WHEN MISSOURI PASSES

With 173 yards last week, Danario Alexander was 27 yards from becoming the third player in major college history to have 3 straight games of 200 or more receiving yards. Alexander is third in the nation in yardage (128.27 a game) and receptions (8.36 a game). His recent outburst has coincided with the improved health of quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who is second in the conference in passing efficiency to Texas' Colt McCoy.

WHEN MISSOURI RUNS

Although MU again wasn't balanced in terms of yardage last week as it threw for 337 yards, the Tigers had a season-high 202 yards on the ground with the help of Gabbert's increased mobility (season-high 51 yards). Starting tailback Derrick Washington is expected to return after suffering a concussion against Iowa State. If he's hazy or can't go, the alternatives are sophomore De'Vion Moore and freshman Kendial Lawrence.

WHEN KANSAS PASSES

Despite KU's six-game losing streak, QB Todd Reesing still leads the Big 12 in total offense (293.5 yards a game), still is elusive and has two of the four leading receivers in the conference at his disposal: Kerry Meier, who had 14 catches and the game-winning touchdown last year against MU, is tied with Alexander for the league lead with 92 receptions; Dezmon Briscoe is fourth with 70.

WHEN KANSAS RUNS

Running back Jake Sharp has more than 2,200 career rushing yards but has been hindered by injuries and has just 400 yards on 95 carries. Freshman Toben Opurum leads the Jayhawks with 554 yards, but Kansas is managing just 118 a game on the ground (94th nationally). Led by Butkus Award finalist Sean Weatherspoon, the Tigers are holding opponents to 101 yards a game rushing, 15th in the nation.

— Vahe Gregorian