Week 7: Oklahoma State at Missouri

While the big game in Big D steals the spotlight, this matchup could be the most entertaining game of the college football weekend.

Missouri ranks third nationally in total offense (568.8 yards per game); Oklahoma State sixth (530.2).

The Tigers rank second in scoring offense (53.4); the Cowboys third (52.6).

Missouri ranks third in passing offense (375.6); OSU ranks second in rushing offense (315.2).

The Tigers are loaded with well-known stars, quarterback Chase Daniel, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, tight end Chase Coffman, et al.

But the Cowboys may have some of the nation’s best-kept secrets in quarterback Zac Robinson, wideout Dez Bryant, running back Kendall Hunter and tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

While OSU has played most of its games outside the television lights, this presents an opportunity to present itself to the nation.

“I love an opportunity like this, going in to play a top five team in their home place,” said Cowboys safety Andre Sexton. “With the success we’ve had, it is just an opportunity to showcase how good we really are.”

The Tigers are more used to these kinds of showdowns.

A newcomer to this stage, the pressure is on the Cowboys to prove they belong.

And the pressure may be on them to keep up offensively. Mizzou’s first team offense hasn’t had a three-and-out series all season. And the Oklahoma State defense has proved leaky.

“We don’t want it to be a shootout by any means,” Daniel said. “But we feel that every time we tough the ball that we’re going to score.”

Notes:

Somewhat lost in the Missouri offensive overload: tailback Derrick Washington leads the nation in scoring. He’s averaging 14.4 points a game, with 10 rushing and two receiving touchdowns. Washington has at least two touchdowns in every game this season.

Brock Christopher’s interception for a touchdown was the Mizzou’s fourth defensive score this season.

The Cowboys have won six straight games dating back to last season. It’s the longest winning streak since the 2003 team won seven in a row.

OSU wideout Dez Bryant was named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week for his 78-yard punt return for a touchdown against A&M. He also had three receiving TDs in the game.

Player to Watch (Cowboys) – Kendall Hunter, RB

Hunter is the Big 12’s leading rusher – he ranks fifth nationally – averaging 141.6 yards per game. He commands attention, opening the passing lanes for Bryant and Pettigrew to work free. In this game, he offers the Cowboys to control the ball and keep the ball away from the powerful Missouri offense.

Player to Watch (Tigers) – Jeremy Maclin, WR

Maybe the college game’s most exciting player (OSU’s Bryant may have something to say about that), Maclin is a threat receiving, running and returning the ball, averaging 186.8 all-purpose yards per game. The Cowboys will pressed to account for him amid all the other Tigers’ options.

Missouri by 12