Missouri Tigers: Mizzou unfazed by playing No. 1 Oklahoma in Norman

September 20, 2011|by Chris Replogle, KY3 News | creplogle@ky3.com

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- That was then, this is now.

The Missouri Tigers upset victory last season at Faurot Field against the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners is now a distant memory. Oklahoma basically returned most of its starters from last year's Big 12 Conference championship team.

"I don't think they have any weaknesses," said Missouri Tigers Head Coach Gary Pinkel. "They are impressive on both sides of the football, and are playing very well."

The difference between last year and this year is location. Missouri has not beaten the Sooners in Norman since 1966. Dan Devine led the Tigers that Saturday. Bob Stoops has owned Norman since his arrival. Oklahoma is 78-2 under Stoops at home.

Missouri's true road test earlier this season at Arizona State gives them confidence. The Tigers lost 37-30 in overtime to the Sun Devils. The late start on ESPN made that night even louder. Yet, the noise never fazed sophomore quarterback James Franklin, leading a two-touchdown comeback to tie the game.

"He (James Franklin) understands what it is going to be like," said Pinkel. "You saw him screaming, checking plays at the line of scrimmage in front of all those people. That being said, it's a great environment."

Missouri is the underdog again. Odds-makers made Oklahoma a three-touchdown favorite for Saturday.

"I think the bottom line, you have to execute against who you are playing against," said Missouri Tigers receiver T.J. Moe. "They're the number one team in the country for the second year in a row. There is a reason for that."

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on FX.

Talk Tigers with us on Facebook @KYTV TigerTalk or on Twitter @ky3tigertalk.

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