GAME NOTES: New to the national rankings, the 25th-ranked Missouri Tigers finish up their non-conference schedule this weekend, as they play host to the Illinois State Redbirds. Gary Pinkel's squad is a perfect 3-0 on the season, topping the likes of Illinois (40-34), Ole Miss (38-25) and most recently, Western Michigan (52-24). The Redbirds will present a challenge as they enter this week as the 14th-ranked team in both the Sports Network poll and the FCS Coaches poll. Denver Johnson's team dropped the season-opener to Drake (27-24), but has since topped Murray State (43-17) and nationally-ranked Eastern Illinois (24-21). Although this is the first meeting between these two teams, this is the third straight season that ISU has faced a Big 12 opponent. Missouri is 6-0 against FCS teams all-time.

The Tigers better not overlook the Redbirds, as they bring a potent offense into Columbia. ISU is averaging an impressive 412.3 yards of total offense this season, with a balanced attack featuring 218.0 yards per game rushing and 194.3 passing. Quarterback Luke Drone has taken every snap for the team in the first three games and has completed 60 percent of his passes, for 583 yards and five TDs. His top target thus far has been talented wideout Jason Horton, who paces the team in receptions (17), receiving yards (263) and TDs (2). The passing game is effective because of the play of tailback Rafael Rice, who is averaging 6.0 yards per carry and 132.7 yards per game. He is also responsible for five of the team's seven rushing scores to date.

The offense is clearly the strength of the Illinois State program, as the defense has certainly had its share of problems. The team is averaging over 400 yards per game, but is giving up almost as much (396.7 ypg), allowing foes to move the chains both on the ground (164.7 ypg) and through the air (232.0 ypg). The team has recorded four fumble recoveries, but has yet to register an interception in the first three games. Linebacker Kyle Stewart is the team's top performer on the defensive side of the ball, leading the way with 35 total tackles. Fellow LB Bill Hronec is second with 26 stops, followed closely by safeties Tom Nelson (25) and Jesse Caesar (25).

Missouri also possesses a potent offense, evidenced by the 619 yards it rolled up against Western Michigan a week ago. It marked the sixth highest output in school history, led by a lethal rushing attack that churned out 272 yards and five TDs. Wideout Jeremy Maclin led the way with 275 all-purpose yards and two TDs. This is an offense with a ton of weapons. The team is averaging a gaudy 43.3 ppg, on 532 yards per game, highlighted by a passing attack that is netting 339 yards per outing. Quarterback Chase Daniel leads the offense into battle and has completed almost 67 percent of his passes, for 1,017 yards with 10 TDs and just two interceptions. His top target is reliable TE Martin Rucker, who leads all tight ends in the country with 25 receptions. Maclin is next (16 catches), while Will Franklin and Chase Coffman each have 15 receptions. Franklin leads all receivers with three TDs. Tony Temple provides the balance in the backfield, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and 84.0 yards per game.

The offensive proficiency of Missouri has masked some deficiencies on the defensive side of the football. On the year, the Tigers have allowed a whopping 447.0 yards per game, getting torched both by the run (160.0 ypg) and the pass (287.0 ypg). The one bright spot defensively, has been the team's ability to create turnovers, with five fumble recoveries and five interceptions. Junior middle linebacker Brock Christopher is tops on the team in tackles (27). Senior safety Pig Brown (22 tackles) is responsible for three of the team's 10 turnovers gained with two fumble recoveries and one INT. Senior tackle Lorenzo Williams (12 tackles, four TFLs) and junior end Stryker Sulak (11 tackles, 3.5 TFLs) lead the team up front with two sacks apiece.

Illinois State is a quality FCS program, but has little chance of hanging with the high-octane Tigers this weekend.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Missouri 41, Illinois State 17