I mean sure, we all know Missouri exists and is technically in the SEC. Theoretically, at least.
And hey, they even have fans! All joking aside, Sammy Stava from Rock M Nation has joined us multiple times
over the years and is, officially, a friend of the blog. The Tiger faithful are obviously pretty excited about the fortunes of their team these days. They’ve seen steady improvement under coach Eli Drinkwitz the last few years, they pulled in the best running back in the SEC (or the country??) in the transfer portal, and they even have a functional QB this year.
So without further preamble, here are Sammy’s thoughts on the Tigers headed into the Alabama-Missouri matchup this weekend:
1) I absolutely adore Kirby Moore’s pistol based offense. How long until he gets hired away from Missouri?
Yeah, Missouri’s offense is a well-oiled machine operating at a high-level right now, and much of that credit goes to Kirby Moore. It’s just a matter of time that he gets a head coaching job somewhere. In fact, he was recently interviewed for the Arkansas head coach position. So, I don’t expect to see Moore at Mizzou too much longer.
2) A year ago, we watched Drew Pyne flail his way through a shutout in Tuscaloosa. How much of a breath of fresh air has Beau Pribula been? Are you all in on him at this point, or do you still have some reservations?
There was no hope for Mizzou winning at Tuscaloosa last year – whether it was Drew Pyne or Brady Cook. Missouri has upgraded their quarterback position with the addition of Beau Pribula – and perhaps Mizzou acquired the better Penn State QB via the transfer portal. Pribula has talent and looks the part of a high-level SEC quarterback with the dual threat. Am I all in on him? Let’s see how he performs on Saturday vs Bama in his biggest test of his career thus far.
3) Luther Burden can’t be replicated, of course, but are there any pass catchers that you think opposing defenses legitimately need to fear?
Mississippi State transfer wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. replaces Luther Burden III at the position after a breakout season with the Bulldogs and was named 3rd team preseason All-SEC. He has emerged as Beau Pribula’s go-to wide receiver. He has two games this season with 100-plus receiving yards and 10-plus receptions. He’s one to watch, for sure.
4) I’ve heard rumblings about Missouri’s secondary being a “weaker” part of the team. Is there truth to that, or just a talking point that’s circulating?
The secondary has been the weakness of the team thus far. Kansas QB Jalon Daniels and South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers were able to make some big plays against that defensive unit for the Tigers – and Eli Drinkwitz was displeased in his postgame press conference vs South Carolina. The secondary is going to have to step it up against Bama’s Ty Simpson. Though, they have the talent and experience to improve.
5. Obviously, the schedule has been a forgiving one for the Tigers so far. Even the South Carolina win lost some its luster. The blowout stats probably won’t be sustainable as Missouri moves into SEC play, but what parts of the team do you think are/will continue to be legitimately SEC elite units?
I think we will see Ahmad Hardy be the SECs leading rusher at the season’s end. Missouri’s running back room is the strength of this team with Jamal Roberts providing a nice depth piece, and the coaching staff utilizes it to perform at a high-level. Defensively, Mizzou’s defensive line has the talent to consistently be elite led by Georgia transfer Damon Wilson.
6. What are your expectations for the rest of the season, and what would be the minimum results for you to consider this a successful season?
IF Mizzou beats Alabama on Saturday, the expectation for the Tigers would be to make the College Football Playoff. A loss doesn’t end their hopes, but their margin for error is slim. So, my expectation for Mizzou is to at least be in contention for a CFP berth. If Missouri doesn’t get into the CFP, the minimum to be considered a successful season is finishing with a 9-3 or 8-4 record and landing in a respectable bowl game. Anything less than that would be a disappointment after a 5-0 start.
7. Who wins the SEC this year?
I’ll go with Ole Miss. The Rebels are already 3-0 in the conference and if they can split their upcoming road games with Georgia and Oklahoma they should wind up in Atlanta.
8. Because we must…. What’s your game prediction?
This game is essentially a toss-up. Alabama is more talented and is better than Mizzou, but the better team doesn’t always win in College Football. The two big factors I like is Missouri is coming off a bye week, and this game is at home. It won’t shock me whoever wins and this game should be close either way. Tigers pull off the upset 35-31.
