By Robert Cameron   chuskers.com QB Brad Smith led the Tigers in rushing with a staggering 246 yards on the ground scoring 3 touchdowns. I can't believe what I saw last Saturday as the Huskers fell to the Tigers 24 to 41. It's pretty much common knowledge that the strength of the Blackshirts defense is its line play. The penetration and pressure that the defensive line has been able to put on the opposing offenses has protected a very average at best defensive secondary. So instead of going with our strength on defense to attack the Tigers, we put the game into the hands of our secondary. After we were burnt by QB Brad Smith to the tune of 21 points in the first quarter, it was painfully obvious that we needed to get more pressure on him. Every time the Blackshirts pressured Smith, the results were favorable. Smith wasn't nearly as effective with a defender in his face. For some reason, Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove never made that adjustment in the first half and continued to rush only 3. One would think that after dodging a bullet in the first half that at halftime the proper adjustment would have been made. As the score may have indicated, they were not! The Head Coach Bill Callahan also made some poor decisions in this game. Why didn't we run the ball against the Tigers? The Tigers' defense ranked 89th nationally against the rush. It would have been nice to see the Huskers explore the running game a little more. The Huskers only called 13 rushing plays for a net total of -2 yards for the game. QB Zac Taylor was a marked man all day. The Tiger defense held Taylor to 22 of 43 passing for 281 yards and a pair of touchdowns as well as interceptions. He was also sacked 4 times and was hit at least a dozen more during the game. Most of the pressure came from Tigers DE Brian Smith who seemed unstoppable. It was painfully obvious that the Huskers' LT Fuamatu Thomas was no match for Smith's pass rush. WR Nate Swift was the only bright spot on offense catching 9 passes for 135 yards and 1 touchdown. LB Bo Ruud led the defense in tackles with 12 and the Blackshirts had 4 more sacks bringing this year's total to 38. The Huskers could have played much better in this game, but we must give Missouri credit for a well earned victory. QB Brad Smith led the Tigers in rushing with a staggering 246 yards on the ground scoring 3 touchdowns. By the way as if his rushing yards weren't enough, he also passed for 234 yards and 1 touchdown. Is Smith the real deal? I'm a believer. The Huskers will try to rebound next weekend at home against the Oklahoma Sooners. This is a must win if they are to get back in the Big 12 North race. The Huskers will rush the ball more this week. I predict a Husker win 20 to 13.