MU-CU Links!

• The Trib (Dave Matter): Behind the Numbers: Missouri-Colorado

  The matchup across the line of scrimmage doesn’t figure to be as challenging this week, though it all depends on which Colorado defense shows up on Saturday. Some of the statistical disparity the Buffs’ run D has produced this season is simply baffling. To wit, here are some of the yards-per-carry averages opponents have produced against the Buffs: Toledo, 7.1; West Virginia, 6.1; Texas, 1.8; Kansas, (minus-0.4); Kansas State, 4.9.

  Colorado smothered Kansas’ running game, holding a hobbled Jake Sharp to 29 yards on 13 carries and turned the Longhorns one-dimensional, keeping Cody Johnson to just 20 yards on nine carries. But then there are these big running performances against the Buffs:
  * DaJuane Collins, Toledo: 20 carries-160 yards
  * Noel Devine, West Virginia: 22-220
  * Daniel Thomas, Kansas State: 20-145

  Colorado’s ability to defend the run appears to be a common thread in its two wins this season. In their two victories, the Buffs held Wyoming and Kansas to 1.2 yards per carry and 34.0 yards per game; in their five losses, those averages inflate to 5.0 and 196.0, respectively.

• The Trib: Hawkins vows to fight on at Colorado
• The Trib: Behind the Stripes Webcast: Episode 12, Pt. 1
• Post-Dispatch: Colorado searches for consistency
• KC Star: Mizzou faces a Colorado team in disarray
• PowerMizzou: Powered Up: The most important game
• Atomic Teeth: Swapping horses midstream
• Boulder Daily Camera: Stubborn streak still big problem for Buffaloes (gee, sounds familiar)
• Boulder Daily Camera: Tyler Hansen eager to put pressure on his shoulders

  Then, he was the wet-behind-the-ears rookie, the kid who was looking for answers, not providing them. He knew the plays -- but he didn`t know how to react. He found himself walking to the sidelines when the offense left the field, soliciting advice and support.

  Now the dynamic has changed. After leading the Buffs to a win over Kansas -- and even after last weekend`s disappointing loss at Kansas State -- the difference isnoticeable. Now, Hansen`s teammates listen when he speaks. His voice has command in the huddle and he no longer finds himself caught up in the whirlwind.

  Now he belongs, and now, his teammates listen. They know what he`s capable of producing, they have confidence in his abilities and they look to him for leadership.

  "It`s changed a lot," Hansen allowed. "Now, guys are asking me what to do. They`re asking me about the game, asking me about the week, asking me what to expect.

  "It`s a lot different than last year, that`s for sure."

• Boulder Daily Camera: Mizzou still boasts weapons on offense
• Boulder Daily Camera: CU football players hold meeting

Other Mizzou Football Links!

• PowerMizzou: Failure to Communicate

  Communication seemed to be the buzzword. It was what the Tigers said after the long pass plays against Illinois last year. It was repeated after two long bombs against Oklahoma State. It was mentioned again on the fourth down game-winner by Kansas. But what does it mean?
  
  "It pretty much means that guys aren't looking at the sideline when coaches are giving the calls," Weatherspoon explained on Monday. "Or not effectively communicating with everybody what the call is. That's pretty much it."
  
  On both offense and defense, the Tiger coaches send plays in with hand signals from the sideline. Each player is supposed to get that call from the sideline.
  
  "When a call comes in from the sideline, it should go from my corner to the other corner," Kevin Rutland said. "With my call being the call side, there should be nine guys between that the call goes through. On certain plays, on a couple plays, that kind of cost us and it didn't take place."

• PowerMizzou: 2010 Offensive Recruiting Hot Board
• The Missourian: COMMENT: Blowout Missouri football loss hurts appeal of Homecoming
• Inside Missouri Football: Tiger Rookie Spotlight

Big 12 Links!

• The Trib: Controlled chaos in the North
• KC Star: K-State's defensive line has improved dramatically
  KC Star (Campus Corner): Tysyn Hartman, Emmanuel Lamur a dynamic duo at safety
• Dallas Morning News: OSU's Dez Bryant says he's undecided on NFL
  Tulsa World: Cowboys do not seem doomed without Dez
  Burnt Orange Nation: The State of Oklahoma: Muschamp's Big Test This Season
• Corn Nation: Do You Feel Like You're Being Punished?
• Tulsa World: Up close: Trent Ratterree (RATTERREE!!!)

Other Mizzou Links!

• MU Basketball
  The Trib: Keyon Dooling's NBA career takes pleasing turns
  The Trib (Steve Walentik): Ex-Tigers spread around the globe
  We Are Mizzou: Tigers in the Community: Mizzou Hoops Hosts the Boys & Girls Club
• MU Volleyball
  MUtigers.com: Ampudia Leads Efficient Sweep of K-State
  The Missourian: Klein returns in Missouri volleyball victory