Mizzou Vs. Florida

[Quillback]

I'm all for a 64 team super conference that's split into 4 16 team divisions, winners of the conferences advance to the playoffs. Or it could be 128 teams split into 8 16 team conferences. Rankings, committees, computers, and coaches opinions all become meaningless at that point. But it will probably never happen.

[KCRIVERRAT]

The BCS title WILL be settled between Bama and Oregon. No reason to "try" and reason any otherwise.

[ozark trout fisher]

The BCS title WILL be settled between Bama and Oregon. No reason to "try" and reason any otherwise.

There is an obvious matchup in late October/early November every year. When was the last time it actually happened? Can't remember.

[ozark trout fisher]

Now back to Mizzou.....time to bounce back Saturday. UT is a tough opponent with a good offensive line, especially, as well as a stud receiver in Marquez North. We know all about their QB situation, as they are throwing a true freshman (who was supposed to be a redshirt this year) into the starting spot. If they had Worley (who is solid, at least) I might just predict UT to pull the upset on a team that might still be pretty down about last week. As it is, I say Tennessee keeps it close all the way through, even with a true freshman QB. But I think Mizzou wins it 21-17. Last week's prediction didn't go well though.

Now that's assuming Pinkel doesn't surprise everyone by putting in James Franklin. If that were the case I dare not even predict the outcome, because we have no real idea about how he'd play coming off the injury. But as of right now, the signs point to Maty Mauk at least starting the game. Gaines should be back (which is pretty nice, although our younger cornerbacks have played pretty well) but we'll see if Josey plays and if so how much. Marcus Murphy and Russell Hansborough are very capable, but it would be nice to have our full stable of backs when there are some question marks about the passing game at this point.

Other MU news......big time basketball recruit Devin Booker decides tonight. Hopefully he will add to an already pretty good 2014 class.

[Wayne SW/MO]

There is an obvious matchup in late October/early November every year. When was the last time it actually happened? Can't remember.

Last Year. If you've followed college ball for decades you know that certain schools get a lift. Notre Dame is one of the tops in that category and I think most fans thought it would be AL and ND. OR and ND had the same record, OSU wasn't eligible so the tie between ND and OR would go to the Irish.

[ozark trout fisher]

Last Year. If you've followed college ball for decades you know that certain schools get a lift. Notre Dame is one of the tops in that category and I think most fans thought it would be AL and ND. OR and ND had the same record, OSU wasn't eligible so the tie between ND and OR would go to the Irish.

I think a lot of people were calling for AL/ Oregon last year as well at this time. That's how I remember it anyway. As I remember Oregon had the edge in the BCS standings and was the favorite over ND, with even Kansas State ahead of them in the pecking order at this point. ND was really the third most likely opponent to face Alabama, who almost didn't make it to the title game themselves (Five yards more for Georgia in the SECCG and 1 more yard for Stanford against ND and we have a Stanford/Georgia title game .) Remember when Irish fans were ringing their hands about being on the outside looking in, just like Ohio State and FSU are right now? And when Alabama was out of it for sure after losing to Texas A&M? I know I do.

College football is crazy, and any given matchup has at most about a 35-40% chance of occurring at this point. Counting on one team to win out is tough but to count on two you are pushing your luck with 4-5 games left each, most of them in conference. Alabama has Auburn and LSU, Oregon has Stanford. I think Oregon does win out because as tougher opponents go, Auburn>Stanford, but I wouldn't be that surprised if neither are in Pasadena. Who knows, it could easily be FSU/OSU or FSU/Auburn or heck, even if the stars align Missouri could somehow end up there. The point being we don't know.

[Quillback]

Oregon has some tough games left, Stanford, and at the end of the month, the in-state rivalry game against Oregon State.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I don't think anyone knows OTF, but I thought the leaning among the so called experts was for ND to meet AL if neither stumbled. ND, lacking a state alliance, has always pulled more weight than they probably deserved. ND always put up some very good teams when they had the coach to direct them. I think however they often got less than an all out effort by a lot of teams because of the timing, they played a lot teams when the teams were in the midst of conference play. Those teams often appeared to be looking past ND. That's just an opinion.

I don't think close games should count in the polls, but they slip in that's for sure. Close games are better for armchair QB's like us, especially in multiples.

Stanford always gets some hype, but they don't have the offense that Oregon has and their defense, while very close doesn't match up either.

OSU is sold most likely, but if Oregon stumbles there is no rule as to how teams move and I doubt they would get any boost.

I look for FSU to demolish Miami and get a solid hold on a top 3. they don't have any "tough" opponents on the horizon.

Baylor will be in the wings, but they have a tough schedule, on the other hand if they win out they may get a jump from the BCS strength ratings and be able to move if a couple of the schools above them flounder. Stanford will likely drop if my overrated crystal ball is right.

Missouri will have to step up. They didn't look like a team destined to beat TN, MS and TA&M against SC. Like I said though they may have been blind sided by practicing against a team running simpler plays. The offense still looked good against what I believe was a healthy SC defense.

[stlfisher]

I am pretty sure last year the pick was Alabama vs.Oregon then Notre Dame and then K-State.

I think everyone wants to see the Alabama/Oregon matchup, but any of those teams against FSU would be dynamite too.

MU should handle TN...34-14.

A scary stat... Berkstresser was the better passer last year than Mauk has been so far this year...yikes.

Sounds like the coaches were very unhappy with some of Mauk's throws last week...maybe they do end up starting Franklin if they can.

One concern I have is Hansborough and Josey are banged up a bit...we might only have Murphy running the ball. That could become an issue if Mauk start's and can't throw.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think everyone wants to see the Alabama/Oregon matchup, but any of those teams against FSU would be dynamite too.

I agree.

TN is a good team with a so so defense. I think in Columbia MU will win, but I think TN will make it a game. Unless Franklin comes back healthy I don't see them beating MS and A&M. A&M might be more than then Mizzou's defense can handle.