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Missouri looks to work on defensive issues

Sep 6, 2008 - 11:39 AM SE Missouri St (1-0) at No. 7 Missouri (1-0), 7:00 pm EDT

COLUMBIA, Missouri (Ticker) -- After surviving another shootout against Illinois, No. 7 Missouri should have a breather this week when it hosts Southeast Missouri State of the Football Championship Subdivision.

The contest begins a stretch of three home games against a trio of opponents the Tigers figure to have no trouble beating.

In the following two weeks, Missouri hosts Nevada and Buffalo before opening Big 12 Conference play at Nebraska on October 4.

The Tigers (1-0) opened their season with a 52-42 victory over the Fighting Illini, but the defense was repeatedly burned by Illinois quarterback Juice Williams, who threw a career-high five touchdown passes.

Last season, Missouri held off a late rally to beat Illinois, 40-34. A year later, the Tigers allowed the Illini to climb back into the game after opening a 45-20 cushion late in the third quarter.

With quarterback Chase Daniel back for his senior season, Missouri's offense appears as potent as last year, when it averaged just under 40 points per game.

But the Tigers may have issues defensively. They allowed Williams to pass for 451 yards, giving up numerous big plays, and coach Gary Pinkell was not happy.

"I'll kick their butt tomorrow," Pinkell said following the game. "We'll get up tomorrow and learn those lessons."

All-American wide receiver Jeremy Maclin had 206 all-purpose yards against Illinois, returning a punt 45 yards and a kickoff 98 yards for touchdowns. He left in the fourth quarter with a sprained left ankle, but X-rays were negative and he is expected to play this week.

Southeast Missouri State (1-0) could be in for a long afternoon as it needed overtime to defeat Southwest Baptist, a Division II independent, 35-28, in its opener.