Ball security a big key against Missouri

Different year, same old Mizzou. I've seen the Vegas lines, and I know it's a night game against a team that has really, really struggled this season, but we know what it looks like to lose to these guys at home.

Which is why despite what many fans and Vegas oddmakers think will be an easy victory for the Dawgs, this Homecoming game could be spoiled if the Tigers get a turnover or two.

With an offense struggling to identify its identity, much less score points, the Tigers (4-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) have needed their defense to keep games competitive.

Sound familiar?

It should.

Mizzou went through a similar stretch last season and was able to tread water in the SEC East long enough to win the division title behind a suffocating defense that created its own fortune with turnovers and favorable field position.

This year, through three league games, the equation has been simple: Takeaways equal victory.

Missouri’s defense, leading several statistical categories in the SEC, forced three turnovers against South Carolina on Oct. 3 and the team won by two touchdowns. Against Kentucky and Florida, the Tigers didn’t get a takeaway and lost both games.

In other words, the margin is thin for Missouri. And that's right where Coach Pinkel has succeeded since they joined the SEC.