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 a much-needed Bye Week following its second loss
of the season against Vanderbilt. Next up, the Tigers host No. 3 Texas A&M for a chance at not only revenge from last season, but a shot to keep the season alive this Saturday. Here are this week’s trends:
On the Rise
The Future is Now
Buckle up, Tigers fans, because the Matt Zollers train is here for pickup and it takes off on Saturday. This will be Zollers’ first start in his collegiate career and potentially a new beginning for Mizzou. I expect him to play like a freshman, definitely have a few hiccups, but it is officially time for a preview of what to expect from the Tigers for years to come.
The College Football Playoff is near
Over the week, the College Football Playoff committee dropped its first official ranking, putting the Tigers at No. 22, 11 spots shy of making the playoffs. There’s plenty of opportunity for that to change with Texas A&M and Oklahoma still on Missouri’s schedule. That being said, the time is ticking and the playoff is almost here.
As a college football fan, I’m stoked to see how the CFP works out this season with a bunch of new faces lined up to make appearances.
Another big game, another big opportunity
Like mentioned in Nathan’s column, this is the biggest game of the year for Mizzou- for the third time. This is an opportunity for the Tigers to right some of their wrongs from the season. Missouri has had two real tests and, although its been close, it has lost them both.
If Matt Zollers can put on a solid performance and the Tigers pull of an upset here, there’s a chance Mizzou gets ranked in the College Football Playoff picture.
On the Decline
Mizzou’s matchup vs. Texas A&M.
Historically, the Tigers don’t matchup that well against the Aggies. This season, the Tigers don’t matchup that well against the Aggies.
A lot of things will have to go right if Missouri wants a chance at winning this game, but being at home is a good start. I’d say the biggest factor will be if the Tigers’ defense is able to slow down A&M’s offense. If Mizzou wins, it’ll be the big football win for the program in a long time.
Leadership on the offense
With Brett Norfleet questionable to play on Saturday, and obviously Beau Pribula out, the team is missing some key leaders from the offense. The Tigers will be relying on freshmen like Matt Zollers, Donovan Olugbode and Jude James to take a load of the work, and who knows how it’ll go.
That being said, if it does work out, that is super exciting for Tigers fans. But poise and leadership means a lot, not to mention the Tigers lost talented guys.
The Last Straw
Alabama and Vanderbilt losses were tough pills to swallow for Mizzou fans but if the Tigers drop this one, you can officially say goodbye to any College Football Playoff chances. The other losses were takable, as there was plenty of time left in the season but the time is ticking, and the Tigers likely can’t afford another loss.
As I’ve said over and over again, don’t get your hopes up too too much, Tigers fans.
