Missouri coach Gary Pinkel has been sure to shoo away any effects that the Tigers' three losses in 2007 and 2008 to Oklahoma might have on this Saturday's matchup of Big 12 unbeatens.

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel believes the Tigers can put some previous losses to Oklahoma behind them. AP Photo/L.G. Patterson

"We don't really go there," he said Monday. "I don't think that's something we'll talk about that much. It's a new year, new players, different times."

He's right, and it's probably not worth looking back on those games in search of a spark this year. But Missouri's team is full of more than new players. Most importantly, it's full of different players.

The biggest reason for hope that Gary Pinkel will earn his first win against Oklahoma comes because the 2010 Tigers' strengths lie where they were dominated most in those three losses: the line of scrimmage.

The offensive line looks like one of Missouri's best under Pinkel, prepared to handle the front seven of Oklahoma. The Sooners held Missouri to 60 yards on 28 carries in the 2008 Big 12 championship game, 57 yards on 30 carries in the first meeting and 98 yards on 32 carries in the 2007 Big 12 title game.

The Tigers had one sack to Oklahoma's six in those three games.

This year, only one team has more sacks than Oklahoma: Missouri. They've done it without their best pass-rusher, Aldon Smith, who may be available for the first time in a month on Saturday night. Missouri averages almost 4.5 yards a carry this season, and the Tigers' top two running backs held that average against the nation's No. 2 rush defense last week, Texas A&M.

Also worth noting: None of those three games took place on Missouri's campus, as Saturday's game will. Two were on neutral sites in Kansas City and San Antonio, and a third was played in Norman.

On defense, the Tigers gave up 62 points in the 2008 Big 12 title game to Oklahoma's offense, which scored more points that season than any other team in college football history. Missouri's defense has given up nine points in its first two conference games, the fewest since 1967. Oklahoma's offense looks to be well short of the feverish pace set by a 2008 unit stacked with future NFL talent everywhere, from Heisman winner and No. 1 pick Sam Bradford to three offensive linemen.

Now, Missouri's improved defense that ranks No. 2 nationally in scoring at less than 11 points a game, will look for a stamp of approval against the best offense it's faced so far this season. Oklahoma ranks third in the Big 12 and 17th nationally in total offense.

"I think the greatest asset that we have on defense is that we really play as a team together well," Pinkel said. "There're a lot of guys that believe in each other and play real well together. They're very realistic about the challenges that you have each and every week. We have some confidence, but, yet, a lot of preparation, to play a great game."

Play that great game on Saturday night, and Missouri will remain on top of the Big 12 North and find a snug spot inside the BCS top 10.