MU notes, 10/30

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Tigers just focusing on winning today's game

With a win today, Missouri would have sole possession of first place in the Big 12 North Division for just the second time since the league was formed in 1996. The first time came when the Tigers got off to a 2-0 start earlier this season.

Since then, however, they've lost to Texas and Oklahoma State.

"It's a great thing that we still have the chance to play for the North title and eventually play for the Big 12 championship," said offensive guard Tony Palmer. "We're just focusing right now on beating Nebraska."

The Tigers have lost their last 13 games in Nebraska's Memorial Stadium. They did snap a 24-game losing streak to the Huskers last year in Columbia, Mo.

"I think we just need to go out there with the same focus we had last year, and with the other games this year," Palmer said. "We just have to go out there and be prepared for it, and hope for a victory."

NOTHING UP THIS SLEEVE: During last year's 41-24 win against NU, Missouri executed a throwback pass to quarterback Brad Smith for a touchdown, then took the lead for good on a fake field-goal play in which holder Santino Riccio, the backup quarterback, stood up after fielding the snap and fired a TD pass to tight end Victor Sesay.

Recently, Missouri coach Gary Pinkel has drawn flak, even from a player, for supposedly having a conservative offensive plan. So might today's game provide him with a response?

"They are very multiple ways in the stuff they do," Pinkel said of the Huskers' defense, now steered by first-year coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. "It's a little bit more complex. I'm very impressed with what they do, and the effect it has on any play ... basically, trick plays are good if they work."

QUOTABLE: "It's a great place ... It's the loudest place I've been." — quarterback Brad Smith on playing at Nebraska.

— Curt McKeever