Welcome to the series, ‘What’s The Trend,‘ which highlights the biggest risers and fallers in the Mizzou Football world each week! Mizzou is coming off its first road victory of the season and stays on the road to take
on No. 10 Vanderbilt this Saturday. Here are this week’s trends:
On the Rise
Donovan Olugbode
If anybody’s stock is rising it is true freshman receiver Donovan Olugbode, who had five receptions for 69 yards in Mizzou’s overtime victory. Safe to say the Tigers have a bright one.
As the season has progressed, Olugbode has continued to get more and more implemented into the offense, it’s only a matter of time until he’s an every day player on the team. Who knows, this upcoming week could be the start of a complete takeover.
Top 10 Opportunity
For the second time this season, Missouri has the opportunity to crack the AP top 10 with a win. The cards weren’t in the Tigers’ favor last time, but I’d say this game is a little more winnable. Not that Vanderbilt isn’t a great team — especially this year — but come on, it’s decidedly not a blue blood.
I’d bet that a close win would put Mizzou in the 8-10 range, depending on outcomes of other games, and that would be heading into a bye week.
Another note: With a win in Nashville and a win from Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, we could be looking at the first College GameDay in Columbia since 2010.
A New Age of College Football
Staying on the topic of College GameDay. 10 years ago would you have ever thought College GameDay was heading to Nashville to cover Vanderbilt vs. Missouri? No? Me neither.
I wouldn’t say it’s entirely thanks to NIL but the new age of college football is here. See ya, blue bloods (some of you). There’s much more parity now.
On the Decline
Beau Pribula Questions Hold Strong
Despite taking care of business and securing his first road win with the Tigers, Beau Pribula wasn’t perfect.
Similar to the What’s The Trend following last week, I’ll put up Pribula’s stats for the game:
23/40, 252 yards
1 rushing touchdown
(if only it stopped there)
2 interceptions
For the second consecutive game, Pribula has thrown two interceptions. I don’t think it is time to press the full panic button, but Pribula still looks a little uncertain in the pocket, and now with the team starting to get into the thick of the SEC, it’s starting to show.
Ahmad Hardy Heisman chances
This is the second consecutive game that Ahmad Hardy has failed to reach the 100 yard mark after starting the season with five consecutive 100-yard games.
Not saying it’s out of the question, but Hardy would have to go on a super strong run if he wants a chance at Heisman. He still has plenty of opportunity with Mizzou’s schedule showing no signs of slowing down.
Traditional Mizzou
If the trend has told anything, it’s that if you’re a Mizzou fan, don’t get your hopes up. Sadly enough, this is about the point when the Tigers typically do something to break the hearts of their beloved fans. Missouri has an opportunity to change that with a statement win against Vanderbilt, but as always, tread lightly, Tigers fans.
