Nebraska defense gears up for Smith

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A week after Kansas State backup Allen Webb wreaked havoc against Nebraska, the Cornhuskers face the task of defending one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Big 12 history in Missouri's Brad Smith.

Smith's playing style has changed -- he's been more of a pocket passer this season -- but he is as dangerous as ever, the Huskers say.

"I would say he's probably a little more athletic than the kid we saw last week," defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said. "He has tremendous command of his offense."

Smith, a junior, already ranks second on the Big 12's career total offense chart with 8,446 yards in 32 games. He's 10th on the NCAA's all-time career quarterback rushing list with 2,845 yards.

Last year Smith engineered the Tigers' 41-24 come-from-behind win over Nebraska in Columbia, Mo. Smith ran for 123 yards and three fourth-quarter touchdowns, and he finished with 303 yards of total offense.

On Saturday he'll try to lead Missouri to its first win in Lincoln since 1978.

The challenge of defending Smith is magnified in the wake of Nebraska's recent tackling problems and the suspension of Missouri tailback Damien Nash.

The Huskers missed 33 tackles last week against Kansas State, and Webb and tailback Darren Sproles were the beneficiaries. Both rushed for more than 100 yards in Nebraska's 45-21 loss.

No one would argue that Smith is more elusive than Webb.

"If the rush lane is open, there is a big area there, and then it becomes an open-field tackle with the linebackers on a pretty skilled athlete," Cosgrove said. "We have to do a good job of keeping our rush lanes this week and not give him any big, gaping holes to look at where he can pull the ball down and run it."

Smith may play a larger role in the running game because of the suspension of Nash, the Tigers' season rushing leader at 87.1 yards a game. Marcus Woods is expected to start in Nash's place.

"It's going to be tough to replace a guy like that as far as yardage goes," Smith said.

Cosgrove said he's prepping his defense for four Missouri plays that feature Smith -- the counter, sweep, draw and follow, where Smith trails the lead running back into the hole.

"I think their offense starts with him," Cosgrove said. "When you defend any offense, you need to start with their best player to try to limit him."

Smith's rushing numbers are about half of what they were a year ago. He's averaging 58.8 yards on 13.7 attempts compared with 108.2 yards on 16.3 carries a game last season.

Smith, who ran for 100 yards six times last season, has a season-high of 83 yards against Ball State.

"I'm confident with what I can do and what I can do for the team, and just getting up to play at a higher level," Smith said. "I'm working on making more plays for us."

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said defenses seem better prepared for Smith. Pinkel said he has noticed opponents using spies, or assigning a defensive player to shadow Smith.

"They don't let him get out. They stay home," Pinkel said. "They are very disciplined. ... That's why it's been a little bit more difficult to get him out in space."