec 2, 2008 at 6:40 pm
c, duncan - Missouri is no West Virginia from last year. Plus, we know Missouri which also factors into it.
Jack, Edmond - Dec 2, 2008 at 5:28 pm
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OU will be fired up! Same mentality as the Tech game. The 'D' will show there back. Why....to shut up the Texas critics Final score OU 71 Mizzu 27.
Bill, Columbus - Dec 2, 2008 at 5:23 pm
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yeah Jack, where have i heard that before. It was said last year before they played West Viginia.
c, duncan - Dec 2, 2008 at 4:54 pm
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I can't believe so many people are predicting such low scores by OU. They will absolutely light these guys up, especially since they need to make yet another statement after the debacle. I have respect for Missouri, at least their not placed in "God status" just because they belong to the SEC!
Jack, Edmond - Dec 2, 2008 at 4:46 pm
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To beat OU, MU must throw illegal blocks at healthy linebackers. It worked for TU and might have for lOSUer. Maybe MU can finally deplete our linbacker corp. Let's hope not. May Balogun have another stellar performance.
mark, oklahoma city - Dec 2, 2008 at 2:44 pm
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If the thumb does happen to bother him they'll OU will just go to shotgun. So that shouldn't be an issue. New middle linebacker perhaps.
eudell, Virginia Beach - Dec 2, 2008 at 2:24 pm
All fuel for the Mizzou fire, Bob be prepared.
Jeremy, Krum - Dec 2, 2008 at 2:09 pm
You guys might like this article about Chase & Colt having a heart to heart. http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/120208dnspobig12briefs.193ba09.html
Jeremy, Krum - Dec 2, 2008 at 2:06 pm
The torn ligament is on his non-throwing hand, and shouldn't be much of a factor at all. He'll no doubt have it taped up and will practice that way this week. Look for a big performance from him.
Bob, Signal Hill - Dec 2, 2008 at 1:40 pm
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Didn't I hear somewhere that Mizzou's pass defense is ranked somewhere around #116? Not good coming into a game against this offense. Bradford, torn thumb ligaments or not, is going to light them up.
MartzMimic, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 12:50 pm