Analysis: the good and the bad to Missouri's 4-0 start

The Tigers passing attack is putting points on the board.

By Sean Leahy

Published Oct. 2, 2009

Less than one week remains until Nebraska comes to Columbia for Missouri's Big 12 opener.

Four games into 2009, the Tigers are undefeated and have built a solid foundation above the .500-mark heading into conference play.

As Missouri prepares for the Cornhuskers and the national spotlight of ESPN on Oct. 8, let's take a look at the Tigers' progress report.

Here's a look at some of the main storylines played out so far this year.

Passing game flying high: Sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert wasted no time in rewarding Missouri's confidence in him when he exploded for 319 yards passing and three touchdowns in the opener against Illinois on Sept. 5.

Since then, Gabbert has thrown at least two touchdowns in each game and is averaging 290 yards passing per game.

Add to that the fact he has not been intercepted and Gabbert seems poised to slice up Big 12 secondaries the rest of the season.

Running game staying grounded: Although the passing game has gotten into a groove early on, the Tiger rushing attack has had a slow start.

Junior tailback Derrick Washington has rushed for more than 100 yards and against Nevada the Tigers had particular trouble moving the ball on the ground.

Missouri had no rushing touchdowns in the 31-21 victory Sept. 25 and rushed for a team total of 78 yards.

Redshirt sophomore tailback De'Vion Moore's battle with an injury hasn't helped the situation for Missouri as it looks for Moore, Washington and freshman tailback Kendial Lawrence to pick things up.

Slow starts: When the Missouri offensive engine gets rolling, it's hard to stop. But in a couple games, the Tigers have had some trouble with starting the ignition.

Although the slow starts haven't cost Missouri any wins, it did make things interesting against Bowling Green on Sept. 12.

The Tigers had to battle back from a 20-6 third quarter deficit to come back for the 27-20 win.

Missouri must be wary of slow starts as it starts Big 12 play. Someone might pounce on the opportunity and put the Tigers behind early.

Applying the pressure: We all knew the big names on the Missouri defense: senior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and senior defensive lineman Jaron Baston.

Although those two are doing their part on defense, Missouri has gotten solid play on the defensive line from a couple of Smiths: redshirt freshman Aldon and sophomore Jacquies.

The two have combined for five sacks in 2009 with Aldon Smith getting a crucial sack of Bowling Green senior quarterback Tyler Sheehan late in the Missouri victory.

As Missouri starts playing the pass-happy teams in the Big 12, quarterback pressure will help the Tigers keep their opponents off the scoreboard.

Flawless start: Although he might not be the flashiest aspect of the Tiger offense, redshirt sophomore place kicker Grant Ressel's season has been perfect.

Starting with his three field goal performance against Illinois, Ressel has hit his first 10 field goal attempts. Add that to his perfect 15-for-15 on extra points and Ressel is becoming a major asset to Missouri's offense.