College Football is back and my current school Mizzou is looking to take another Arch Rivalry game against Illinois Saturday morning. The Tigers have taken the last 5 games in this series, dating back to 2002 and including the last 3 seasons. The Tigers have pretty much dominated these games the last 3 years, with the Illini scoring some late points to make the scores look more even in some of the games.
Last year wasn't close at all and the final score reflected it, with Mizzou taking the game 37-9. In my opinion, this is due to the fact that Illinois is losing talent from their team, while Mizzou has remained a solid football team. They look to improve on last year with their young team, returning one of the most talented Quarterbacks in the nation in Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert is a prototypical NFL Quarterback, 6'5'', big arm, and can move around in the pocket. Gabbert did lose his top target in Denario Alexander, but Mizzou has plenty of young Wide Receivers to throw to for Gabbert. Gabbert should be able to pick apart the Illini defense, just as he did last year in this game.
One impact in this game could be the dismissal of Tailback Derrick Washington for the Mizzou Tigers. He was charged with sexual assault and was immediately dismissed from the team. Sophomore Kendial Lawrence will be taking over the starting role for Mizzou. Lawrence is a much quicker back than Washington which should make him a better fit for the Tigers spread offense. Although the Tigers will most likely miss Washington this year, Lawrence is certainly not a step down from Washington. Lawrence showed some flashes of his quickness and lateral moves last year for the Tigers and I expect him to play a big role in this game as well. Look for Lawrence to have a coming out party on Saturday morning in the Dome.
Another huge part of this game is the injuries to key defenders in the Illini defensive backfield. Injuries suffered by starting safety Supo Sanni and cornerback Terry Hawthorne will play a big role in this game. I have even heard of talk that they will be playing some of their offensive players at these positions for lack of better options. Gabbert will be chomping at the bit to throw all over this depleted defense. If Lawrence can get into the second level, he will be running all over this defense as well.
Taking all these factors into account, the Tigers should be able to take this game with ease Saturday morning over Illinois. The Illini will just not be able to match points with the Tigers in my opinion, as they also have a new Quarterback playing in this game making his first collegiate start. Mizzou's standout Defensive End Aldon Smith will be all over the young QB in this game. I don't see how the Illini can win this game or even keep it close. Take the Tigers on the spread of -12 over the Illini on 9/4.
Play it or fade it, good luck either way
Last year wasn't close at all and the final score reflected it, with Mizzou taking the game 37-9. In my opinion, this is due to the fact that Illinois is losing talent from their team, while Mizzou has remained a solid football team. They look to improve on last year with their young team, returning one of the most talented Quarterbacks in the nation in Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert is a prototypical NFL Quarterback, 6'5'', big arm, and can move around in the pocket. Gabbert did lose his top target in Denario Alexander, but Mizzou has plenty of young Wide Receivers to throw to for Gabbert. Gabbert should be able to pick apart the Illini defense, just as he did last year in this game.
One impact in this game could be the dismissal of Tailback Derrick Washington for the Mizzou Tigers. He was charged with sexual assault and was immediately dismissed from the team. Sophomore Kendial Lawrence will be taking over the starting role for Mizzou. Lawrence is a much quicker back than Washington which should make him a better fit for the Tigers spread offense. Although the Tigers will most likely miss Washington this year, Lawrence is certainly not a step down from Washington. Lawrence showed some flashes of his quickness and lateral moves last year for the Tigers and I expect him to play a big role in this game as well. Look for Lawrence to have a coming out party on Saturday morning in the Dome.
Another huge part of this game is the injuries to key defenders in the Illini defensive backfield. Injuries suffered by starting safety Supo Sanni and cornerback Terry Hawthorne will play a big role in this game. I have even heard of talk that they will be playing some of their offensive players at these positions for lack of better options. Gabbert will be chomping at the bit to throw all over this depleted defense. If Lawrence can get into the second level, he will be running all over this defense as well.
Taking all these factors into account, the Tigers should be able to take this game with ease Saturday morning over Illinois. The Illini will just not be able to match points with the Tigers in my opinion, as they also have a new Quarterback playing in this game making his first collegiate start. Mizzou's standout Defensive End Aldon Smith will be all over the young QB in this game. I don't see how the Illini can win this game or even keep it close. Take the Tigers on the spread of -12 over the Illini on 9/4.
Play it or fade it, good luck either way
