MU's defense will be under air attack from Texas Tech

LUBBOCK, Texas -- With Big 12 play barely under way, No. 23 Missouri is already on the brink of becoming bowl eligible.

But for the Tigers (5-0, 1-0) to get off to their first 6-0 season in 33 years, coach Gary Pinkel knows they'll have to stop the high-flying offense of Texas Tech (4-1, 1-0) Saturday night.

"It doesn't matter who their quarterback is, year after year they play absolutely outstanding," Pinkel said. "We know it's certainly going to be a challenge but also a great opportunity, and we're looking forward to it."

Graham Harrell is trying to become the fifth straight Tech passer to lead the nation in passing. He enters the game at No. 4 in the nation (310 yards per game) in total offense. He's thrown for 1,559 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Harrell, who last week threw a touchdown pass to Robert Johnson with 26 seconds remaining to give the Red Raiders a 31-27 win over then-unbeaten Texas A&M, faces a tough Missouri defense.

The Tigers rank second in the nation in defense, giving up 215 yards a game, and 10th in passing defense at 143 yards a game.

"This is probably going to be a true test for the secondary," cornerback Darnell Terrell said.

Tech's defense also will be tested.

Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel -- who like Harrell starred at a high school power near Dallas -- ranks 10th in the nation at 281 yards per game in total offense. He's thrown for 1,274 yards and 13 TDs, and rushed for 130 yards and another three scores.

Leach said the Red Raiders will have to stay focused for the whole game, after letting A&M take the lead late last week.

"We have plenty to gripe about, believe me," he said. "We have some promise at several positions, but we're not a group that has improved as fast as I would like."

Some of that group is still around from the 2003 team that took a 62-31 drubbing at Missouri in 2003. For them, the game has added importance.

"Every one of them said they were humiliated," Tech defensive end Jake Ratliff said. "They hated it. They're ready to get a second chance."