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Missouri looks to snap two-game slide

Oct 25, 2008 - 10:35 AM Colorado (4-3) at (16) Missouri (5-2), 6:30 pm EDT

COLUMBIA, Missouri (Ticker) -- Missouri is reeling after a second straight loss, but all is not lost.

The 16th-ranked Tigers hope to stop the bleeding Saturday when they host Colorado in a Big 12 Conference contest.

Missouri (5-2, 1-2 Big 12 North) needs a better effort from its defense after a dismal performance in last week's 56-31 drubbing to top-ranked Texas. The Tigers buried themselves in a deep hole, falling behind, 35-0, at halftime.

Despite the consecutive losses, however, Missouri can still achieve one of its preseason goals, which was playing in the Big 12 championship game. The Tigers are only one game behind Kansas, which lost to Oklahoma, 45-31, last week, in the division.

After climbing to as high as second in the coaches' poll, Missouri has plummeted 14 spots in the last two weeks.

However, the Tigers still could play for the Big 12 North title if they run the table because their last game is the annual grudge match against Kansas.

Missouri also is entering the favorable part of its schedule as none of its next four games are against the Big 12 powers. After Saturday's game, the Tigers play at Baylor, host Kansas State and visit Iowa State.

Colorado (4-3, 1-2 Big North) snapped a three-game losing streak last week with a 14-13 victory over Kansas State.

However, the Buffaloes may have a quarterback controversy as Cody Hawkins - the son of coach Dan Hawkins - and freshman Tyler Hansen both played last week. Together, they completed only 13-of-25 passes for 106 yards.

Hansen, who was expected to redshirt this season, did throw a touchdown pass and also rushed for 86 yards on 19 carries.

Even after two straight losses, Missouri has a huge advantage at quarterback with Chase Daniel taking the snaps.

Colorado has been saddled with inconsistent quarterback play throughout the year, prompting Dan Hawkins to use both last week. Cody Hawkins, a sophomore, has passed for just 1,051 yards this season with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions.