LAST TIME OUT

It wasn't necessarily pretty, but Missouri survived a nonconference road test in Reno, Nev., two weeks ago, moving to 4-0 for the fourth consecutive season. Nevada gave the Tigers all they could handle, but an improving Mizzou quarterback and his talented pass-catching senior helped Missouri capitalize on a few costly mistakes by the Wolf Pack.

Blaine Gabbert completed 25 of 40 passes for 414 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Tigers to a 31-21 win Sept. 25. Gabbert found Danario Alexander more than anyone else, connecting with the 6-foot-5 receiver nine times for 170 yards.

Alexander caught a 31-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, but it was his 74-yard scoring play after halftime that turned out to be more meaningful. The Tigers trailed 13-12 early in the third quarter before Alexander gave them the lead for good with his electrifying reception.

Nevada did squander a couple of crucial opportunities to gain momentum. The Wolf Pack, who mismanaged their timeouts in the first quarter, couldn't stop the clock right before halftime and failed to take advantage of the only Mizzou turnover. Nevada began the fourth quarter down by eight points, but fumbled away the football inside the Tigers' 5-yard line.

Just like Nebraska, Missouri had a bye last week.

QUALITY QB

Gabbert seems to be adjusting rather nicely to the starting quarterback spot.

The one-time Nebraska recruit, who backed out of his commitment in favor of the rival Tigers, is in his first season leading a traditionally potent Missouri offense. And so far, Gabbert hasn't done many things wrong.

The sophomore has a pass efficiency rating of 168.6, tops in the Big 12 and the fourth-best figure nationally. His rating jumps to 229.6 in the second half.

Some credit has to go to a couple of reliable receiving targets. Alexander and Jared Perry have combined for 54 catches. Nine of Gabbert's 11 touchdown passes have been to those two. Also, Gabbert's completed a total of 11 passes for 30 yards or more. Alexander and Perry are responsible for six of those.

ALMOST FLAG-FREE

Through four games, Missouri is the least penalized team in the Big 12. The Tigers have been flagged just 20 times.

They were even more disciplined last year when they averaged 4.1 penalties per game, a figure that ranked eighth nationally.

During a 52-17 win against Nebraska last year, the Tigers committed just one penalty for 15 yards. Meanwhile, the Huskers were flagged 14 times for 101 yards.

Nebraska, which committed 7.2 penalties a game last year, has cleaned up its play this season, but the Huskers were called for nine penalties in their only loss, a 16-15 defeat at Virginia Tech on Sept. 19.

OUT OF BALANCE

Missouri is seeking to create a reliable rushing threat so it can establish some sort of offensive balance and take advantage of pass-oriented defensive schemes.

The Tigers boast the nation's 10th-best passing offense, but their rushing attack ranks 60th.

Derrick Washington, a second-team All-Big 12 performer as a sophomore last season, leads the way with an average of 75.2 rushing yards per game. He has just two rushing touchdowns, though, a year after totaling 17.

Washington really was the X-factor in Missouri's blowout of Nebraska in 2008. He had 139 rushing yards on 14 carries and scored three touchdowns.

CLASH OF KICKERS

Nebraska's stud kicker will have some legitimate competition on the field Thursday.

Junior Alex Henery has emerged as one of the nation's most consistent placekickers, nailing 8 of his 9 field goal attempts this year. But apparently, Missouri's new kicker isn't too bad himself.

Grant Ressel replaced the NCAA career accuracy leader, Jeff Wolfert. But Ressel hasn't missed a field goal, connecting on all 10 of his chances. The sophomore made four in that 31-21 win against Nevada.

Ressel likely won't be called on to punt like Henery. But that's because Missouri already has another talented option at that position.

Senior Jake Harry averages 45.1 yards per punt, a little better than Henery's 42.0 average. Missouri's net punting average of 42.8 ranks second in the nation.

— Jon Nyatawa

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