Illinois @ Missouri preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 5, 2009 ) Missouri 37, Illinois 9

For better or worse, Saturday’s Arch Rivalry at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis is the last scheduled meeting between Missouri and Illinois.

It’s just as well if you believe the term “rivalry” requires each team to post an occasional victory. While Missouri fans might come to miss what has turned into an automatic season-starting victory, the Illini could be better off scheduling a cupcake, like those preferred by their Big 10 counterparts.

Missouri has won the previous five matchups by an average of 13 points, with last year’s 37-9 rout the most lopsided of the bunch. The margin came as a surprise considering Missouri’s starting lineup was loaded with freshmen and sophomores while Illinois quarterback Juice Williams led a talented, veteran-heavy squad.

But, as so often is the case with Ron Zook-coached teams, recruiting rankings rarely translate to on-field success. Many people close to the program were surprised – and disappointed – that Zook kept his job after leading the Illini to a miserable 3-9 mark. Of course he had to replace six assistants to survive.

The 2009 debacle came on the heels of a disappointing 5-7 record, so Zook is now three years removed from the unexpected Rose Bowl run of 2007. Since then his teams have generated high expectations and subpar results.

On offense, Illinois returns five starters but few noted playmakers. Seven starters return from a defense that ranked dead last in the Big 10 in nearly every major category.

Missouri is coming off a solid but unspectacular season under coach Gary Pinkel. The Tigers went 8-5 with one of the youngest rosters in the Big 12, ending with a 35-13 loss to Navy in the Texas Bowl.

Junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert, coming off a solid season, will shoulder a bigger load now that senior tailback and co-captain Derrick Washington has been “permanently suspended” following a felony sexual assault charge. Sophomore Kendial Lawrence and junior De’Vion Moore will split carries in Washington's absence. The Tigers have a major weapon in All-American kicker Grant Ressel, who made 26 of 27 field-goal attempts last year.

The defense, which returns eight starters, is paced by fearsome defensive end Aldon Smith. He led all freshmen last year with 11.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.

Missouri has won 17 straight non-conference games and eight straight season openers.