A hectic day has kept me away from the computer, but as promised, it's time for a prediction. But first, a few potential lessons learned from last week, the digestion of which by one team more than the other could be decisive Saturday night:

• Missouri Lesson #1:  One-dimensional attack against Oklahoma State was a mistake. Commitment to the running game is essential to protect Daniels.
• Missouri Lesson #2:  One-dimensional attack against Will Muschamp will not work for four quarters.
  
• Missouri Conclusion: Try like hell to run the football. Even if it looks grim.
  
  
• Texas Lesson #1:  Greg Davis was successful in playing to win when Texas was the big underdog to a heavily favorited Oklahoma team.
  
• Texas Lesson #2:  Greg Davis historically has been at his worst when he's played conservatively/not to lose.
• Texas Conclusion:  The big concern for Texas--certainly on offense--is hesitancy/tightness/playing to avoid mistakes.
  
  
• Missouri Lesson #1:  The Tigers' strength on defense lies with their extremely physical, talented defenders up the middle.
• Missouri Lesson #2:  Colt McCoy has a tendency to telegraph where the ball is going--be it Shipley or Cosby, who are often slashing into space in the middle of the field.
• Missouri Conclusion:  Be ready both to jump quick routes on the inside and/or lay some hits Texas' can't-lose receivers won't forget.
  
  
• Texas Lesson #1:  Missouri's strength on defense lies with their extremely physical, talented defenders up the middle.
• Texas Lesson #2:  Jordan Shipley has one of the best double moves in college football.
• Texas Conclusion:  Using Missouri's aggressiveness against them with Shipley and/or a trick play will lead to 6 deep.
  
  
• PB Will Worry If:  Texas misses 3-4 key tackles leading to 1-2 long scores for Missouri.
• PB Will Worry If:  Quan or Ship or McCoy takes a hit that knocks them out of the game for any extended period of time.
• PB Will Worry If:  Greg Davis loses the attacker mentality that led to the Oklahoma shreddage.
• PB Will Worry If:  Jeremy Maclin scores on special teams.
• PB Will Cue The Eyes of Texas If:  Texas' pressure disallows Chase Daniel to stay set and make quick throws.
• PB Will Cue The Eyes of Texas If:  Will Muschamp successfully prevents any long scores (20+ yards out).
• PB Will Cue The Eyes of Texas If:  Fozzy Whittaker is healthy enough to complement OG for 15-20 snaps.
• PB Will Cue The Eyes of Texas If:  Brandon Collins and James Kirkendoll take a step forward as guys Colt trusts and for whom the defense must account.
  
• PB Will Cue The Eyes of Texas If:  Will Muschamp has a lead in the second half.

OFFICIAL PREDICTION:  TEXAS 41  MISSOURI 33

Hook 'em, Horns!  Beat Mizzou!