Missouri Tigers Live Stream: Three Keys vs. Toledo Rockets
The Missouri Tigers (1-0) travel to Toledo, Ohio to take on the Rockets (1-0) in a game that might be tougher than some think.
The Vitals
- Where – Glass Bowl Stadium, Toledo, Ohio
- Kickoff Time – 12 p.m. CDT
- TV Channel – ESPN
- Radio – Tiger Network, Sirius 108, XM 190
- Live Stream – Mizzou Network (subscription required)
For Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel this is a homecoming to a place where he was very successful early in his coaching tenure. For nine years (1991-2000) Pinkel guided the Rockets to 73 wins including an undefeated season in 1995. This is also a bit of a homecoming for sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk, who grew up just an hour and a half away from Toledo in Kenton.
Toledo’s fan base has themed the day “Beat Mizzou, Wear Blue” and are looking to make it a very hostile environment. The Glass Bowl has become notorious for beating ranked opponents, as the Rockets are 5-2 all time when hosting top 25 teams.
Missouri struggled at times last week against South Dakota State, especially on third down. Mizzou went just 3-for-11 on third downs, as the South Dakota State defense was able to confuse Muak and the Tiger offense.
You’re lead to believe that a much more talented Rockets defense will be looking to do the same. Lead by Junior Sylvester and Trent Ross, both leading the team with nine tackles last week, the Rockets defense doesn’t have enough to completely smother the Missouri offense but could do some damage on third down.
Missouri had zero turnovers on offense last week and they need to continue that trend this week, which leads me to my three keys to the game.
- Protect The Football – The Tigers offense picked up 19 first downs, 393 yards of total offense and zero turnovers in week one. It’s not likely that they’ll score on every drive but it is imperative that they don’t give Toledo a short field. Protect the football, and don’t put you’re defense in tough spots.
- Get The Run Game Going Early – As much as Missouri is known for big plays down the field, they need to be recognized as an offense that likes to move the ball on the ground. Marcus Murphy and Russel Hansbrough did a lot of damage on the ground last week, combining for 215 rushing yards. If they can get the line of scrimmage controlled early, it could be a long day for the Rockets.
- Get After The Quarterback – Lead by Marcus Golden, the Tigers have potential to have a dangerous pass rush in 2014. The Tigers need get in the face of Toledo quarterback, Phillip Ely. The Alabama transfer threw for four touchdowns in week one and only had six incompletions. Marcus Golden needs to get in his face, and do it quickly, taking Ely out of his comfort zone and forcing some turnovers. Missouri still has the NCAA lead with 45 consecutive games with at least one forced turnover. Lets keep that going.
At the end of the day, it will take a special effort from Toledo to get this done.
That’s of course if the Tigers don’t show up and completely lay an egg. Missouri enters this game ranked no. 24 and they should leave Toledo the same way.