The No. 18 Missouri Tigers had an opportunity to stay alive in the CFP race, but a 34-20 loss to No. 7 Texas dropped Mizzou to 6-3 overall (3-3 SEC) on the season — as Eli Drinkwitz is still searching for a statement win.
Let’s get to the five takeaways after a frustrating loss:
- Red Zone Offense Simply Isn’t Good Enough
Missouri made three trips to the redzone but only scored one touchdown on the opening drive. Not being able to take advantage of successful drives proved to be costly. That’s not going to get it done against elite teams.
2.
Special Teams Continues to Struggle
Blake Craig was 2-for-4 on field goals as Mizzou keeps leaving plenty of points on the board. Missouri also had a punt blocked and muffed a punt in crunch time. In one of the most underrated units, the Tigers couldn’t find success. Too many mistakes against a great Texas team.
3. Plenty of Drops from Wide Receivers
Austin Simmons was 23/43 for 252 passing yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Yes, he could have been more efficient, but there were some notable drops among the wide receivers — especially on third downs where the Tigers were only 3-for-16 on third down conversations.
4. Officiating Was Questionable
It’s not the reason why Mizzou lost this game, but there were way too many calls that went in Texas’ favor — especially the Arch Manning incomplete pass on a crucial 3rd and 10 that was ruled a fumble for a first down. I mean, c’mon.
The Longhorns took advantage with a touchdown afterwards to tie the game at 20. Certainly, it was a momentum changing call.
5. Missouri is a Good, but not Great Team
Today showed. Mizzou was competitive at home against a really good Texas team — but couldn’t get it done with too many mistakes. The Tigers are 6-3 in the midst of a good, solid season — but when will this program take the next step? Eli Drinkwitz is still searching for a statement win — and today was certainly a winnable game. That’s the most frustrating part.
