...But when the chips were down in the second half, Illinois was nowhere to be seen. In those devastating 30 minutes, Missouri prevailed 20-0, stuffed the UI running game, intercepted two passes...

...Missouri had better line play but forget that. Coach Gary Pinkel created what amounted to a touch football attack with Gabbert usually alone in the backfield...

..He was sacked once while throwing 48 times – yes, the Illini caught him once in 49 dropbacks..

...An honest viewer could only conclude that, if these teams played again next Saturday, it wouldn't be this close.

...It's like guys who shoot free throws all the time. They get better at it. Missouri throws the ball and they've become very good at it."