LOCK OF THE WEEK
NEBRASKA............................3..................................at MISSOURI
The 21st ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers visit Columbia, MO and the 24th ranked Missouri Tigers on Thursday night (9:00 p.m. ESPN). This is the first Big-12 conference game for each team. Lets take a look at the visitors from Lincoln, NE.
The Cornhuskers come in with a record of 4-1, with their lone defeat at the hands of Virginia Tech 16-15 in a game they controlled throughout only to lose in the waning seconds. I believe in team matchups and in this game, I like the matchups to favor Nebraska. The Missouri defense is not known as a pressure defense and I believe quarterback Zac Lee will complete his share of passes. The big advantage for the Huskers' is their offense and defensive lines. On offense look for runnning back Roy Helu Jr.(464 yards, 6.4 avg., 5 TD's) to run both inside and outside. The Huskers come in averaging 440 yards per game and are ninth in scoring with 39.3 points per game. The only time Nebraska has been slowed was by Virginia Tech, and even in that game the Huskers outgained the Hokies by a large margin. Look for Bo Pelini to let his front seven loose on Tigers quarterback Blaine Gabbert. So far this season Gabbert has not thrown an interception. That perfect mark will not stand when this game is finished.
For Missouri (4-0), they really haven't been tested, especially against a very physical defense like the "Blackshirts". The above mentioned Gabbert has gotten off to a sensational start (1,161 yards and 11 TD's with 0 INT's). Missouri does have other offensive options besides Gabbert. Junior tailback Derrick Washington leads the team in rushing with 301 yards and 2 TD's. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield (24 receptions last season). On defense All-Big 12 returning linebacker Sean Weatherspoon has to step up and make "sure" tackles as the Husker backs are excellent at gaining yards after initial contact.
KEYS:
Missouri O-Line VS. Nebraska D-Line: Whoever controls the line of scrimmage will win this game. I like the Huskers D-Line to stuff the run and pressure Blaine Gabbert into multiple turnovers.
Missouri O-Line VS. Nebraska D-Line: Whoever controls the line of scrimmage will win this game. I like the Huskers D-Line to stuff the run and pressure Blaine Gabbert into multiple turnovers.
PREDICTION: Nebraska 34-Missouri 17
I think the huskers will control this game start to finish, with a rallying cry of "do it for Coach Solich"
ReplyDeleteShouldn't you have a picture of a lockpick for your "Lock Pick" of the Week? Either that or you should simply call it your "Lock of the Week".
ReplyDelete