Strengths

Quarterback: Despite nursing an ankle injury for a good portion of the season, sophomore signal-caller Blaine Gabbert has posted solid numbers for the Tigers in 2009. Through the team's first nine contests, Gabbert has completed 181 passes for 2,364 yards and 17 scores while being picked off seven times. K-State's secondary will likely need a mistake-free day to keep Missouri's passing game in check.

Wide receiver: It's no secret that senior Danario Alexander has been Gabbert's favorite target this season, but Alexander isn't the only receiving threat on the Tigers' roster this season. Missouri has three receivers who have caught at least 20 passes this season, including senior Jared Perry, who has caught 43 passes for 687 yards and six scores. Expect every Wildcat defensive back to have his hands full this weekend against a deep receiving corps.

Defensive line: Led by redshirt freshman sensation Aldon Smith, the Tigers' defensive front four has been one of the team's best units in 2009. The starting linemen have combined for 124 total tackles, including 23 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 12.5 sacks. This could mean trouble for a K-State offense that has relied heavily on its ground attack all season.

Linebacker: Arguably the Tigers' most well-rounded unit, the Missouri linebacking corps has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the 2009 campaign. Led by All-America candidate Sean Weatherspoon, the three starters have racked up a total of 184 tackles, including 20 behind the line of scrimmage, and 7.5 sacks. The unit has also played a role in the turnover game, combining for three forced fumbles this season. K-State running back Daniel Thomas, who torched Kansas for 185 yards last weekend, could have some trouble if the Wildcat offensive line can't contain the Tiger linebackers.

Weaknesses

Running back: Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel has installed an offense that primarily focuses on the passing game, so it's no surprise that the Tigers' running game has played a minimal role this season. Junior Derek Washington has been servicable when used – he averages four yards per carry – but a lack of touches has limited Washington to an average of 62.4 yards per contest and a total of just five touchdowns. K-State's run defense, which ranks 20th nationally, should have little trouble neutralizing Missouri's ground attack.

Tight end: The Tigers' offense may feature a potent aerial attack, but since the loss of former star tight end Chase Coffman last year, the position has been virtually non-existent. This year's starter, sophomore Andrew Jones, has caught just seven passes for 39 yards and has yet to score a touchdown in 2009. Don't expect K-State's pass defense to pay much attention to Jones, as the unit will likely be preoccupied with trying to contain the Tiger wide receivers.

Offensive line: For a team that relies so heavily on the passing game, a consistent, reliable offensive line is a necessity. The Tigers haven't been so fortunate this season, as Missouri quarterbacks have been sacked 15 times through the team's first nine contests. K-State's defensive pressure has come on strong in the last several games, and the Wildcats could have another big day against Missouri's susceptable front five.

Secondary: While Missouri's run defense has been spectacular this season, the Tigers' pass defense has been lackluster through the team's first nine games. Only one of the starting defensive backs has recorded more than 40 tackles this season, and the starting unit has only combined for one interception in 2009. If K-State is forced to look to its passing game, Wildcat quarterback Grant Gregory could put up decent numbers against the Tigers.

-Compiled by Justin Nutter