• It’s a key Thursday night clash in the Big 12 North race that gives Nebraska a chance to recapture some of that old aura. More on the potentially soggy battle from the papers in Omaha (1, 2, 3, 4), Lincoln (1, 2), Grand Island, Kansas City (1, 2), St. Louis and Fort Worth. Commentary: Shatel, McKewon, Sipple, McKeever

• Nebraska and Missouri senators exchange some pregame pranks.

• It’ll be a particularly busy Thursday night for Todd Fisher and sons.

• Tom Shatel discusses the rivalry and the game with a Columbia newspaper.

• “Can we be friends?” A Missouri writer addresses fan animosities.

• The Tigers talk about the challenge of facing NU’s running game.

• Bo Pelini has some fun with the flu rumors in a Twitter message.

• Against Mizzou’s defense, yardage is coming a lot easier than points.

• The new emphasis on helmet-to-helmet penalties is too much, Steve Sipple writes.

• Would-be teammates will be on opposite sides, but Blaine Gabbert says he isn’t looking back on what might have been. | Gabbert’s hot start: 1, 2

• The start of every week brings a new challenge for nickel back Eric Hagg. More player features: Jared Crick | Mizzou kicker Grant Ressel

• More about the disappointing state of Mizzou’s running game: 1, 2, 3

• Brenden Stai likes the strides the Huskers are making on defense.

• Will last year’s debacle and/or the ranked-opponent losing streak be a factor?

• Gary Pinkel isn’t backing off on QB recruit Tyler Gabbert.

• It's a of the matchup from Columbia. Part I | Part II

• Bo Pelini downplays rumors that Roy Helu will sit out with the flu. | Notes: 1, 2

• Sam McKewon opines on Bo Pelini’s redefining of the Blackshirt tradition.

• Zac Lee says he’s learned from the tough road test in Blacksburg.

• The LJS’s Missouri Insider assesses the Tigers.

• The Missourians on NU’s roster are eager to play in their home state.

• Jacob Hickman says NU’s confidence level is improved going into this year’s game.

• Husker Dan offers up a prelude to the game.

• There’ll be no Blackshirts issues just yet, Bo Pelini says. The players say they’re expecting an amped-up crowd in Columbia. Video from Monday’s press conference: Suh, Pelini, Lee, Hickman, Compton | Notes: 1, 2

• Neither team is running low on motivation for this clash of ranked teams.

• Mizzou linebacker Sean Weatherspoon can both play and talk a little.

• Get a rundown on Mizzou from Omaha and Kansas City perspectives.

• Chris Brooks draws inspiration from his 5-year-old son.

• Gary Pinkel says he’s he impressed with this year’s Huskers. More: 1, 2, 3

• Steve Sipple says NU’s schedule suddenly looks a lot less daunting.

• The Huskers go into Thursday’s game ranked No. 1 nationally in scoring defense. Also, NU moves up to No. 22 in the coaches’ poll and 21st in AP. | More about AP

• Tom Shatel sees a serious rivalry brewing between the Huskers & Tigers, and Sam McKewon says it’s what the Big 12 North needs. The K.C. Star’s Blair Kerkoff notes that Mizzou currently has the upper hand.

• Gary Pinkel hops into a helicopter to pursue Husker QB commit Tyler Gabbert.

• Cameron Meredith says understanding his assignments is making him a better player.

• The players’ ability to refocus on the next challenge impresses Carl Pelini.

• Roy Helu seeks better production in the early stages of games.

• Adi Kunalic earns his keep on kickoffs but still has field-goal ambitions. Notes: 1, 2

• Is the running game up to snuff? We'll soon know, Tad Stryker writes.

• Sam McKewon: The Huskers are working at managing their emotions vs. Mizzou.

• The Thursday night road game means an altered routine for the players.

• Missouri’s running game has fallen far short of Gary Pinkel’s expectations.

• The focus is on fundamentals as the Huskers return to practice. Afterward, all talk about Missouri is deflected. Notes: 1, 2

• Rex Burkhead isn’t letting his early success go to his head.

• Shawn Watson is running an efficient ship in 2009, Sam McKewon says.

• Chris Brooks emerges as a go-to guy. P.J. Smith gets valuable snaps at safety.

• Justin Prestidge and David Max check in with the LA-Lafayette assessments.

• Rickey Thenarse will be out for a while, Bo Pelini says as the Mizzou buildup starts.

• With injuries in the secondary, younger players may need to step up. | Notes

• Sam McKewon's Monday review | Steve Sipple on coaching & parity

• See how Nebraska and Missouri match up statistically four games into the season.

• The next opponent, Mizzou, wins a Friday night game at Nevada, 31-21.

• Missouri is selling tickets for its home game against NU.

• This year's version of the Missouri Tigers has a lot of young faces.

• The defense dominates Mizzou's spring game: 1, 2, 3, 4

• Missouri picks up some ESPN perks for rescheduling the Nebraska game.

• The Missouri game will be a Thursday night contest on ESPN.