Well. we’re here. Is Ahmad Hardy a Heisman contender? Maybe it’s too early, but maybe it’s legitimate. In the SEC opener against a motivated and desperate South Carolina team on ESPN primetime, Hardy performed at his best. This was perhaps the most talented defense he’s seen so far, and he didn’t back down. From Josh Matejka’s Five Takeways:
Mizzou’s starting running back officially broke onto the national stage in this nationally-televised game as easily as he breaks tackles. The sophomore was a menace
for South Carolina’s defenders, uncorking explosive plays all throughout the game.
Let’s get to our MV3 from our Week 4 win as Mizzou improved to 4-0 (1-0 SEC) on the season.
1. Ahmad Hardy
Ahmad Hardy had 22 carries for 138 yads and a touchdown. Say what you want about South Carolina right now, but the Gamecocks’ defense is still talented. I mean, what else do you want him to do? You wanted to see him against better competition? I get that. But this was his fourth straight game to begin the season over 100-plus yards. It’s official, he’s one of the best, if not the best running back in all of college football right now.
2. The Defensive Line
Let’s just shoutout a whole entire unit because why not? Most of the focus for the South Carolina vs Mizzou matchup was an injured offensive tackle Cayden Green vs a talented South Carolina defensive line led by Dylan Stewart and rightfully so, but THIS Mizzou defensive line unit performed exceptionally well. The defensive line combined for five sacks and total of negative nine rushing yards. That’s an elite performance and they needed it the most because the defensive secondary has been a question mark.
The high-level talent at the position was on full display on Saturday night in COMO.
3. Robert Meyer
Due to the unfortunate injury that happened to Blake Craig in the season opener vs Central Arkansas, Mizzou is going to have to rely on inexperienced special teams in close games during SEC play — and that happened in their conference opener against South Carolina. Sure, the freshman kicker Meyer missed on an extra point after the first Tigers’ touchdown to go ahead 6-0, but at some point, he was going to battle through adversity.
How about going 3-for-3 on field goals? And a clutch 40-yarder with under two minutes to go to go up by two scores? That’s big time from the freshman. He’s him.
Honorable Mentions: Nicholas Rodriguez, Sterling Webb, Josiah Trotter
Who is your MV3 from Mizzou’s SEC opening win in the Mayor’s Cup? Let us know in the comments!
