The M-I-Z Q&A: Ole Miss

Each week, Every True Son will seek out a blogger of Mizzou's upcoming opponent to exchange questions with regarding the upcoming matchup. This week, the "M-I-Z Q&A" turns to Seth from the Hotty Toddy Blog for a look at Ole Miss. My responses to his Missouri questions can be found here.



ETS: Much like Missouri, the Rebels got out to a big lead in their season opener and had to hold on for a win. What did you learn about your team, both good and bad, in that victory?

HTB: "It's hard to say what we learned from Saturday. It seems we used a very vanilla playbook and that we played conservatively. Our O-line and run game was disappointing for most Rebel fans while our QB played well. Our defense had have more interceptions in this game than all of last year. Still, I think we will get a better read of our team against Missouri."

ETS: Last season, Missouri's offensive success was dependent on neutralizing Patrick Willis. What playmakers on defense should Tiger fans keep an eye on?

HTB: "Dustin Mouzon. He was named SEC defensive player of the week. He had two interceptions, one a pick-6 for 99 yards. He also had 6 solo tackles and recovered a fumble on the Memphis 9 yard line."

ETS: I've seen several posts and articles talking about Ole Miss wanting revenge for last year. How much does last year's game in Columbia affect this year's game from a mentality standpoint?

HTB: "It's hard to say. I do believe the coaches will use last year's game to boost the rebel players. It was, by most accounts, our worst game. I think you will see a different Rebel team in Oxford this year."

ETS: How comfortable is Rebel Nation with the quarterback situation?



HTB: "We are not very comfortable with the QB situation but most of us feel better after last week. Seth Adams did quite well and made smart decisions."

ETS: Nearly every source I've seen rates The Grove as the best gameday atmosphere in the nation. What can Tiger fans who make the trip to Oxford expect? Any suggestions on places to go or things to see?

HTB: "I don't think I can explain the Grove and do it justice. You have to visit it to see why it is ranked as one of the top sporting events. Get to the Grove early. It will be an all day party. My favorite part of tailgating is the Band pep-rally in the Grove 1:15 minutes prior to the game. There are so many places to outstanding unique places to eat in Oxford. Just make your way to the square and take your pick."

ETS: What's your prediction

HTB: "Ole Miss 38, Mizzou 37 - Sorry I'm a homer"

Mouzon photo courtesy Associated Press. Adams photo courtesy Joseph Warner/Special to The Clarion-Ledger

The M-I-Z Q&A: Illinois

Each week, Every True Son will seek out a blogger of Mizzou's upcoming opponent to exchange questions with regarding the upcoming matchup. This week, the "M-I-Z Q&A" turns to Steven from The Chief Perspective for a look at Illinois. My responses to his questions can be found here

ETS: What should everyone expect from Juice Williams in year two?

TCP: "Juice should get better as the game will slow down and he's had a year to get a better grasp of the offense. Also, his receiving crew is a lot better. Last year, you can see clearly that Juice threw the ball right to the target, but the receiver dropped the ball alot. It wasn't all Juice's fault. In addition, once his passing game gets in gear, you'll see him confuse defenses with his ability to run."

ETS: How underrated and unappreciated is the Illinois defense?

TCP: "That remains to be seen. I think coach Zook has been masterful to recruit athletes vs. position players, but don't know in the physical Big Ten, if a smaller, but faster (Ravens like) defense will make a difference. I think our defense will hold the run really well, but I'm not sure about the secondary just yet. If they can increase their turnover rate, I'd think we'd be really good."

ETS: It seems like Ron Zook has the approval of top recruits, but what is the consensus on Ron Zook as a gameday coach?

TCP: "Another good question. Zooker I think is a relatively good coach, but has been a victim of not enough time to coach up kids. He had winning seasons in florida, but not to Florida standards. I'd love a 7-5 team with a trip to a bowl. In an age where football forums and blogs breakdown every play decision, I think criticism of zook game day strategy is unwarrented until the end of the season. However, the consensus is wait and see right now."

ETS: Tell Missouri fans a little bit about your favorite tradition at Illinois.

TCP: "Well, being a former Chief Illiniwek, I could have told you easily what my favorite tradition is, but the Political Correctness police locked it up and threw away the key. My second favorite football tradition? Fireworks after every score. I grew up in Champaign and would listen to the games on the radio or watch on the TV and I would run to the front of my house after each game to listen to the fireworks announce another score. Normally, loud sounds aren't good, but this one was a celebration and others in my neighborhood would step out and we'd all celebrate together."

ETS: Game prediction?

TCP: Illini 30, Mizzou 24. (I'm a hopeless optimist)

Every True Son sends its thanks to The Chief Perspective.

ADDENDUM: ESPN analyst/MU grad Pat Forde weighed in on the matchup as the "battle of unachievers."