MO OR MOJO?
It should be nice and brisk at kickoff Saturday in Columbia at 7 p.m. CST (on ABC).
Not sure if that is the best for Colt McCoy's bruised thumb, but it bodes well for the offensive line, which won't have to huff and puff around in the heat. And really, anything that's good for the offensive line is good for Colt.
A quick start is essential this time. Mizzou has too many players just waiting for an opportune moment. UT's mojo's gotta kick in fast.
It doesn't make any difference that Mizzou hasn't beaten anyone "good," the last two games they stayed in there against Nebraska and Oklahoma State for a while.
Here's the game-at-a-glance from the Associated Press:
No. 3 Texas (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) at Missouri (4-2, 0-2), 7 p.m. Saturday CDT (ABC)
Line: Texas by 13½
Series Record: Texas leads 16-5 and has won 6 of 7 since beginning Big 12 play in 1996
Last Meeting: 2008, Texas won 56-31.
What's at Stake
Texas is 6-0 for a second straight season and chasing a national title again. Texas is 30-4 vs. Big 12 North since 1998. Missouri is two-time defending champion in Big 12 North but coming off consecutive defeats to start conference play headed into homecoming game. Tigers were shut out in second half of 33-17 loss at Oklahoma State last week, dragged down by four turnovers.
Key Matchup
Missouri offense vs. Texas defense: Sophomore QB Blaine Gabbert was hobbled by a sprained ankle the last two weeks and Tigers have faltered in both games. Missouri had 393 yards total offense against Oklahoma State, but only 80 in the second half.
Players to Watch
Texas: QB Colt McCoy cleared to play Monday despite bruised right thumb that will likely lose nail. D.J. Monroe leads nation with 42.7-yard kickoff return average. S Earl Thomas leads nation with five interceptions.
Missouri: WR Danario Alexander coming off career-best nine receptions for 180 yards.
Facts and Figures
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel is 0-4 against Texas while Longhorns' Mack Brown is 5-0 against Missouri. ... Missouri's lone victory over Longhorns in Big 12 play was 37-29 on homecoming in 1997. ...Texas won last meeting in Columbia, Mo., 51-20, on Oct. 1, 2005. ... Texas has won at least four straight games following Red River Rivalry game vs. Oklahoma in nine of last 10 years.