Daniel is the kind of quarterback that gives Missouri a chance to reach that level.

“A lot of quarterbacks, and I’ve had some good ones, get pretty nervous on gameday. He’s not like that,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “He prepares well, and he just loves to play quarterback. I know there’s a lot of good quarterbacks in this country, but he’s got to be one of the top. I’ve been around some good quarterbacks, and he’s the best I’ve ever been around.”

OU coach Bob Stoops said the Missouri coach isn’t blowing smoke.

“He’s really a good player. No question,” he said. “He has a great feel for that offense and distributing and throwing the ball in all the different holes he’s looking for. He’s a powerful guy in that if he doesn’t like what he sees, he can scramble. He’s got good feet and he’s thick enough that you’ve really got to get a good hold of him to get him down.”

It could make for a frustrating night when the sixth-ranked Sooners (5-1, 1-1 Big 12) face the 11th-ranked Tigers (5-0, 1-0) at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Owen Field.

Daniel’s play will be the key to success or failure for OU defensively.

Their last encounter was a struggle in terms of yards, but the Sooners bailed themselves out with three interceptions and recovering a fumble.

“Last year they had a great offense and this year they’re even better,” OU defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. “He likes to move around so we’re going to have to contain him.”

Every team the Tigers play goes into a game with that goal. They’ve all tried. Most have failed.

John Shinn

366-3536

jshinn@normantranscript.com