ASU Football Week 3 Preview: Missouri Tigers

Arizona State and Missouri have faced each other six times before but had not met since 1990 prior to last year’s contest in Tempe, where Arizona State prevailed with a 37-30 overtime victory. The Sun Devils are 0-2 when travelling to Columbia. The two teams met in the 1972 Fiesta Bowl, with ASU posting a convincing 49-35 win.

Missouri has moved to the SEC from the Big 12, and they are expected to have their difficulties in a tougher conference. They fell to George 41-20 last Saturday night in their SEC debut. Although, Mizzou was defeated handily on the scoreboard, the Tigers measured up to Georgia in nearly every single statistical category.

The Missouri program returns 10 starters and two others who started in 2010. Quarterback James Franklin sustained a shoulder injury during spring practice that required surgery. All eyes are on the talented QB to see how well he has healed. In addition, the team’s top rusher from 2011, junior Henry Josey, is out for the season. Senior Kendial Lawrence has taken Josey’s place. He rushed for 566 yards in the final four games of 2011.

Missouri relies heavily receivers on Marcus Lucas and T.J. Moe. Lucas had six catches for 88 yards and a touchdown against Georgia, including a 41 yard strike from Franklin. Moe caught 146 passes for 1,694 yards a year ago. Freshman Dorial Green Beckham should also contribute to the passing attack; the talented wide-out set the national high school mark for receiving yards with 6,353.

The Tigers defensive squad is bolstered by the return of senior end Brad Madison, who suffered an off-season shoulder injury. Madison totaled 12 sacks last year. However, tackle Elvis Fisher went down in the Georgia game and appears out of action for this week’s tilt with ASU.

Missouri has serious question marks at linebacker. Zaviar Gooden remains a starter on the weak side and Andrew Wilson was a standout with 99 stops last year. In the secondary, coach Gary Pinkel has confidence in the talents of E.J. Gaines and Kip Edwards. Gaines gained national recognition for his ability to break up passes.

On special teams, punter Trey Barrow is an effective weapon for Mizzou. Having Barrow as the backup place kicker is also a great asset, as he has plenty of experience from last season in big-time spots.

DevilsInDetail.com Prediction: Arizona State: 31, Missouri: 27