Mizzou posts some impressive stats

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

Entering Saturday’s showdown in Columbia, Missouri ranks No. 1 in the country in one statistical category — third-down conversions.

Gulp.

That Mizzou has converted on 57.1 percent of its third-down attempts this season is bad news for Husker fans, who no doubt know that Nebraska has struggled stopping teams on third down this season. The Blackshirts rank 79th nationally (out of 119 teams) in third-down efficiency defense.

Other rankings of note for Nebraska and Mizzou:

Mizzou ranks 116th in time of possession, but don’t let that statistic fool you. That only means the Tigers are a quick-strike offense. They rank 12th nationally in scoring and fifth in total offense.

If Nebraska can force some punts, the Huskers could count on some excellent field position. Missouri ranks next to last nationally in net punting, averaging 11 yards per punt fewer than Nebraska, which ranks 23rd.

The Huskers, however, rank just 95th in punt-return yards.

Both teams have struggled to stop the run, but Missouri’s pass defense ranks 104th nationally, allowing 276 yards a game. Nebraska’s passing offense is 15th nationally, with the Huskers throwing for more than 307 yards a game this season.