After the drama Saturday of a 23-13 comeback victory over Illinois in what both team's coaches considered a bowl atmosphere at the Edward Jones Dome, MU now has the task of avoiding a letdown this week against visiting FCS (Division 1-AA) foe McNeese State.

In their opener, the Cowboys eked out a 30-27 win over a Lamar program that was playing its first football game in 21 years.

During Monday's Big 12 media teleconference, Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel said the best way to contend with any potential sag is to make this week "about us," as opposed to the opponent.

"It would not be wise to not prepare properly for this game," he said, adding that how MU plays "reflects a lot" about his team. "This is as important a game as any game we have on our schedule."

Over the weekend, sophomore defensive end Aldon Smith was named Walter Camp national defensive player of the week with a career-high 10 tackles, including three for loss and two sacks.

Even after that performance, Pinkel contended "we've just seen a glimpse of this guy, how good he could be."

Toward that end, MU will try to maximize that by continuing to move Smith around the field as it did against Illinois. Smith was used inside, dropped into coverage and as a spy on Illinois quarterback Nathaan Scheelhaase.

"You've got this athlete you want to use right," Pinkel said.

That boosted a defensive effort that muzzled Illinois to 85 yards and no points in the second half after the Tigers fell behind 13-3.

The victory was MU's first after scoring three points or fewer in the first half since 1987.

The comeback, Pinkel said, was indicative of a team he already believes is "much more mature than we were a year ago."