MISSOURI vs ILLINOIS
Missouri
Last year was suppose to be a rebuild year for the Tigers which proved many of us wrong. They only returned 9 starters in 2009 (5 offensive & 4 defensive) and still managed an 8-4 season. In 2010, they return 16 starters, 8 offensive (4 linemen) - including the QB and 8 defensive (2 linemen).
The offensive line is more experienced and should protect QB Gabbert much better and open more holes for RB Washington this year. They did loose WR Alexander but have experience at the wide outs to compensate for his departure. QB Gabbert has a year under his belt and should be one of the best in the B12. Overall, I expect more production from this offensive unit this year.
The defensive line is also more experienced this year which should help improve the defensive backs play as well. This defensive unit improved by 41 ypg last year with only 4 returning starters. Overall, I believe there is room for improvement and expect a better performance from this group in 2010.
Illinois
Last year they returned 14 starters including their ace QB Juice Williams and still had a loosing season. This year they return 12 starters, 5 offensive and 7 defensive but loose their QB Williams and top WR Benn to graduation. Those are huge losses to this struggling program.
The offensive unit is less experienced and only return 48% of the total yards this year. That's more than half their offensive output gone with a few key players. In addition, they break in a new QB playing on the road/neutral field. That coupled with the lack experience at the WR positions doesn't bode well for this offensive unit. Did I mention they have a new offensive coordinator as well? On a positive note, they do return 4 of their top 5 RBs which should help the new QB settle in.
The defensive unit seems to be fine with the exception of the defensive backs where two SS, FS & CB all need to be replaced. That's a total of 4 DBs from a unit that got torched last year. This is their achilles' heel in 2010. Did I mention they have a new defensive coordinator as well? Teams that can pass will enjoy playing Illinois until they make some mid year adjustments.
Match-up
Last year these teams played and Mizz won 37-9 as a 7 point favorite. Let's look at the numbers. Mizz had a total of 442 yards (325 pass + 117 rush) vs ILL who had 325 yards (215 pass + 110 rush). QB Gabbert was 25 of 33 (76%) 319 yds in his college debut last year. The yards seemed fairly close in last year's game even though the score wasn't. The difference in 2010 will be a stronger, more experienced Mizz team lead by a 2nd year QB who brings a ton of confidence into this game. Can't say the same for ILL. Their offense will be searching for their next Juice Williams to help kick start this offense and their DBs will be asked to grow up quickly against QB Gabbert and his aerial attack.
Stats
MIzz is 5-0 L5 / 5-0L5N vs ILL (100%)
Mizz is 10-2 L12 ats vs non-conf opponents (83%)
Mizz is 8-1 ats as RF s/07 - avg score 42 to 20 (89%)
ILL is 05 L5 yrs / 0-8 neutral ats L10 years (0%)
ILL is 2-12 L14 ats vs non-conf opponents (14%)
ILL (coach - Zook) is 5-11 L16 ats vs non-conf opponents (31%)
ILL (coach - Zook) is 3-7 vs revenge (30%)
ILL has lost to Mizz by 13 ppg s/02
KEY Stat - Mizz is 82-18 ats L100 SU wins (82%) > If they win - they cover!
To sum it up. I expect Mizz to bring it this year as this team will definitely challenge the Cornhuskers in the B12 North. This team will improve on both sides on the ball and their offense should exploit a weaker ILL secondary and top last year's 325 passing yards. ILL's offensive will NOT match last year's output without a proven QB with the skills that Juice possessed. I expect ILL will struggle to move the ball with any level of consistency in this rematch. This game will get ugly imo.
Projected Line: Mizz -13
Projected Score: Mizz 45-7
Lay the points with confidence.
GL,
Rockman 
posted by rockman
5 replies
-
0 likes
ALRIGHT PUT SOME NOW PUT SOME LATER AS IT GOES
ROCK LETS WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
posted by coolrick1
July 27 2010 5:02pm -
0 likes
gl rock with the play some of the guys at another site are going to jays game one of them is pucksrus tickets are bought 3 guys can't make it if you like to join us let me know we are meeting 5.30 sharp on Friday gate 2 all you can eat section
posted by takis28
July 27 2010 6:51pm -
0 likes
Hey Takis,
How's it going? Thanks for the invite but we have some friends coming over for dinner Friday night. Enjoy the game and we'll talk soon.
Rockman
posted by rockman
July 28 2010 8:47am -
0 likes
OK
posted by takis28
July 28 2010 5:33pm -
0 likes
bump ^^
posted by ricky
Sept. 1 2010 9:28pm