Toledo @ Missouri preview

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel faces his former team for the first time when the Tigers host Toledo on Saturday. Pinkel racked up a 73-37-3 record in 10 years at Toledo - the most wins in school history - before bolting for Missouri in 2000. Pinkel's Tigers are after their first 2-0 start since 2010 following a 58-14 win against outmatched Murray State. The Rockets had never faced a Southeastern Conference opponent before opening the season with two straight SEC foes, as they lost 24-6 at Florida last week.

Missouri hopes its defense can pick up where it left off after blanking Murray State over the final three quarters, thanks in part to a pair of E.J. Gaines interceptions. Despite returning nine offensive starters from a year ago, the Rockets managed only 205 total yards against Florida and will need a better performance to hang with a Missouri team that has plenty of offensive playmakers. It's the first meeting between the programs.

TV: 3:32 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Missouri -17.

ABOUT TOLEDO (0-1): The Rockets' defense held its own for most of the opener against the Gators, but the ballyhooed offense never clicked. Star running back David Fluellen had some success early, both on the ground and catching the ball out of the backfield, but Florida shut him down in the second half, and quarterback Terrance Owens wasn't much of a factor. The key for the Rockets might be keeping it close so they can remain balanced on offense and try to keep the defense off the field and fresh.

ABOUT MISSOURI (1-0): The Tigers racked up the second-most total yards in program history with 694 yards against the Racers and pulled away after trailing 14-13 in the first quarter. The offense showed strong balance under first-year coordinator Josh Henson, as James Franklin was 26-of-38 for 318 yards and three touchdowns and Henry Josey (13 carries, 113 yards) and Russell Hansbrough (eight carries, 104 yards) each went over 100 yards rushing. The defense is the Tigers' biggest question, but the unit settled in after a lackluster showing on the first two series and dominated the final three quarters last week.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Tigers have forced at least one turnover in 31 consecutive games dating to a loss at Nebraska on Oct. 30, 2010.

2. Toledo K Jeremiah Detmer has made 19 consecutive field-goal attempts dating to last year, including two in the opener.

3. Missouri is 11-3 against MAC opponents under Pinkel and has won eight straight against teams from the league.

PREDICTION: Missouri 23, Toledo 17