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Tigers show defense also has teeth Published: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 PRINT E-MAIL DALLAS — Missouri can play defense, too. The Tigers came into Tuesday’s Cotton Bowl averaging 40 points a game, just ahead of Arkansas’ 39. 8, so naturally a high-scoring shootout was expected. But Missouri’s defense held the Razorbacks to one touchdown in beating Arkansas 38-7. It was the second-fewest points allowed by the Tigers this season, surpassed only by their 41-6 home victory over Nebraska.
“Our whole season we’ve had to gain respect,” said junior free safety William Moore, who against Arkansas returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown, forced a fumble that Missouri recovered and had a game-high 13 tackles. “We know we’re one of those teams that people say, ‘Oh, they’ve got a great offense and no defense.’ But we don’t listen to that. “ We went into [the Cotton Bowl ] without a lot of respect, but hopefully we’ve got some now.” Senior defensive tackle Lorenzo Williams said the Tigers had “amazing” preparation for the Razorbacks. “We had great practices. Our film study was top-notch,” Williams said. “Guys made sure they knew what [the Razorbacks ] were going to do before they did it.... All that was left to do was play football, and I think we did a great job of that.” The Tigers were fired up to play Arkansas’ heralded tailback tandem of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, who had rushed for a combined 2, 842 yards going into the Cotton Bowl but were held to 150 on 31 carries against Missouri. “When you’ve got two backs like these guys, you want to go out and show you can play against the best in the nation,” Moore said. “We played physical, and so did they. “ I don’t mind telling you, my body’s hurting. Those guys run hard.” But McFadden and Jones didn’t run wild as they had on many opponents this season. “When you get down 21-0, it’s hard to keep running the ball,” Williams said, referring to the Razorbacks’ deficit early in the third quarter. “[McFadden and Jones ] are amazing, and it was fun to play on the same field with them. “ But I think we controlled the line of scrimmage and were more physical up front. When we play defense like that, we’re going to be tough to beat.” More Stories From: BOB HOLT · SEC gets stars back from draft · Hogs' Balumbu falls short in final · NCAA OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS : All-American hog call · NCAA OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS : Hogs' title hopes take hit on Day 2 · NCAA OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS : Qualifying fervor    Yesterday's Most Popular 1. HOG FUTURES JERRY MITCHELL : Hurricane brings Mitchell to Hogs 2. THE RECRUITING GUY : Purifoy's size fits into UA's plans 3. Iowa prep standout Kelly joins UA track 4. Former Diamond Hog Richards inks contract with Marlins Today's Most E-mailed |
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