Tigers try to shore up defense, recover from last week's defeat

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Although memories of last year's nationally televised loss to Troy linger, the Missouri Tigers are downplaying talk of revenge leading up to today's rematch.

Instead, the Tigers (1-1) are focused on rebounding from another disappointing loss, 45-35 last weekend to New Mexico. It was their fourth straight loss at home.

"We definitely have it in the back of our minds that we lost a pivotal game last year to Troy and, since they're on the schedule again, we have a chance to rectify that," cornerback Calvin Washington said. "But really, we just want to get back in the winning circle because we lost one (last weekend) that we really thought we should have won."

The defense in particular has something to prove after giving up 431 yards to the Lobos, including 209 receiving yards and three touchdowns to wide receiver Hank Baskett.

It was a surprising struggle for a defense that ranked No. 1 in pass defense in the Big 12 and third nationally last season. Overall, the Tigers' defense was second in the conference and 14th in the country.

"Execution was the problem," safety Jason Simpson said. "We had a good game plan. We made adjustments. We just didn't execute. We had way too many mental errors and they turned into critical errors."

Washington said Saturday's lapses will likely lead opposing teams to try to exploit Missouri's perceived weaknesses.

An added concern for coach Gary Pinkel is the team's inability to force turnovers. Missouri's minus-4 turnover margin is last in the Big 12.

"As a cornerback unit we definitely know and understand the type of position we put our team in now," Washington said. "So we've just got to hold up our end of the bargain."

Troy's defense, which held Missouri to 14 points and forced three turnovers last year, is also reeling. The Trojans (1-1) lost all four starters on the defensive line, including first-round draft pick Demarcus Ware.

"I'm worried more about Troy than I am Missouri and they're probably worried more about Missouri than they are with Troy," Troy coach Larry Blakeney said.

The meeting is the third between Missouri and Troy since 2002, when the Tigers won 44-7 in Columbia.

"It's important to get back on a winning track," Pinkel said. "So it's a very, very big game."

Noteworthy

• Missouri place kicker Adam Crossett will take over punting duties from Matt Hoenes today. Hoenes averaged 11.5 yards on two punts against New Mexico.