Mizzou Links, 9-12-08

While we can maybe worry about the redshirts being torn off of a couple of Tigers, one thing's for certain: the future at LB is all sorts of bright.

Of all the young linebackers, [Will] Ebner’s already put together a few highlight-worthy tackles, showing the same flair for exploding through ball-carriers that MU coaches saw on his game film at Friendswood, Texas, High School. Once the pads came on during preseason camp, Ebner (6-1, 230) convinced the coaches he was ready to contribute.

"He was striking people," MU Coach Gary Pinkel said. "Some people when they hit, they jolt a player. Other players, when they hit, they go through the player. It’s a different type of explosion. He’s one of those guys he snaps you when you hits you."

Just ask SEMO running back Robert Watley, whom Ebner smoked a yard behind the line of scrimmage in the third quarter. Ebner later dropped him for a 5-yard loss in the fourth quarter, then hurried quarterback Matt Scheible into a poor throw that was deflected.

The Missourian has a similar take.

Of course, the LB present is not too shabby either.

Nevada Links!

• Powermizzou: Three Tiger keys to victory
• Dave Matter: Checking in on the Wolfpack (a discussion with a Reno Gazette-Journal writer).  "Yes, Nevada can be effective throwing the ball, but they don’t have the kind of passing attack that’s going to make a defensive coordinator sweat bullets. Last season they were good at big plays (only Oklahoma had more plays of 25 yards or more) but the efficiency was an issue (about 53 percent completion). At least so far this year they seem more intent on a ball-control passing game. Marko Mitchell is off to a good start and could play on Sundays."
• Reno Gazette-Journal: Pack will have its hands full with Chase Daniel.  Yes, yes they will.

Tommy Saunders: Awesome.

The KC Star takes a look at the Mizzou secondary and the improvements that need to (and probably will) be made.

The Big 12: the ultimate passer's conference.

Finally, Steve Walentik has a nice write-up on JT Tiller's upcoming third year in a Mizzou basketball uniform.

"I guess you guys are blind because I’ve always loved him," freshman Kimmie English said when asked about Tiller. "But I guess with Keon here, he had to be in his shadow."

No more.

Tiller, always a favorite of Anderson’s because of his intensity and never-slow-down determination, is sure to get first shot at stepping into Lawrence’s spot at the Tigers’ top shooting guard.

The P-D's Vahe Gregorian talks a little Mizzou basketball as well.