Kickoff: 8 p.m. (CST)

Stadium: Memorial Stadium (71,004)

Location: Columbia

TV: ESPN

Radio: 1400 AM, 102.3 FM, Sirius Satellite Ch. 126, XM Radio Ch. 102

Point spread: Nebraska by 3

INJURY REPORT

Nebraska

Probable: S Larry Asante (ankle)

Out: S Ricky Thenarse (knee)

Missouri

Probable: LB Luke Lambert (ankle), De’Vion Moore (ankle),

Out: CB Munir Prince (hamstring)

FOUR QUESTIONS

1. Can Missouri subdue Suh?

The Tigers picked a heck of a time to suffer some struggles along the offensive line. Because here comes Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska’s All-American hopeful, preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year and NFL first-round lock. Arguably the country’s best defensive tackle, Suh poses nightmare matchup concerns for opposing offensive lines, especially now that fellow D-tackle Jared Crick has developed into a capable sidekick. What kind of impact will the senior have against an O-line that was outsmuscled by Nevada?

2. Blaine’s turn to slay the Huskers?

Sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert says Nebraska is just any other opponent. Just the next team on the schedule. But anyone who knows Gabbert’s history understands the significance of facing the Cornhuskers, the team he was once destined to be leading against the Tigers in this game. How will he fare against his first Big 12 defense? With his predecessor nearby — Chase Daniel is in town and expects to be on the Tigers’ sideline — will Gabbert continue MU’s recent history of fireworks against the Huskers?

3. Helu hard to handle?

Did Nevada expose a soft spot in the Missouri defense by running the ball between the tackles repeatedly in Reno? If so, Nebraska I-back Roy Helu Jr. could have a career day lugging the ball for the Huskers. The Big 12 leader in rushing yards per game and yards per carry, Helu has emerged as one of the Big 12’s best workhorse backs and the centerpiece of an offense that doesn’t have dynamic options at receiver. Helu missed practice with an unspecified illness earlier in the week. If he’s fit to play, what kind of impact does he have against MU’s defensive front?

4. What role will weather play?

The weather forecast calls for heavy thunderstorms to arrive by mid-afternoon. Conventional wisdom gives the advantage to the team with the better running game (Nebraska) and better defense (again, probably Nebraska.) MU has had success throwing in the rain — see the 2006 home game against Kansas State, one of Daniel’s most efficient passing games ever — but fierce winds could disrupt the MU passing attack and both teams’ kicking games.

MEDIA PREDICTIONS

Missouri 24, Nebraska 20

Bring a poncho. Maybe an ark. The only spitting tonight will come from Mother Nature as the 102nd meeting in this revitalized rivalry figures to be a wet one. Minutes before midnight, a Missouri defensive stand clinches a third straight win over the Huskers and sends the Tigers celebrating into Friday.

— Dave Matter,

Columbia Daily Tribune

Missouri 21, Nebraska 20

I think it’s really close. Both teams will play well. Nebraska will run on the Tigers, but Gabbert will hit a couple big plays. If this was in Lincoln, I’d pick Nebraska because of the inexperienced QB in a crazy atmosphere factor. But it’s on Far-Out Field.

— Tom Shatel,

Omaha World-Herald

FAN PREDICTION

Missouri 23, Nebraska 20

Hopefully, we can keep Roy Helu Jr. just as locked up as Lawrence Phillips and Thunder Collins currently are.

— Jason Stella, Louisville

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