Missouri stifles high-powered Texas Tech

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Missouri's defense is for real.

The No. 23 Tigers' defense, which came into the game ranked No. 10 in the nation, set up most of the scoring in a 38-21 win over Texas Tech on Saturday night. But questions about the strength of Missouri's schedule had some wondering whether the defense had really been tested before playing Tech.

The answers came in four turnovers -- two interceptions and two fumbles -- by Tech quarterback Graham Harrell, which led to 28 points for Missouri.

"We all know what it's like to play that team, and the turnovers were the difference in the football game," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "That's certainly something we tried to do."

Chase Daniel threw for 171 yards and a touchdown, giving Missouri its first 6-0 start in 33 years.

Xzavie Jackson and William Moore scored on interception returns on consecutive Texas Tech possessions in the second quarter.

"I looked up and just felt it," Jackson said. "Then I looked at the quarterback's eyes and he threw the ball. I just cut in there and the ball sort of stuck to may hand."

Daniel, who returned to Texas where he played high school football in the Dallas area, really didn't have to do much. But his dual threat kept Tech's defense guessing. Daniel, who turned 20 Saturday, completed 15 of 22 passes, threw one interception and ran for 37 yards.

Harrell, who came into the game ranked fourth in the nation in total offense and was the hero in last week's dramatic 31-27 win over Texas A&M, appeared flustered by the Tigers' blitz. Texas Tech coach Mike Leach even benched him for a series following the second of consecutive interceptions.

Indiana 34, Illinois 32

Despite missing a previous attempt to put Indiana in the lead, the Hoosiers' field goal kicker Austin Starr came through when he had another try minutes later.

After Indiana's 65-yard drive came up sort of the goal line, Starr kicked a 33-yard field goal to give the Hoosiers a 34-32 victory over Illinois as time expired Saturday.

Illinois (2-4, 1-2) jumped out to a 25-7 lead early in the second quarter.

SIU 31, Western Illinois 24

Arkee Whitlock ran for 216 yards and three touchdowns, including the game winner, to lead Southern Illinois to a homecoming win.

Southern Illinois (5-0, 2-0 Gateway) never trailed and led 21-10 at halftime.