Mizzou vs. Tennessee: Keys to the Game

Nov 10, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (15) catches a touchdown pass against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Byron Moore (3) that sets up the extra point sending the game into overtime at Neyland Stadium. Missouri defeated Tennessee 51-48 in quadruple overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Hello again ladies and gentlemen! I’m sure all you can think about today is how you’re ready for the week to be over, and for it to be game day. Well, folks, its almost here. Maybe some keys to the game for Mizzou to beat Tennessee will get your mind off work for a few minutes.

Defense must force multiple turnovers- The Mizzou defense has forced a turnover in an FBS leading 38 games, and they need that streak to hit 39 tomorrow night. Turnovers can be massive confidence boosters for a team, and they can help turn a mediocre offense into a very good offense. That being said, I don’t consider Missouri’s offense mediocre; it’s really good, but it can use all the help it can get from the Mizzou defense.

DGB– Dorial Green Beckham has been relatively quiet this year. Maybe the opposing defenses are locking down on him, or maybe he’s just having a down year. Either way, he hasn’t looked like the star he was hyped up to be. That could begin to change this week against Tennessee. Last year in Knoxville, Green Beckham had one of his best games of his freshman year. He only caught two passes, but they were for crucial touchdowns in the 4OT win against the Vols.

Maty Football– Mauk is now starting his third career game, and should be settled down by now. Maty has looked comfortable at some times, and at other times, he has looked very uncomfortable. He did run the ball well last week against South Carolina, scrambling for a couple first downs, but he did take some bad sacks in that game, giving the Missouri offense 2nd or 3rd down and long situations. Maty needs to get comfortable early and be accurate over the middle of the field. Short passes should open up the deep game to DGB and L’Damian Washington later in the game.