Missouri's defense has actually been very good in Big 12 play. Unlike say, KU or OU, MU's defense has actually performed much better in conference play then in they did in their non-con. MU's defense has stacked up some pretty good stats so far in Big 12 play:
#1 in scoring defense
#1 in total defense
#2 in rush defense
#3 in opponent first downs
#3 in sacks
#4 in pass defense
#2 in pass defense efficiency (#1 in ypa and passing TDs against)
Unlike KU, Missouri's defense has done this while playing the #3 and 5 scoring offenses in the country.
Somwhere, Don James is smiling.