Beat up Missouri Tigers football team to face Arizona State

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Missouri managed to get away with a ho-hum offense and jittery first-time quarterback in its opener.

The Tigers know they'll need to be a whole lot better against Arizona State and snarling linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

No. 21 Missouri hopes to have the kinks worked out before playing the hard-hitting Sun Devils on what's expected to be a steamy night in the desert.

"Their defense is playing exceptional. They have some great players and they run well," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "It will be a challenge, but we're excited about it."

Missouri scraped past Miami of Ohio 17-6 in its opener, despite scoring its fewest points in an opener since 2001. The Tigers didn't generate much of a running game behind a line that was missing two starters, and quarterback James Franklin battled nerves in his first start.

Arizona State represents a much bigger challenge -- on both sides of the ball.

The Sun Devils, who are led by Burfict, an All-American candidate, are fast, aggressive and like to see if they can knock off their opponents' helmets.

Arizona State's offense is a bit tougher to defend than in past years. It is led by confident quarterback Brock Osweiler, who overcame cramps on a brutally hot night in the opener to throw for 262 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a rout of UC Davis.

This also will be the Sun Devils' first real test of the season and the biggest game to hit Tempe in a couple of years, so they'll be plenty hyped.

"It's a game we've all been looking forward to," Osweiler said. "It brings a little energy to campus."

Both teams will be limping in.

Arizona State lost starting cornerback Omar Bolden and receiver T.J. Simpson to torn ACLs in the spring, and linebacker Brandon Magee blew out his Achilles' tendon in the preseason. Starting right tackle Aderious Simmons sprained his ankle against UC Davis and may not play today. Backup safety Ezekiel Bishop is out for the season with an ACL tear.

The Sun Devils also are waiting for the return of running back Deantre Lewis after he was shot in the leg during a random shooting in February.

Missouri may have it worse.

Tackle Elvis Fisher, a four-year starter, was lost for the season with a knee injury early in fall camp, and center Travis Ruth didn't play against Miami due to an Achilles' tendon injury. Marcus Murphy, part of what was expected to be a four-man rotation at running back, is out for the season due to shoulder surgery, and another member of the group, Kendial Lawrence, broke his leg last week.

The Tigers also likely will be without defensive end Jacquies Smith (dislocated elbow), middle linebacker Will Ebner (ankle) and receiver Jerrell Jackson (hamstring).

The injuries, combined with what should be a hostile environment, will make this a stiff test for the Tigers.

"If you want to be good, you have to win games on the road," Pinkel said.