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SDS takes a position-by-position look at which team has the edge in the Citrus Bowl on Thursday — Minnesota or Missouri?
Quarterback — Missouri: Both quarterbacks won’t blow you away, but it’s hard to deny the superiority of Maty Mauk’s arm strength in this matchup. Mauk and Mitch Lediner are low percentage throwers, but Mauk’s proven he can make the big plays too often to lose this head-to-head matchup against Leidner. Although Minnesota’s quarterback is a dangerous dual-threat weapon, Mauk’s ability to throw the ball greatly outperforms Leidner, giving Mauk the ultimate edge.
Running backs — Missouri: Minnesota’s David Cobb is an outstanding running back in his own right. His 1,548 rushing yards was only bested in the Big Ten by Melvin Gordon and Tevin Coleman. However, Missouri gets the edge at this position thanks to the Tigers’ depth. Russell Hansbrough is one of the more underrated backs in the league. He is somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades kind of back and his 970 yards doesn’t come close to Cobb’s numbers. But it’s the addition of Marcus Murphy in the backfield that helps Missouri. He’s a versatile all-purpose back. Murphy can make significant contributions in the running, receiving and return game. Overall, it’s close but Missouri’s depth gives the Tigers the edge.
Wide receiver — Missouri: The Golden Gophers have one big target in the receiving game and that is tight end Maxx Williams. A redshirt sophomore, Williams was named a second-team All-American and he’s expected to declare early for the NFL Draft. He’s definitely one of college football’s top tight ends. However, Minnesota’s receiving game doesn’t go far beyond Williams. Behind him, only one receiver — Issac Fruechte — has at least 15 receptions and 275 receiving yards. On the other hand, Missouri’s wide receivers are experienced and productive. The Tigers will be without Jimmie Hunt, but the combination of Bud Sasser and Darius White is better than any duo Minnesota will put out on the field.
Offensive line — Push: I like the experience of Missouri’s offensive line, but stats-wise Minnesota’s offensive allowed less sacks and less tackles for loss over the course of the season. Of course, the lower sack numbers could be attributed to the fact that Minnesota thew just 221 passes all season, but allowing just 60 tackles for loss compared to Missouri’s 76 is impressive. For now, I say it’s a tie.
Defensive line — Missouri: Out of all of the positions, this one is the most clear cut. And you guessed it — Missouri wins this position. No matter who Minnesota trots out on its defensive line, nothing will compare to the pass rushing duo of Shane Ray and Markus Golden, college football’s most formidable pass rushing duo. Add in big defensive tackles like Harold Brantley and Josh Augusta and the Tigers easily have the best defensive line in the Citrus Bowl.
Linebackers — Missouri: Once again, the Tigers’ depth at linebacker is what is impressive. Missouri has two solid linebackers in the middle — Kentrell Brothers and Michael Scherer. The two combined for 224 tackles on the season, the most of any linebacking duo in the SEC. The Gophers have Damien Wilson, who is the unquestioned leader of the defense. He leads the team in sacks, tackles for loss and tackles. However, the combination of Brothers and Scherer gives Missouri the upper hand.
Secondary — Push: Both secondaries aren’t exactly the strength of each team’s defense, allowing over 200 passing yards per game. Most of the effectiveness from both units comes up front from either the defensive line or linebackers, so I’m going to give this secondary matchup a push. Neither group really stands out above the other.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
