Welcome to a new series called ‘What’s The Trend’ that highlights the biggest risers and fallers in the Mizzou Football world each week! After a dominant Week 3 victory over Louisana, here are this week’s trends.
On the Rise
Ahmad Hardy
This was one that didn’t take much thinking, nor do I need to do much explaining.
Hardy rushed for 250 yards and three touchdowns against the Ragin’ Cajuns on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Even though most of the fans left at halftime, they still saw Hardy’s masterclass as he had
188 yards and two of his three TDs by halftime. Either way: Domination.
Hardy leads the SEC in rushing and also earned the Doak Walker Player of the Week, Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week. The Louisiana Monroe transfer also made an appearence on the PFF National Team of the Week alongside his RT Keagan Trost.
Mizzou’s Strength of Schedule
Coming into the season, many people were speculating that Mizzou had a ‘cake walk’ schedule and that it didn’t play any of the real SEC talent. Well, things have shifted. Mizzou walks into Week 4 against South Carolina with the 16th hardest remaining schedule according to ESPN.
While this might make Tigers’ route to the playoffs a little tougher, they aren’t going to have any problems with building a strong resume if they can keep up their winning ways.
The Offensive Line
After starting the season as a big question mark amongst the Tigers, Mizzou had a standout week in the trenches in its dominant win over Louisiana. The team posted their highest PFF grades of the season in both run block and pass block. After posting a 58.2 run block grade as a team against Kansas, the team earned a 80.3 run block grade against the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Trost earned a spot on the PFF National Team of the Week at right tackle while LT Cayden Green earned his best grade to date, leading his team with a 92.2 PFF grade.
This is a very positive sign for Mizzou fans as the offensive line is becoming less and less questionable.
On the Decline
College Gameday Hopes
So many Mizzou fans were heartbroken when they heard that College Gameday was heading to Miami instead of Columbia. What looked like a lock if South Carolina was able to handle Vandy fell apart when star quarterback LaNorris Sellers suffered an injury, resulting in him remaining out against the Commodores. Vanderbilt took its opportunity and ran, defeating South Carolina 31-7.
I’d say Missouri’s only chance of hosting College Gameday is now its matchup versus Texas A&M. The Alabama game has been set for an 11 a.m. kickoff which makes it less likely. Many people are speculating the idea that Mizzou/Vanderbilt in Nashville has a chance at College Gameday, too.
Mizzou Kicking
Once again, kicking find its way onto this list. Robert Meyer had an alright day, going perfect on point after kicks but missing a 41-yard attempt in the process.
It didn’t hurt them now but when in the SEC the game comes down to a kick, Mizzou fans might be a little nervous. That being said, Meyer is still a freshman and has time to get adjusted but man, Blake Craig out for the season was a heart breaker.
South Carolina
As this weeks opponent, I thought it would be fair to put them in here. Coming into Week 3, Mizzou/South Carolina was a favorite to be College Gameday. Now, the Tigers sit as 9.5 point favorites and an ESPN predictor 80.2% chance to win the game. This isn’t ideal for the Gamecocks, but if Sellers can get healthy, there’s more than enough time for South Carolina to get back on track.
