No. 24 Missouri (4-0, 0-0 Big 12) vs Colorado (3-1, 0-0), 7 p.m. (FSN)
Line: Missouri by 12 1/2
Series Record: Missouri leads 41-31-3.
Last Meeting: 2009, Missouri 36-17.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Missouri is coming off its fifth straight unbeaten non-conference schedule. It’s the final Big 12 opener for Colorado, which is moving to the Pac-10. The Buffalos have won their last two games but are 2-21 on road since 2005.
KEY MATCHUP
Missouri has a trio of inexperienced RBs, Henry Josey, De’Vion Moore and Kendial Lawrence, that will test defense that’s allowed one rushing TD in first four games. Missouri is averaging 6.8 yards per carry overall with 9 touchdowns. Colorado is among seven teams allowing one or fewer rushing touchdowns per game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado: LB B.J. Beatty was Big 12 co-defensive player of week after he forced a fumble with 1:55 left to seal Colorado’s victory over Georgia. Beatty had five tackles in the game.
Missouri: QB Blaine Gabbert averages 259.8 yards passing with five TDs and has a pair of go-to targets, WR T.J. Moe (37 catches) and TE Michael Egnew (33).
FACTS & FIGURES
This is the 20-year anniversary of the infamous fifth-down game that enabled Colorado to beat Missouri on Oct. 6, 1990. … Missouri cracked the top 25 for the first time, and had last week off to rest. … Colorado is seeking its first three-game winning streak since start of 2008. … The Tigers will carry streak of 21 straight regular-season non-conference victories into 2011 after going 4-0 this fall. … Colorado’s only road game thus far was a 52-7 loss at California in Week 2. … Missouri is one of six teams in country that have not allowed a TD in the third quarter. … Colorado coach Dan Hawkins is 0-4 vs. Missouri’s Gary Pinkel.
