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Mizzou Links, 9-8-10

By Bill Connelly
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Mizzou Football Links

  • The Trib (Dave Matter): Behind the Numbers: McNeese State
    In their season-opening 30-27 win over Lamar, the Cowboys ran the ball 44 times to 31 throws, averaging 4.2 yards per carry and 16.2 per completion. McNeese fumbled five times in that game, losing three. The Cowboys also converted 3 of 3 fourth-down attempts. Matt Viator's team was stout against the run, giving up just 10 rushing yards on 20 Lamar carries. But Lamar did its damage through the air, completing 24 of 42 passes for 426 yards, for an impressive 17.8 yards per completion.
  • The Trib: Injuries test defense's depth
  • The Trib (Dave Matter): Aldon Smith latest Tiger to earn Big 12 weekly honor
  • The Missourian: MU uses four defensive ends to add pressure

    Learning the subtleties of a new position didn’t pose too much of a challenge for Aldon Smith, who spent some time playing defensive tackle last season.

    "I don’t really see differences because they’re all offensive lineman," he said. "I think you got to take it in mind that you’ve got a better chance at getting double teamed. They’re a little bit stronger inside."

    While Smith might feel slightly undersized, his speed and quickness lead to a mismatch on the inside.

    "We played him at defensive end, we played him at defensive tackle, and we dropped him out into coverage a couple times," MU coach Gary Pinkel said. "We spied him out on the quarterback a few times in the second half. I utilize his athleticism."

    It remains unclear how much the Tigers will use the new front throughout the season, but redshirt freshman defensive end Michael Sam is confident in the scheme.

    "Somebody’s going to get free," Sam said. "If that thing does not work, than you should not even do it anymore."

  • Post-Dispatch: De'Vion Moore looks to make his mark

    "De'Vion may have flown under the radar because he came in with Derrick Washington and Derrick had the high school numbers and the accolades," offensive coordinator David Yost said. "Then there's the next group of guys and you get excited about the next tailback. I remember when Chase Patton was going to take Brad Smith's (quarterback) job and Chase Daniel was going to take Brad Smith's job. Everyone falls in love with the new recruits. That's how it falls sometimes."

    But the coaching staff thought they had a good one in Moore.

    "We thought he was really good (in high school)," coach Gary Pinkel said. "I thought he had great speed and acceleration. We thought we had a heck of a player, a real high level Big 12 running back. Everything he's doing doesn't surprise me at all. I think he really stepped it up last week, which a lot of guys do.

    "He's experienced, he's run the ball a lot, and I think that shows a little bit. I think him and Kendial are a pretty good 1-2 punch."

  • KBIA Sports Extra: VIDEO: Gary Pinkel on Blaine Gabbert
  • PowerMizzou: Tiger Watch: 2011 commitments
  • KC Star (Campus Corner): Alden Goes Beyond "No Further Comments" on Derrick Washington

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And here's the latest in the FO Basics series: Regression Towards The Mean.

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