Alabama Crimson Tide: E.J. Gaines
Bama-Mizzou statistical breakdown
October, 12, 2012
10/12/12
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Alex Scarborough and ESPN Stats and Information | ESPN.com
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireAlabama junior quarterback AJ McCarron matches up favorably with his Missouri counterparts, James Franklin and Corbin Berkstresser.With the help of the ESPN Stats and Information Department, we broke down some keys to the game:
Comparing the offenses
Like Ole Miss, the Missouri Tigers like to run a no-huddle, up-tempo style of offense that focuses on running as many plays as possible. If the Tigers get rolling and convert on third downs, they're difficult to stop.
Note: On designed running plays this season, Alabama is averaging 5.5 yards per rush and 4.0 yards before contact per rush.
Comparing the defenses
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel's defense is similar to Alabama's in a number of ways. The Tigers like to disguise where the coverage is and where the blitzes are coming from. They twist and stunt on the defensive line, which has resulted in nearly 20 more tackles for loss than Alabama.
Note: This season, 8.2 percent of offensive possessions against Alabama end with points, the lowest percentage in FBS. The Tide have forced 15 turnovers and allowed five scoring drives (5 touchdowns, 0 field goals). Their +10 ratio on turnovers forced to scores allowed is six more than any other FBS team.
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel's defense is similar to Alabama's in a number of ways. The Tigers like to disguise where the coverage is and where the blitzes are coming from. They twist and stunt on the defensive line, which has resulted in nearly 20 more tackles for loss than Alabama.
Note: This season, 8.2 percent of offensive possessions against Alabama end with points, the lowest percentage in FBS. The Tide have forced 15 turnovers and allowed five scoring drives (5 touchdowns, 0 field goals). Their +10 ratio on turnovers forced to scores allowed is six more than any other FBS team.
Comparing the QBs
At first glance, you'd say Missouri is in a world of hurt without starting quarterback James Franklin, but you might be exaggerating. Franklin has more experience, but his execution on offense hasn't been far and away better than his backup, Corbin Berkstresser, who has started just one game, a win over Arizona State.
Note: AJ McCarron has no career turnovers in 90 career red zone plays (78 pass and 12 rush).
The little things
When it comes to mental mistakes, Alabama has the clear advantage over Missouri. As Tigers defensive back E.J. Gaines put it, "Alabama is a good team and they're really disciplined. If we want to win, we have to be the same way."
Missouri DB: 'They're No. 1 for a reason' 
October, 11, 2012
10/11/12
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
E.J. Gaines is sick of the questions about playing in the SEC. Missouri's standout defensive back has heard enough. It's been 103 days since the Tigers officially became full-fledged members of the conference and the transition hasn't occurred without scrutiny.
"I am tired of that question," Gaines said with a laugh. "But it is what I expected. It's fun. It's intense. You play great teams each week."
The Tigers are 0-3 in their inaugural season as SEC members, losing games to South Carolina, Georgia and Vanderbilt. The SEC has seven ranked teams, while Missouri's former conference, the Big 12, has just four.
"I am tired of that question," Gaines said with a laugh. "But it is what I expected. It's fun. It's intense. You play great teams each week."
The Tigers are 0-3 in their inaugural season as SEC members, losing games to South Carolina, Georgia and Vanderbilt. The SEC has seven ranked teams, while Missouri's former conference, the Big 12, has just four.
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Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.