When the Defense Roars: Missouri Tigers Dynasty

[Kcordloh]

Tigers to enjoy bye week, several things to watch this weekend

The #2 Missouri Tigers take a break this weekend entirely.

The #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0, 5-0) take a break from tough opponents with a matchup against Indiana (1-7, 0-5), a team they have beaten 20 straight times, and have not lost to since 1988, a run of 22 games without a loss.

#3 Kansas also has a bye week.

#4 Georgia Tech (8-0, 5-0) hosts Duke (4-4, 3-2). Duke has only lost in conference to ranked Miami and ranked Virginia Tech.

#5 LSU (7-1) hosts Alabama (4-3).

#6 Boise State (7-1, 4-1) plays at Wyoming (3-5, 2-3)

#7 Utah (7-1, 4-1) travels to #19 USC (6-3)

#8 Michigan State (6-2) travels to Nebraska (4-4)

#9 Miami (7-2) travels to #23 Virginia Tech (5-3)

#10 Oregon (5-3) goes to #24 Stanford (7-2)

#11 Air Force (8-0, 6-0) hosts Army (4-3, 0-0) in an Armed Forces Matchup

#18 Nevada (9-0, 6-0) has the week off.


All in all nothing major is occurring this week, so next weeks rankings should be fairly similar.

[Kcordloh]

Missouri has 7 verbal commits so far, 6 of them 5*

The Missouri Tigers recruiting class of 2015 is shaping up nicely. So far they have 7 verbal commits, 6 of them 5-stars. 5 of those commits are wide receivers, but early reports suggest two of them will be converted into safeties next season due to great awareness that suggests they will be great in the defensive position.

Missouri Tigers 2015 verbal commits Recruiting - 2015
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN	HT	WT	CALIBER
Jake Ray	WR	HS	Kitchener, CA	6'1	167
Youndian Vincent	WR	HS	West Pensacola, FL	5'10	187
Brian Jacobs	TE	HS	Adamsville, AL	6'8	242
Eric Butler	WR	HS	Mercedes, TX	6'1	160
Michael Thomas	WR	HS	Newton, IA	5'11	194
Mark Holmes	WR	HS	Brenham, TX	6'2	169
Devin Garrett	T	HS	Midwest City, OK	6'2	294

[Kcordloh]

LSU and Michigan State fall in upsets

3#5 LSU (7-2) and #8 Michigan State (6-3) were supposed to handle their divisional rivals. Apparently not, as Alabama (5-3) and Nebraska (5-4) handled their business and knocked off a pair of top 10 teams over the weekend. The weekend was looking to be quiet as there was only one top 25 matchup in the top 10 (#10 Oregon vs #24 Stanford) but with those two upsets it kept the weekend lively.

Top 10 results from November 5-7th, 2015

Results

#1 Ohio State (9-0) 31, Indiani (1-8) 14

#4 Georgia Tech (9-0) 42, Duke (4-5) 10

Alabama (5-3) 45, #5 LSU (7-2) 37

#6 Boise State (8-1) 32, Wyoming (3-6) 13

#7 Utah (8-1) 52, #19 USC (5-4) 23

Nebraska (5-4) 42, #8 Michigan State (6-3) 30

#9 Miami (8-2) 42, #23 Virginia Tech (5-4) 24

#10 Oregon (6-3) 35, #24 Stanford (7-3) 31

#11 Air Force (9-0) 47, Army (4-4) 35

NCAA Football Rankings - BCS Rankings - Updated: Nov 8, 2015
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	1	Ohio State	9	0	1.000
2	2	Missouri	9	0	.994
3	3	Kansas	9	0	.989
4	4	Georgia Tech	9	0	.983
5	6	Utah	8	1	.975
6	7	Boise State	8	1	.971
7	11	Air Force	9	0	.961
8	8	Miami	8	2	.961
9	10	Oregon	6	3	.958
10	5	LSU	7	2	.947
11	14	Arkansas	6	4
12	16	Middle Tennessee State	8	1
13	17	Notre Dame	8	3
14	19	Nevada	9	0
15	18	Auburn	6	3
16	9	Michigan State	6	3
17	22	Ohio	9	1
18	--	Alabama	5	3
19	25	Maryland	6	3
20	--	Nebraska	5	4
21	12	Rutgers	6	3
22	--	Oklahoma State	6	3
23	--	Florida State	7	2
24	--	Iowa	6	3
25	--	Baylor	7	3

[Kcordloh]

Matchup Preview *|* November 14, 2015
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#2 Missouri Tigers (9-0 (5-0), 5-0 Away)		#11 Arkansas Razorbacks (6-4 (3-4), 2-3 Home)
Offensive Stats Comparison #1 (60.5) Points Per Game #5 (46.0) 2977 (#12) Passing Yards 4072 (#3) 2565 (#4) Rushing Yards 1716 (#37) Defensive Stats Comparison 3417 (#45) Total Yards Allowed 5220 (#119) 2822 (#109) Passing Yards Allowed 3554 (#120) 595 (#1) Rushing Yards Allowed 1666 (#83) Injury Report LG. S Taylor Questionable WR. L. Herring 2 weeks WR. B. Hannah Doubtful RG. M. Danenhauer Probable HB. A. Harrell 1 week CB. S. Morgan Season Game Notes Last year this matchup was two unbeaten top 10 teams. This year it's #2 vs #11, 9-0 vs 6-4. Arkansas can beat Missouri though, they have a hurry up spread attack with great receivers. They score well, quickly, and will provide a great test. Missouri is without their two best running backs, and will have to go with untested and unproven freshmen in starting roles. B Mayes will provide carries in the fullback position, but honestly Missouri is in trouble at the running back spot. Their passing game is luckily going up against the worst pass defense in the nation, but their defense is going up against one of the best passing attacks ever. The Razorbacks love to air it out, and this will be one of the biggest tests the Tigers will have faced all year. Missouri is still the favorite, but not by nearly as large of a margin as one might guess based upon the records. Missouri 50, Arkansas 47 is the early line.

Other top 10 vs top 25 action:
#7 Miami (8-2) vs #24 Florida State (7-2)

[Kcordloh]

#11 Arkansas upsets #2 Missouri

#11 beating #2 might not sound like an upset. A #11 that is 6-4, has lost 4 conference games, and #2 is 9-0 and has only had two close games. Now thats an upset.

Missouri entered with a 5-2 record against Arkansas, a 3 game winning streak in the budding rivalry, and one of the top teams in the nation. Last year Arkansas was given a chance against Missouri and routed when it was undefeated vs undefeated. Not the case, and again predictions were wrong.

Missouri and Arkansas came out very evenly matched, and it showed as the game was 10-7 with the edge to Missouri after one period, not 21-7 like some feared. T Williams was off his game a little, even being intercepted twice in the first quarter, but the Razorbacks held strong.

B. Moore getting his first of two interceptions on the day

After a T. Williams pass found D. McDonald all alone in the endzone and the PAT forced a 17-17 tie with just over 6 minutes left in the first half, the Razorbacks never trailed.

The Razorbacks were ahead 24-17 and going for another when K. Hall picked off the ball at the goal line and returned in 100 yards to make it 24-24, seemingly gaining momentum for the Tigers!

K. Hall tied the game and seemingly shifted momentum

The halftime margin was 27-24 for the Razorbacks thanks to a last second field goal, and the game stayed that way. The Tiger battled back from a 41-24 deficit to make it 41-38 with 8 minutes left in the game. That was it for the Tigers, and the Razorbacks took a 48-38 lead. The game was sealed when Nick Bailey fumbled the ball in the endzone, and it was jumped on by D. Randall, making it a 3 score game, 55-38. The Tigers went four and out, and the game ended with Arkansas kneeling down and running out the clock.

For Razorback fans J. Dawson is their new hero

Missouri POTG: N. Bailey 23 of 42 for 301 yards, 2 TD
J. Ross 25 carries for 97 yards and 1 TD
K. Hall 10 tackles, 6 solo, 1 TFL, 1 int, 1 defensive TD
B. Moore, 5 tackles, 2 INT

Arkansas POTG: D. Burke 19 tackles, 7 solo, 1 TFL, 1 FF
K. Roberts 26 carries for 206 yards, 2 TD, 134 yards after 1st hit
T. Williams 29 for 41 for 424 yards, 4 INT, 4 INT, 0 sacks

Missouri Tigers at Arkansas Razorbacks
Nov 14, 2015	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#2 Missouri Tigers (9-0 )	10	14	7	7	38
#11 Arkansas Razorbacks (6-4)	7	20	14	14	55

Team Stats Comparison
	MIZZ	ARK
Total Offense	459	668
Rushing Yards	158	244
Passing Yards	301	424
First Downs	22	22
Punt Return Yards	19	30
Kick Return Yards	113	22
Total Yards	591	720
Turnovers	3	4
3rd Down Converstion	9-17	6-12
4th Down Conversion	0-0	0-0
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	5-4-0	6-2-2
Penalties	3 for 29 yards	3 for 44 yards
Posession Time	24:00	24:00

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		MIZZ	ARK
6:13	(MIZZ) B. Mays 3 yard run (PAT)	7	0
3:34	(ARK) K. Roberts 46 yard run (PAT)	7	7
1:30	(MIZZ) M. Coleman 41 yard field goal	10	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		MIZZ	ARK
9:45	(ARK) J. Ramsey 31 yard field goal	10	10
6:00	(MIZZ) J. Ross 19 yard pass from N. Bailey (PAT)	17	10
5:14	(ARK) D. McDonald 17 yard pass from T. Williams (PAT)	17	17
1:59	(ARK) K. Roberts 6 yard run (PAT)	17	24
0:37	(MIZZ) K. Hall returned an interception 100 yards (PAT)	24	24
0:06	(ARK) J. Ramsey 24 yard field goal	24	27
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		MIZZ	ARK
7:46	(ARK) J. Dawson 18 yard pass from T. Williams (PAT)	24	34
3:49	(ARK) J. Dawson 20 yard pass from T. Williams (PAT)	24	41
0:45	(MIZZ) J. Ross 6 yard run (PAT)	31	41
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		MIZZ	ARK
8:10	(MIZZ) J. Ross 5 yard pass from N. Bailey (PAT)	38	41
4:47	(ARK) D. Robinson 9 yard pass from T. Williams (PAT)	38	48
3:52	(ARK) D. Randall recovered fumble in endzone (PAT)	38	55

[Kcordloh]

So I originally played the game last night and lost 73-23. I saved the game and simmed ahead to conference championship weekend, or so I thought to see what the end of the season would look like (it was surprising, I'll share later.)

Anyway, I apparently "saved" after week 15, not after the game. I always keep two copies of the dynasty, in case something goes hinky last it has in the past, so I played the game again. Lost again, tried to win, but they kicked my butt again.

Perhaps more frustrating than last night's 73-23 shellacking. I dropped to #10 and they jumped to #8 when I simmed ahead last time, so I figure it will happen again.

[Kcordloh]

Tigers loss opens the door for a possible ACC/Big 10 title game, or even a MWC team

With the #2 Missouri Tigers losing to Arkansas, it opens the door for Missouri to defeat Kansas in two weeks and leave the Big XII without a clear contender to the BCS NC. If any of the five remaining teams left has their destiny in their own hands it is easily the Kansas Jayhawks and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes are 10-0 and don't have any major tests left before conference championship weekend. The Jayhawks have to fend off pesky in-state rival Kansas State, and bitter border rival Missouri to finish undefeated.

Georgia Tech (10-0) is the first choice to replace either team should GT stay perfect and one of the top two stumble. If two of the top three stumble, or even if they don't, the MWC champion could possibly get a boost from a top 5 matchup in the final game of the season, and slip into the BCS Title game.


In a bit of a controversy, Air Force is ranked below Boise State despite being the Broncos lone loss this season, and the Falcons not losing yet.
Nevada and Boise State face off this weekend for the MWC Mountain Division, so whoever wins that game will play Air Force who will most likely be 12-0, in the MWC Title game. Nevada has the toughest road left in the MWC, they must play Boise State and #26 Houston to finish their season.

Top 15 results from November 11-14th, 2015

Results

#1 Ohio State (10-0) spanked Illinois (5-5) 34-16

#11 Arkansas (7-4) shocked #2 Missouri (9-1) 55-38

#3 Kansas (10-0) manhandled Iowa State (6-4) 57-17

#4 Georgia Tech (10-0) slipped past Virginia (2-8) 35-30

#5 Utah (9-1) killed Colorado (4-6) 41-21

#6 Boise State (9-1) 42, UNLV (1-9) 13

#7 Miami (9-2) 40, #24 Florida State (7-3) 37 OT

#8 Air Force (10-0) 31, Wyoming (3-7) 28

#9 Oregon (7-3) 52, California (7-4) 24

#10 LSU (8-2) 54, Navy (2-7) 3

#12 Middle Tennessee State (9-1) 45, Arkansas State (3-6) 14

#13 Nevada (10-0) 50, New Mexico (5-5) 14

Georgia (6-4) 27, #14 Auburn (6-4) 14

#15 Michigan State (7-3) 33, #16 Notre Dame (8-4) 13

NCAA Football Rankings - Coaches Poll - Updated: Nov 15, 2015
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	1	Ohio State (34)	10	0	1498
2	3	Kansas (26)	10	0	1408
3	4	Georgia Tech (1)	10	0	1282
4	5	Utah	9	1	1116
5	6	Boise State	9	1	1078
6	8	Air Force	10	0	1056
7	7	Miami	9	2	1027
8	2	Missouri	9	1	997
9	11	Arkansas	7	4	981
10	9	Oregon	7	3	951
11	10	LSU	8	2
12	13	Nevada	10	0
13	12	Middle Tennessee State	9	1
14	15	Michigan State	7	3
15	17	Ohio	9	1
16	18	Alabama	6	3
17	20	Nebraska	6	4
18	22	Rutgers	7	3
19	23	Iowa	7	3
20	25	Baylor	8	3
21	--	Michigan	6	4
22	--	TCU	7	4
23	16	Notre Dame	8	4
24	24	Florida State	7	3
25	14	Auburn	6	4

NCAA Football Rankings - BCS Rankings - Updated: Nov 15, 2015
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	1	Ohio State	10	0	1.000
2	3	Kansas	10	0	.994
3	4	Georgia Tech	10	0	.989
4	6	Boise State	9	1	.978
5	5	Utah	9	1	.975
6	7	Air Force	10	0	.972
7	11	Arkansas	7	4	.967
8	2	Missouri	9	1	.958
9	8	Miami	9	2	.958
10	9	Oregon	7	3	.954
11	10	LSU	8	2
12	14	Nevada	10	0
13	12	Middle Tennessee State	9	1
14	16	Michigan State	7	3
15	17	Ohio	9	1
16	20	Nebraska	6	4
17	18	Alabama	6	3
18	21	Rutgers	7	3
19	24	Iowa	7	3
20	25	Baylor	8	3
21	--	Michigan	6	4
22	13	Notre Dame	8	4
23	--	TCU	7	4
24	23	Florida State	7	3
25	--	Purdue	6	4

[Kcordloh]

Matchup Preview *|* November 21, 2015
	@
Iowa State Cyclones (6-4 (3-3), 2-2 Away)		#8 Missouri Tigers (9-1 (5-1), 4-0 Home)
Injury Report CB. J Coleman 5 weeks LG. S. Taylor Questionable WR. B. Hannah Questionable WR. J. Thomas 8 weeks HB. A. Harrell Doubtful QB Nick Bailey Questionable: Possible concussion symdrome Game Notes Pick any category you want and the Missouri Tigers are superior to the Iowa State Cyclones. Even in Pass defense their ranking of 111th beats ISU's of 118. Now, imagine that dominance, with their ownership of this rivalry, and combine it with the anger at losing their undefeated season, which would have been only the second one ever in Missouri Tiger history. The Tigers are angry, mad, and ready to take it out on anyone in sight. Unfortunately for the Cyclones they honestly thought they had a chance to upset the Tigers and Jayhawks and win the Big XII North, but after they got beat down by the Jayhawks last week they lost some confidence, and it's not going to be any easier against the Tigers. The score might not be 50-10, the Tigers lack of extreme depth is beginning to show as they have lost several players due to injury, and a few more are suspended. There is also the fact Nick Bailey might be suffering from concussion syndrome. If so they will not have anyone over a sophomore in a quarter or half-back role playing against ISU. The Tigers defense is ready to step up, they have been studying extra film voluntarily after letting the Razorbacks gain 48 on their defense. The Razorbacks offense is second only to the Kansas Jayhawks offense in Division 1-FBS this year. If the Tigers beat ISU, and Jayhawks thump the Wildcats, next weekend's showdown will show if they got better against elite passing attacks.