Mizzou hosted Alabama for one of the most fun games of the year. In a thriller that was a 3-point contest heading into the fourth quarter, Alabama defeated Mizzou by a final score of 27-24.
Here are five takeaways from a game that Missouri was so close to winning:
1. The Third Down/Fourth Down Battle
Ultimately what lost Mizzou the battle, the Tigers struggled a bunch on third down and the Tide dominated. It felt like every time Mizzou had a 3rd and medium, it was a longshot, for the Tide, it was almost guaranteed.
Alabama went 6/15 on
third down attempts, which blows Mizzou’s 1/10 out of the water. This was a game changer today and if the Tigers want a chance at keep their rank, they’ll need to work on converting when it matters.
Mizzou went 2/3 on fourth down attempts with its miss being on a fake punt attempt. Alabama, on the very next drive after the fake punt, went 2/2 on fourth downs to seal the game with a two possession lead. The Tide finished the game 3-3.
2. Is Ty Simpson a Heisman candidate?
Man. Ty Simpson looked like a Heisman candidate in the first half. It felt like every time he had a second with the ball, he was able to find his receiver. Both his touchdowns were great throws, and it felt like he was completely controlling his teams offense.
On the first drive of the second half, Simpson fumbled and turned the ball over to the Tigers, who ended up scoring a touchdown. Even after this play, it is so obvious that Simpson is an elite pocket passer.
If it weren’t for Simpson, Mizzou would have won this game by a big margin and you got to give credit where it’s due. This game turned me into a Simpson fan.
3. Beau Pribula has some improvement areas in the pass game
Penn State transfer Beau Pribula has speed and agility, and proved that he is more than just a quarterback by rushing for 41 yards in the first half. That being said, a quarterback is supposed to be able to throw too.
Pribula was out of funk during the first half, only completing four passes for 46 yards and one touchdown to Brett Norfleet on a 26-yard touchdown. During the second half, he threw his fourth and fifth interception of the season to make it four-straight games with an interception. As much as Pribula being deadly on his feet is good for Mizzou, they’ll need him to continue improving in the pass game.
4. Cayden Green is back!
Seemed like Cayden Green was taking a majority of snaps at left tackle and I didn’t feel like he was a liability. Mizzou’s run game wasn’t as electric as its been in past games but that was expected with a tough defensive line. Nonetheless, the Tigers were able to keep the game close, rushing for 163 yards and one rushing touchdown.
With Green back, that puts Mizzou in a much more comfortable position as it heads into the thick of SEC play.
5. What does this mean for the rest of the season?
Mizzou lost, but it wasn’t ugly. There were clear things that Missouri did wrong that they were able to identify. All you can do after this is move forward. The season isn’t over and there is plenty of opportunity for the Tigers to come back from the loss. Alabama is really good, Ty Simpson is really good, Mizzou shouldn’t beat themselves up too much about this one. Especially after the comeback attempt late. Heads up, Tigers fans!
