Tigers look to end losing streak

Iowa State is 0-7 in the Big 12.

By Ryan Huber

Published Nov. 14, 2006

With the now unranked Tigers on a two-game losing streak, a weekend without a game came just at the right time. The team had a chance to relax with only three weight sessions and two 45-minute stretch "practices" last week, and the rest of the time was spent "not talking about football," according to defensive lineman Lorenzo Williams.

But one game the Tigers wished they could have helped out in was Nebraska's 28-27 come-from-behind victory over No. 24 Texas A&M on Saturday. The victory wrapped up a Big 12 North title for the Huskers, who lead the division with a 5-2 record.

"We watched it, and it was a little bit heartbreaking," sophomore quarterback Chase Daniel said. "But we did it to ourselves. We knew that this would happen to us if we didn't go and take care of business at Nebraska. It was a little bit discouraging, but when was the last time a Missouri team has won nine games, or 10 games even, with the bowl game? That doesn't happen around here too often."

The Tigers have a chance to be just one of 10 MU football teams to win at least eight regular season wins in its 116-year history with a victory this Saturday over Iowa State (3-8, 0-7 Big 12).

The Cyclones are statistically the second worst Big 12 team the Tigers face this season next to Kansas, which MU plays host to on Nov. 25.

Saturday marks the last contest for ISU coach Dan McCarney, who announced his resignation last week after 12 years as the Cyclones' coach. But as he stated at a news conference on Monday, the focus shouldn't be on him.

"We are going to do everything we can to win a game here for our seniors," he said. "We obviously have struggled, but these kids can hold their heads high about their careers."

Even with Iowa State's 0-7 Big 12 record, the game shouldn't be easy. Last year, when Kansas State coach Bill Snyder announced his retirement, the Wildcats fueled their emotions en route to a 36-28 comeback victory over MU.

"I don't think it affects us," Williams said. "It's about how we play, what we do. They're going to do what they have to, but it doesn't really mean anything to us."

The Tigers have won three straight against the Cyclones, and with several players back from injury and a week off, odds look good for MU. One of the players, back after five weeks on the injured list, is redshirt sophomore cornerback Domonique Johnson.

"I feel good enough to go out there and play 80 snaps if necessary," Johnson said. "That's the way I'm going to look at it. I've got to keep a level head because if you go out there too excited, then you mess up. You have to go in calm."

Daniel didn't take the week off completely. He spent time in the film room, and he said the next game comes down to execution.

"We've got to do what we've got to do," he said. "Whatever it takes to win the ball game, no matter the play calls, no matter what the players are saying, what the coaches are saying, I think the players just need to go out there and play."