Is Oklahoma that good or is Mizzou's defense that BAAADDD??!!
The answer is both, but I still think Texas would beat Oklahoma head to head in a rematch.
While Mizzou's offense has risen to the level of the elite schools like Oklahoma, Texas, USC, Florida and Texas Tech, it is very clear the defense is one of the worst in the country.
Old Larry Smith defenses were better than this squad of untrained talent. Still young, much of the defense could be groomed into an elite defense on par with LSU and Florida and USC. But only if Gary Pinkel does something he has refused to do... Hire a better defensive coordinator.
Matt Eberflus is in his eighth year as defensive coordinator and his third with the title of associate head coach at Mizzou. The 2007 season marked Eberflus' 16th season under Gary Pinkel, and his ninth campaign coaching defensive backs.
While he may be great at recruiting and executing Pinkel's vision, he has not been able to make Mizzou's defense more than a "on paper" elite. Playing a light schedule the last few years has only added to this problem. But when faced with REAL competition, the defense folds like a poorly stacked deck of cards.
In 2007, Eberflus' defense was at, or near, the top of the Big 12 in nearly every major defensive category. For his efforts, Eberflus was twice recognized as the National Defensive Coordinator of the Week. This is not good news, Tiger fans. This kind of garbage only happens against horrible teams and has no real substance with regard to Mizzou's real defensive capabilities.
If Missouri HAD a defense, they wouldn't have been down 38-7 at the half against Oklahoma. They wouldn't have been in the same situation against Texas. They wouldn't be asking the same questions EVERY year.
Say what you want about the Longhorn and Sooner defenses, they shut down our high powered offense. 21 points in a 62-point blowout mean nothing, despite Stoops' antics on the sideline.
21 points with a defense that could have held Oklahoma to 21 points in regulation would have been acceptable. Actually, 21 points in a 28-21 game would have been perfectly okay with me. At least that shows some respectability.
Mr. Pinkel, just spouting stats that mean nothing and only pad your longtime friend Eberflus do nothing to make Mizzou a REAL elite team. Next year, you'll be lucky not to lose the North to Nebraska which will actually have a defense next year.
This much is clear from the second Big 12 Championship game: Mizzou is NOT as good as Oklahoma, or Texas either, which in my opinion are the two best teams in the country.
Mizzou also had NO BUSINESS in the Big 12 title game. Not even the 3rd best team in the conference, Mizzou benefited from a weak North Division that WILL be much better next year.
There is not one good reason Mizzou should be a four-loss team this year with the talent on both sides of the ball.
It's time Pinkel does something about it. The time is NOW.
Unless of course Tiger fans, you like being just good enough to make a mediocre bowl outside the BCS every year.
What a yawner the Texas A&M/Texas game was. I can hardly imagine having to be one of the commentators for that crapola. And why is the Bachelor all of a sudden this year's most used analyst and color commentator? I know the guy used to play football, but didn't the whole handing out the roses thing kind of kill the street cred?
Anyway, Friday has a bunch of yawners in store for us as well. Well, I suppose West Virginia/Pitt could be a good game with the rivalry considered. Still, these are Big East teams we are talking about, so who really cares?
Saturday, though on paper it looks like blowout central, I suspect we will see some MAJOR upsets and great rivalry games. Here is my take on what will unfold over the next couple of days...
Fresno State 21 Boise State 20
As much as I respect what Boise State has done this year and over the last decade, Fresno State always has a great upset up their collars once a year. Despite being on the home smurf, I expect a close one. Although I wouldn't be surprised if the Broncos remained focused and pull it out.
West Virginia 31 Pitt 24
This game is usually a bloody ordeal, though it had bigger implications before losses that made Pitt fans reach for the Prilosec. Officials will not be pleased about the 4-loss season at Pitt, especially in a year the Big East title was so easy to grab.
LSU 44 Arkansas 14
Yawn.
Mizzou 52 Kansas 28
My how the Jayhawks have sucked this year!!!! Close for the first quarter, but Mizzou is stacked with talent and ready for a big game atmosphere at Arrowhead. And the big game at Arrowhead to follow with the Big 12 Championship on the line. Call it a warm-up despite the rivalry. Mizzou is still pissed about missing the BCS last year despite killing the Jayhawks' Big 12 Title hopes, while Kansas got the big trip to Miami. Time for more payback.
USC 24 Notre Dame 17
Closer than everyone expects, but the kids are fighting for the big guy despite the head scratching losses to the likes of the Orangemen.
Virginia Tech 23 Virginia 21
Will the real Cavalier squad please stand up??? How about the real Hokie squad??? Talk about inconsistency. These two teams have no identity this year. Should be of interest to those of us that went to high school in Virginia, but not many others.
Oklahoma 38 Oklahoma State 28
Boone Pickens Stadium will be rocking for the first half. Look for the bar across the street to be filled to capacity by the 3rd quarter. If you're going to the game will you get me an Eskimo Joe's shirt??? XXL please!!!
I have been blogging here for so long, I forgot my old password and had to set up a new blog this year. BOO!
Anyway, my old space was at community.fox sports.com/bl ogs/brianblac k in case you think you've heard the trash talk before... It's the same this year as it was last year... Mizzou is #1!!!!!!! Go Cowboys! Go Rays!
www.myspace.c om/revbrianbl ack
