5 per game and lead the nation in both categories

Texas defensive end Sergio KindleThe broader picture to this matchup is Missouri's beleaguered offensive line against Texas' dominating front four. But Kindle, a candidate for several national awards, is arguably the Longhorns' most talented and electrifying player. On the other side of the coin, Fisher and Hoch, both sophomores, have struggled against speed rushers as a result of poor technique.To the edge what Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh is to the interior, Kindle, though he has followed up a 10-sack junior season in 2008 with only two sacks thus far in six games, has the ability to change a game. At 6'4", 255 pounds, Kindle is bulky enough to contribute against the run, but his speed allows defensive coordinator Will Muschamp the luxury of spreading him all over the field, at both linebacker and defensive end, on either side of the formation.Without losing focus of Texas' other difference-makers up front, Hoch and Fisher, along with MU's guards and center, have to account for Kindle on every play. And, first and foremost, that means on passing downs, where Kindle and Co. should be able to generate pressure on a less-than-healthy Blaine Gabbert , particularly on third-and-long situations.Both with distinct size advantages, Hoch (6'7", 320) and Fisher (6'5", 300) absolutely have to neutralize Kindle's speed with a quick first step and a solid punch. And perhaps more importantly, the duo has to be able to get their hands inside on the defensive end, which is a matter of technique that has eluded the Missouri offensive line and resulted in a mess of costly holding penalties.As a whole, Missouri's offensive line has performed well at times, but breakdowns in communication and poor fundamentals have lead to gaps in pass protection and a failure to create seams in the running game.

The Tigers have allowed eight sacks this season, including a modest total of three in games against Nebraska and Oklahoma State, but quarterback Blaine Gabbert has been feeling the heat considerably more often since Big 12 play began.And he'll likely be under siege again. The Longhorns rank in middle of the Big 12 with 17 sacks, but the defense is one of the nation's most disruptive, forcing 14 fumbles and a league-high 19 turnovers. Texas has allowed only 225 rushing yards all season , or an average of 37.5 per game, and lead the nation in both categories. In lieu of all the problems Kindle presents all by himself, the bigger conundrum exists when opposing offenses pay him too much attention, immediately allowing Texas' other defensive stars to play unencumbered.

It's been a theme for Texas this season, and it's likely to continue against Missouri. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy versus Missouri linebacker Sean WeatherspoonWhen Texas has the ball, two of the Big 12's fiercest competitors will be on display. A preseason favorite to capture the Heisman Trophy, Colt McCoy has hardly resembled the quarterback that set an NCAA record for completion percentage a season ago. McCoy has suffered from a mediocre receiving corps, not to mention a running game that produces nearly 170 yards a game but ranks 49th in the country.Sean Weatherspoon , by all accounts, is perhaps the conference's best linebacker and without a doubt the heart and soul of the Missouri defense. A preseason All-American selection, the 6'2", 245-pound Weatherspoon is a menacing presence and, as a three-year starter at outside linebacker, is zeroing in on Missouri's all-time tackle total, averaging over eight stops per game this season.If Missouri's underachieving defensive line can sustain unexpected pressure on McCoy, defensive coordinator Dave Steckel won't feel the need to blitz. However, if the need arises, he'll call Weatherspoon's number as the first linebacker to join the rush. With his strength and good leverage, Weatherspoon will be able to break Texas' protection scheme, but when he gets there, he needs to take McCoy to the ground, putting Texas in difficult down-and-distance scenarios.Conversely, if Texas is able to protect in the passing game, McCoy will have ample time to find his targets.