Prior to each game this season, PowerMizzou.com checked in with an insider from the Tigers' opponent. With the Alamo Bowl just three days away, we put our six questions to Louie Vaccher of WildcatReport.com. Check inside to get the scoop on Northwestern.

Has Northwestern seen an offense this year that is close to what the Tigers will bring to San Antonio?

Not really. The closest thing to Missouri that Northwestern saw this season was Illinois' spread option. The Illini averaged 438.8 yards and 28.7 points per game - good numbers, certainly, but a far cry from Missouri's averages of 497.5 yards and 47.2 points per contest. The good news is that Northwestern was able to largely shut the Illini down, limiting them to just 335 yards and, most importantly, 10 points.

What is Northwestern's biggest edge entering this game?

Northwestern's strengths on defense match up pretty well with Missouri's strengths on offense. The Tigers like to throw the ball, and the strength of the Wildcats' is their front four and their pass rush, which led the Big Ten with 33 sacks. And the team's second-best unit is its secondary. Northwestern's defense hasn't faced a challenge like Missouri will throw at them, but at least they will be relying on their best players and best units.

Where do you see the Wildcats' biggest disadvantage?

Speed. It remains to be seen whether the Wildcats' defense can keep up with Jeremy Maclin, Chase Coffman and the rest of the Tigers' receiver corps. They've done a good job this season limiting big plays, but all it takes is one or two to change the outcome of a ballgame.



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