Missouri has important test today at Tennessee

Missouri quarterback James Franklin is sacked by Florida defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard during last Saturday's game in Gainesville, Fla.
Missouri quarterback James Franklin is sacked by Florida defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard during last Saturday's game in Gainesville, Fla.

COLUMBIA, Mo. - There is no better cure for a struggling offense than a struggling defense. And vice versa.

Missouri, meet Tennessee. Tennessee, meet Missouri.

With bowl hopes continuing to fade with each loss, polar-opposite teams meet today in Knoxville (11:20 a.m., KQFX-TV).

"Obviously the game is hugely important for both teams, for obvious reasons," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said.

With the Tigers and Volunteers sitting at 4-5 overall, both need to win two of their final three games to be bowl-eligible.

Oddly enough, the similarities end there.