By Wendell Barnhouse | wendell@big12sports.com
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent

Missouri vs. Navy
2:30 p.m. Thursday, ESPN
Reliant Stadium, Houston
Team records: Missouri 8-4, Navy 9-4

The 411
If opposites attract then perhaps while this bowl matchup occurred. Missouri is a pass-oriented team that features the big play combo of sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert and senior wide receiver Danario Alexander. Navy runs the option and does it well – the Midshipmen average 272 yards a game on the ground, which is fourth in the nation. The Tigers struggled to stop opposing passing attacks this season but will have to change gears to slow the Navy offense, which is led by quarterback Ricky Dobbs. He broke Tim Tebow’s record for rushing TDs by a quarterback with 24. Missouri senior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, a Texas native, will need productive performance as he plays his final game in black and gold. Navy has struggled to generate a pass rush and it can’t afford to give Gabbert time to throw. The Midshipmen opened the season by nearly winning at Ohio State and won at Notre Dame; they’ll not be intimidated playing a team from the Big 12. Missouri believes it was passed over before being the last bowl-eligible Big 12 team selected. A victory would give the Tigers a 9-4 record. That would be a significant achievement considering the players lost from last season’s 10-4 team.

History lessons
Missouri has a 12-14 bowl record and has won three of its last four bowl games. Navy has a 6-8-1 bowl record and lost three consecutive bowl games. Two of those losses came by a combined four points. Missouri defeated Navy and Heisman Trophy winning running back Joe Bellino in the 1960 Orange Bowl by a 21-14 score.