Jan. 23, 2004

Coming off of a second place finish at the NWCA National Duals last weekend, the Tigers are 10-1 on the season, with a 1-1 record in the Big 12. In Missouri's two meetings with No. 1 Oklahoma State, the Tigers and Cowboys have split the 2003-04 series 1-1, with Missouri taking the first win on Nov. 21 (21-17) and Oklahoma State pulling out the most recent victory, Jan. 18 (24-12).

In a rivalry that dates back to Missouri's third season in wrestling history (1925-26), the Nebraska all-time series record stands at 15-33-3. Entering Saturday's dual, Missouri brings with it the most recent win over the Cornhuskers, coming at home on Jan. 31, 2003 (23-14). The dual will be Missouri's third conference meet and Nebraska's first of the 2003-04 season. Both teams will head to the mat with nine ranked wrestlers. Missouri holds six in top-10 spots, while Nebraska has five. 125-pound senior Jason Powell of Nebraska stands No. 1 in the nation at his weight.

For only the fourth time of the season, Missouri is expected to use its full starting lineup. Head Coach Brian Smith will bring seniors Kenny Burleson (157), J.P. Reese (141), Jeremy Spates (149) and transfer Mike Whitehead (HWT), juniors Paul Collum (133) and Tyron Woodley (165), sophomores Austin DeVoe (125) and Jeff Foust (197) and redshirt freshmen Ben Askren (174) and Matt Pell (184).

"We're looking forward to competing against Nebraska," Smith said. "They continuously bring a strong team to the mat and several of Saturday's matchups should be really exciting to watch."