SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State’s offense has moved the ball really well throughout the previous two games. But scoring has stalled in the fourth quarter.
Missouri State has yet to score in the fourth quarter this season. Is that a cause for concern? Head coach Casey Woods doesn’t think so.
“That’s the first that it’s been brought to me attention,” Woods said. “It may be circumstantial more than anything.”
The Bears put together 569 yards against Lindenwood in Week 2, followed by 506 yards of total offense versus Marshall.
The yards have not translated to late-game points. There are some factors to it.
In Week 1, Texas A&M simply showed its SEC defensive strength and halted any Missouri State
momentum.
In the fourth quarter against Lindenwood, Missouri State’s reserve players featured in the big win.
The Bears game against Marshall was a true indicator, but the team couldn’t find the end zone.
Altogether, Missouri State’s offense has had seven fourth-quarter drives. The team has gained 134 yards in those drives. Missouri State’s final drive against Marshall accounts for most of that yardage. The Bears went 86 yards in 11 plays.
Two of the team’s seven fourth-quarter drives have stalled in the red zone.
“We have to finish the drives in the red zone, for sure,” Woods said. “Those are good things to take note of and be aware.”
The Bears are one of three teams in the entire FBS to not score in the final quarter. Missouri State is also the only Conference USA team. Four teams — Delaware, Liberty, Middle Tennessee and FIU — in the league have scored in the fourth quarter of every game
There are a lot of places Missouri State would like to improve upon entering conference play in a few weeks. Finishing strong offensively will be an area that needs to improve if the Bears want to contend for the league title.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State football's 4th quarter scoring not worth the concern
