Missouri State @ Missouri preview
Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium
Former Missouri assistant Dave Steckel will return to Memorial Stadium on the visiting sideline Saturday when his Missouri State team takes on the Tigers. The Tigers hope a talented, young offense can torch their former defensive coordinator in the first meeting of the in-state foes since 1923.
Steckel spent 14 years as a defensive assistant for the Tigers under former coach Gary Pinkel, while eight of his nine full-time assistants either played or coached at Missouri. He returns to start his third season with the Bears, who improved to 4-7 a year ago after going 1-10 in his inaugural campaign. The Tigers are 16-0 against FCS opponents and have outscored their last 13 FCS foes 656-96. Missouri State has not defeated an FBS opponent since a 31-24 win over UNLV to begin the 1990 season.
TV: Noon ET, SEC Network. LINE: None.
ABOUT MISSOURI STATE (2016: 4-7): The Bears return most of their offensive firepower from a year ago, including their top four rushers and 82.7 percent of their offensive production. The problem for Missouri State is that unit didn’t produce much, averaging only 23.4 points and 321.4 total yards. The defense, which gave up a whopping 35.7 points per contest a year ago, is anchored by All-Missouri Valley defensive lineman Colby Isbell, who had 6.5 sacks in 2016.
ABOUT MISSOURI (2016: 4-8): The Tigers bring back 10 starters on offense, including the potent trio of quarterback Drew Lock, running back Damarea Crockett, and receiver J’Mon Moore. Missouri ranked 13th nationally and led the SEC in total offense last season, and the only starter lost was tight end Sean Kulkin. The Tigers have more questions on defense, but they boast a pair of preseason All-SEC linemen in Marcell Frazier and Terry Beckner Jr.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Missouri has won 18 of its last 20 home openers.
2. Missouri State return specialist Deion Holliman is the only FCS player in the nation to return a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown each of the past two seasons.
3. The Tigers are one of four FBS teams in the nation who return a 3,000-yard passer (Lock), 1,000-yard receiver (Moore), and 1,000-yard rusher (Crockett).
PREDICTION: Missouri 41, Missouri State 10