Mizzou's football team doesn't have a huge test in front of them with Miami (OH) seeing as they're a 20-point favorite but it's still a game they need to dominate.
Mizzou will be coming up on Big 12 Conference play in two weeks so this is their final test to get sharp.
Getting Blaine Gabbert going: We've talked about the importance of getting Blaine Gabbert going early. San Diego State blitzed him and seemed to confuse him at times as he posted his least efficient day of the season. The RedHawks should get him back in the flow of things.
Mizzou's defense: Mizzou will be missing a couple of safeties and defensive end Aldon Smith but they shouldn't have a problem against the RedHawks, who are averaging just 285 yards per game. This should be a tune-up game for the Mizzou defense.
LB Luke Lambert's return: The Tigers have been OK with Lambert our the last two weeks with an injury but will make his return, this time at strong-side linebacker. He'll be expected to contribute immediately and represents another part to the Mizzou defense that needs to be rolling by the time Big 12 Conference play rolls around.