Missouri only recently has entered the upper levels of the college football world. They had two Big 12 North titles under current Head Coach, Gary Pinkel, in 2007 and 2008, but failed to convert either to a conference title. Then last year they found a way through the Southeastern Conference East to get that division title. Of course, they lost that game to Auburn. But Missouri was returning many good players this season such as now seasoned quarterback Maty Mauk. They were expected to do some great things this year, and maybe even contend inside the Southeastern Conference again, but that's all basically over now.
Indiana has not made a bowl game since 2007, when they lost to Oklahoma State in the Insight Bowl. They are now 12-27 under current Head Coach Kevin Wilson, formerly an Offensive Coordinator from the University of Oklahoma. Oklahoma always did have Missouri's number when he was on the Sooners staff, perhaps that was why the Hoosiers appeared more poised and confident then they have in a long time.
As far as the actual game action happened, it was all incredibly balanced. Nate Sudfeld through for 252 yards and a touchdown for the Hoosiers, and was bested by Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk who threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns. Mauk did throw an interception however, which would turn out to be the only turnover of the game. In the running game, Indiana out rushed the Tigers with a total of 241 to 172. They also had three rushing touchdowns to Missouri's one. One key area to evaluate is the penalties. Missouri had 10 penalties totaling 75 yards, while Indiana was more disciplined and only had 5 penalties for 55 yards. The Hoosiers kept the ball safe on the ground, had fewer penalties, and won the turnover battle. This should be every underdog's recipe for success against the big cats of college football. The VAVEL player of the game in this contest is awarded to Hoosier running back D'Angelo Roberts, who had two touchdowns rushing, including the game winner.
This was a very balanced game, and it appeared that both teams were very evenly matched. The Hoosiers simply played a better game, and executed when they needed too. They were only 1-14 on third down, but went 2-2 on fourth down. They did what was needed to get the victory in this game. Now it is yet to be determined how well they will play in the Big Ten this season to go to a Bowl Game for the first time in the Kevin Wilson era.