October 9, 2002 ON THE HUSKER MENU: MISSOURI TIGERS Both winless in the Big 12, Nebraska and Missouri are hungry for first conference win By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com Editor On paper this weekend’s Nebraska vs. Missouri game looks to be one heck of a football game. That can be good or bad depending on which team you’re rooting for, and how much your football stomach can take. One thing is for sure. Both teams are in a must-win situation if either wants a shot at the Big 12 North title. The teams that will be lining up to play are the Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-2, 0-1) and Missouri Tigers. (3-2, 0-1). Kickoff is set for 11:30 AM Central at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The game will be available on pay-per-view through Nebraska and Missouri cable companies and by DirecTV and Dish Network nationally. The cost is $29.95. Full Details The Tigers are fresh off an impressive performance against 3rd-ranked Oklahoma in Columbia. Even though impressive, the Tigers lost to the Sooners 31-24. But it was close. And Missouri’s quarterback played a major role in the Tigers’ success. Redshirt freshman quarterback Brad Smith will lead the Tiger team into Lincoln with standout numbers. In passing, Smith is 94 for 176 for 1,053 yards for the season. He’s thrown for 5 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. His rushing numbers are almost as impressive. A total of 607 yards on the ground, with 5 touchdowns. Smith often made minced meat of the Sooner defense last Saturday in the Tiger loss. Chalk up Smith’s appearance in Lincoln as another super-sized challenge for the Husker blackshirts. Let’s compare Smith’s numbers to the Husker signal-caller. Lord has passed 84 times this season, completing 44 for 599 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Lord has rushed 91 times for 591 yards. Much of the yardage in those numbers were against Division 1-AA McNeese St. Missouri’s other loss was a 51-28 setback at Bowling Green. However, before Husker fans breathe a bit easier, the Tigers had no problem with a team that Nebraska has also played this year. The Tigers beat Troy St. 44-7, but Nebraska struggled with Troy St. winning 31-16. Nebraska is coming off a much-needed victory over Division 1-AA McNeese St. Husker quarterback Jammal Lord went wild on the Cowboy defense, setting a school record in the process. It had been a tough week for Lord after nearly losing the starting quarterback job. Missouri averages 441 yards per game to Nebraska’s 373. The Huskers have the edge in rushing offense, but the Tigers have better passing numbers. So it all comes down to which Nebraska team will come to play this Saturday. Will it be the same Husker team that struggled to accomplish almost anything against Penn St. and Iowa St.? If so, the Huskers could be in for a long afternoon indeed. Or will it be the team that rises above the turmoil in Lincoln, silences critics, and gets back down to business in the Big 12? We’re hoping it’s the latter. Yahoo! Live Broadcast Post Feedback NEBRASKA - MISSOURI PREVIEW STORIES, PICS, AND LINKS: 10-12-02: Huskers know plenty riding on beating Tigers More from Lincoln Journal Star 10-12-02: Win crucial for NU in 'crazy' Big 12 year More from Omaha World Herald 10-12-02: Nebraska offers fresh test of Smith's unflappable style More from St. Louis Post-Dispatch 10-12-02: NU looks to get back into Big 12 race More from G.I. Independent 10-11-02: Smith brings blue collar approach to game More from Lincoln Journal Star 10-10-02: Tigers' WR Gage a man of many talents More from Lincoln Journal Star 10-10-02: Tiger QB validates coach's confidence More from Omaha World Herald 10-09-02: NU wary of improved Tigers More from G.I. Independent 10-09-02: Huskers hope to tame Tiger QB Smith More from Omaha World Herald 10-09-02: Mr. Smith comes to town More from Lincoln Journal Star 10-09-02: Nebraska Cornhuskers preview More from St. Louis Post-Dispatch NU vs. Mizzou on pay-per-view! Full Details Huskers on ESPN.com Husker Hot Pics Photos from AP Husker Game Watch Locations Nationwide