Struggling Wolf Pack host unbeaten Tigers

RENO -- Missouri will try to finish its nonconference schedule 4-0 tonight against a winless UNR team that has been plagued by turnovers in lopsided losses at Notre Dame and Colorado State.

"We continue to shoot ourselves in the foot," said Wolf Pack coach Chris Ault, whose "pistol offense" turned the ball over five times in a 35-20 loss at Fort Collins, Colo., last week after a 35-0 drubbing by the Fighting Irish.

"It's obvious we've got to get better and we've got to get better quick, especially against a team like Missouri," said Ault, who is within two wins of his 200th career victory. "They are playing very well."

Missouri hits the road for the first time this year against an 0-2 Wolf Pack squad that began the season pegged as the best bet to have a chance of knocking off No. 8 Boise State for the Western Athletic Conference title.

Tigers coach Gary Pinkle said he expects to see a different UNR team today at Mackay Stadium, where the Wolf Pack are 22-8 since the winningest coach in school history returned to the sidelines for a third stint in 2004.

"We'll get their 'A' game," Pinkle said. "They are at home. They are excited about it.

"They've played two real good football teams. They're a better football team than what their record's shown.

"From an exposure standpoint, it's the only college game on national television (today). It is a huge plus for both programs."

Missouri linebacker Andrew Gachkar said it will be a challenge to corral UNR quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the WAC's reigning offensive player of the year who last season became only the fifth player in NCAA history to pass for more than 1,000 yards and run for more than 2,000 yards.

Missouri counters with sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who ranks 11th in the NCAA in passing efficiency.

Tonight's game is only the second between the teams. The Tigers won 69-17 in Columbia last season.