Associated Press |
The top-ranked Missouri Tigers (11-1) are one victory away from appearing in the program's first Bowl Championship Series bowl game, which would grant the Tigers a shot at their first national championship.
All that stands in the way is a date against No. 9 Oklahoma (10-2), which just so happens to boast more Big 12 Conference championships than any other program since the Big 12's inception in 1996. The Sooners, a year-in, year-out contender for the national championship, were expected by many to be in this position — competing for another Big 12 title in the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship Game, taking place Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Alamodome. So were the Tigers — the preseason favorites in the conference's media poll to win the Big 12 North Division.
But ever since the Nebraska empire fell, the Big 12 North has been regarded as little more than the South's illegitimate brother, something No. 1 Missouri will look to change when it takes on the ninth-ranked Sooners in the Big 12 title game. Here's what to expect when the two collide at the Alamodome.
OFFENSE
The rundown: OU ranks second in the Big 12 in scoring offense, and Missouri is right behind in third. The Sooners rely on a balanced offense, whereas Missouri (at 336.8 yards passing per game) throws early and often. Basically, it all boils down to Heisman hopeful quarterback Chase Daniel (the Big 12's second leading passer). The Tigers have him. The Sooners don't.
Edge: Missouri
DEFENSE
The rundown: OU is one of only two Big 12 teams (Kansas being the other) that allow fewer than 20 points per game. Missouri only allows 23.4, but the Tigers also rank ninth in the Big 12 in pass defense (265.8 yards allowed per game).
Edge: OU
COACHING
The rundown: Bob Stoops' résumé at OU: nine seasons, one national championship, five BCS bowl appearances and four Big 12 titles. Gary Pinkel's résumé at Missouri: seven seasons, one Big 12 North Division championship, zero BCS bowl appearances and a .521 overall winning percentage.
Edge: OU
EXPERIENCE
The rundown: Missouri is playing in its first Big 12 championship game. OU is playing in its fifth Big 12 title game in six years.
Edge: OU
INTANGIBLES
The rundown: Missouri has momentum on its side, thanks to a 36-28 victory over rival — and previously unbeaten — Kansas on Nov. 24, which propelled the Tigers into the top spot in the BCS rankings. OU, on the other hand, has history on its side, having defeated Missouri 41-31 on Oct. 13. Even so, the Tigers — one victory away from a berth in the BCS Championship Game — have a lot more riding on this game than do the Sooners.
Edge: Missouri
The 210 take: Missouri, with Daniel at the helm, is thisclose to becoming a national power. Oklahoma, meanwhile, claimed that distinction long ago and doesn't look to be relinquishing it any time in the immediate future.
The 210 prediction: Oklahoma 34, Missouri 30
MORE INFO
OKLAHOMA
MASCOT: Sooners. On game day, this includes a mini-Conestoga wagon pulled by two ponies, aptly named Sooner and Boomer.
SCHOOL COLORS: Crimson and cream
FIRST YEAR OF FOOTBALL: 1895
2007 PRESEASON ALL-BIG 12 SELECTIONS: 4
STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (82,112 capacity)
TOTAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 7
LAST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP: 2006
TOTAL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 40
BCS BOWL APPEARANCES: 5
HEISMAN TROPHY WINNERS: 4
MISSOURI
MASCOT: Tigers, one of five football teams in NCAA Division I-A that features the mascot.
SCHOOL COLORS: Black, gold and white
FIRST YEAR OF FOOTBALL: 1890
2007 PRESEASON ALL-BIG 12 SELECTIONS: 1
STADIUM: Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field (68,349 capacity)
TOTAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0
LAST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1969 (Big 8)
TOTAL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 12
BCS BOWL APPEARANCES: 0
HEISMAN TROPHY WINNERS: 0
Words: Clint Hale | 210sa
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