Sep 52 min read

No. 8 Missouri Tigers Meet University of Buffalo in Week 2

Tigers | Luther Burden III — © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The No. 8 Missouri Tigers opened the season in dominating fashion, dismantling the Murray State Racers 51-0 on Sept. 7. Missouri did its damage with a balanced attack on offense. It showed a lot of promise in the running game. Because the run game was so good, the Tigers were in favorable down and distances all game long. Missouri's defense was stifling all evening, including tight man coverage and great open-field tackling.

What's at Stake

Mizzou will host the University of Buffalo Bulls in an out-of-conference game in Columbia, Mo. The Bulls are 1-0 after winning their Week 1 game against the Lafayette Leopards from the FCS division. Buffalo wants to build momentum in the Mid-American Conference. It eyes getting a big upset win over the Tigers on the road.

The Bulls are led by first-year head coach Pete Lembo, a former player with tons of experience. Lembo probably is pleased with his team's hot start.

Buffalo's offense is led by senior quarterback CJ Ogbonna. He had an impressive opening-game performance, throwing for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ogbonna hopes to showcase his potential to pro scouts against tough competition.

In order to win, Buffalo's running game needs to be successful. Senior running back Jacqez Barksdale posted a 99-yard rushing performance, including a TD. Barksdale averaged 7.1 yards per carry. This is an excellent opportunity for Barksdale to increase his production. He's looking for a win and a conference-rushing title.

Linebacker Shaun Dolac leads the Bulls' defense. Against Lafayette, he had a superb performance, tallying 11 tackles, including 2 for a loss, 1 sack and 1 interception. As a graduate student, Dolac is a leader and one of the critical players Mizzou will have to neutralize if they want to succeed on offense.

Keys to a Tigers Victory

Stop the run

Run the ball consistently

Give Luther Burden III the ball

The Missouri Tigers need to contain the Bulls' rushing attack. If they don't, then it will open up more options to attack the defense. After running back Nate Noel and his impressive performance last week, he will look for an encore.

On offense, the Tigers need keep feeding Noel, who came to Missouri through the Transfer Portal. Noel showed off his speed-power combination against Lafayette. So, the more that Missouri shows confidence in Noel's talents, the better he will be down the stretch. The Tigers will need him, but he needs to provide balance in this game.

Luther Burden III is the Tigers' most crucial skill player besides quarterback Brady Cook. Every one of Missouri's opponents will looking to find and stop him on every play. Cook will need to get him the ball early. The Tigers also hope to get Burden being used as a decoy in specific scenarios. This can produce more devastating plays as defenses commit put their laser focus on Burden.

Final Thoughts on the Game

Missouri will continue its dominance early in the college football season with a big win. The Tigers will showcase their depth, too. Lafayette will get some respect thanks to its effort and passion. But, look for the Tigers improve to 2-0.