The Tigers Still Have Much to Prove Against MTSU
Missouri left many fans wanting more after its win over South Dakota. Sure, they cruised to a 35-10 victory without many hiccups. But the offense still lacked the firepower many were hoping to see. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has popularized the acronym “STP” this offseason, meaning ‘something to prove,’ hinting that the Tigers are being slept on. Week two will provide Mizzou an opportunity to display more big play potential on offense. It would also be a chance for Missouri to avenge their 2016 loss to Middle Tennessee State as well. No matter how you slice it, the Tigers have something to prove to many people against the Blue Raiders on Saturday.
Here are the questions Mizzou needs to answer before their big showdown with Kansas State in week three.
Can the Offense Get Vertical?
The Tigers lacked a consistent downfield threat in 2022. Their offense featured many screen passes and short throws to pair with a bland rushing attack. There was hope that 2023 would bring a new, more exciting offense to the field. However, against South Dakota, Missouri looked like the same team. Screen passes, jet sweeps, short out routes, runs between the tackles. Opposing teams simply just don’t fear the over-the-top play against Mizzou, which limits the rest of the offense.
There are many potential reasons for this. It could be trust in the quarterback’s arm, the receivers not creating separation, or the coaches choosing to play conservatively. But if Missouri wants to take the next step offensively, it has to be able to take the top off of the defense and get vertical. The Tigers need to show they can execute against weaker competition before breaking out these plays against high-level competition.
The fanbase isn’t completely sold on Brady Cook as the quarterback. But if he connects on a few deep balls against Middle Tennessee, that could shift the perspective of some. More importantly, it will make teams more scared of Missouri as a whole.
Does Blake Craig Deserve a Chance?
Harrison Mevis opened his 2023 campaign going 0 for 2 on field goal attempts. If he comes out and misses a kick again in week two, does that give true freshman Blake Craig an opportunity to line up for a few field goal attempts? Early misses can be rust and maybe Mevis goes four of four against the Blue Raiders. However, early season woes cost Mizzou a win last year when Mevis missed a game-winning chip shot at Auburn. Missouri has upcoming games against Kansas State and Memphis before starting SEC play. They need to know they can trust their kicker if it comes down to a field goal attempt.
It would be hard to bench Mevis, as he has knocked many huge kicks through the uprights in his career. But a few more slip-ups should provide Craig at least a shot to show his abilities. Missouri is past the point of letting things figure themselves out. They need to win every game they can, and Mizzou cannot allow the same slip-ups that have been seen throughout Drinkwitz’s tenure.
Is the Pass Rush Ready?
Missouri’s defense has high-level talent all over the field. The secondary is elite and deep, they have two of the best linebackers in the conference, and their defensive tackle room has a nice blend of experience and youth. The biggest question mark was the edge rushers. In week one against South Dakota, Johnny Walker and Nyles Gaddy flashed some ability as they shared a sack. The only other sack of the game came from freshman safety Marvin Burks on a blitz.
One total sack against low-level FCS competition isn’t very inspiring. Having an elite secondary can only take you so far if opposing quarterbacks have an eternity to find an open man. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker is no stranger to scheming some blitzes in his 4-2-5 defense, especially with players like Burks and Daylan Carnell having a nose for the ball. Regardless, it would be assuring to see the Tigers really get after the quarterback on Saturday.
Photo courtesy: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
