The Uniform Post is Dead. Long Live the Uniform Post.
I can’t keep relying on the Mizzou marketing department for easy content anymore. I’ve been hanging on a wing and a prayer for three weeks now (even more if you go into last season), and I’m done being fooled into thinking there’s something coming. So until next week, when I can figure out how to replace it in this post, let’s just say one last farewell to the uniform posts. You were great (sometimes.)
- Here’s an automatic entry into the dumbest fact you’ll ever read on one of these posts: Columbia is sometimes referred to as the Soda City by its residents because… wait for it… they used to shorten, “Columbia, to, ”Col’a.“ Remember that time when we all decided four syllable words were too hard to say?
- In another fun little bit of trivia, Columbia was the first state in the U.S. to be named after Christopher Columbus. To be fair to Columbia, SC, I’m sure it is infinitely more charming than he ever was.
- Checking in on the all-time record, Mizzou is up 8-6 in the Mayor’s Cup standings, still holding the longest win streak and largest margin of victory in the series.
We’re 25 percent through the regular season, which means it’s about time we had some hot takes. Based on what we’ve seen, what’s your hottest take about Mizzou so far?
Josh Matejka, Deputy Site Manager: I want hot takes, so I’m going with a flaming hot take. And that
take is that Ahmad Hardy is the most talented running back Mizzou has had since… Henry Josey? And I’m thinking he might be better. Yes, it’s only been three games but I wanted to start off spicy. No Mizzou rusher has had this good of a start to their Missouri career, and Hardy is still only a sophomore. As the offensive line continues to gel and Hardy continues learning how to run behind them, he’s only going to get better. We’re looking at the beginning of a few special years ahead of us, folks. Soak it up.
Nate Edwards, Football Writer/Podcaster: That Ahmad Hardy has HAD to be great (i.e. yards after contact) because the offensive line isn’t good and the first legit defense they go up against will show us that this offense isn’t as good as we think it is. Hot take complete.
Sammy Stava, Staff Writer: When Eli Drinkwitz said on The Paul Finebaum Show over the summer that this is the most talented team he’s had while at Mizzou — he’s right. This team is capable of being better than 2023.
Rory Whetstone: I feel like I’ve already brought it up a couple times…but it’s Beau Pribula. You can’t tell me Penn State isn’t kicking themselves over letting him go. Heading into the season, the questions revolved around the offense and it’s been answered. However, Pribula still isn’t receiving recognition across the conference for what he has done so far with this Mizzou team. Plus, this is just the beginning.
True Deck, Staff Writer: Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’ll shoot for the stars. I think that Mizzou will make a statement and get a spot in the College Foootball Playoff this season. I think the Tigers go 10-2 with a loss on the road to Oklahoma and a home loss to either Alabama or A&M. I think this is a really good football team.
OK, less hot takes more regular takes now. Now that we’ve seen three weeks of SEC teams in action, the most surprising team so far (good or bad) is…
Josh Matejka: Not to jinx us too much, but I’m going to say South Carolina. Put me firmly in the camp of skepticism when it comes to Vanderbilt, but the Gamecocks didn’t get whacked by the ‘Dores just because Sellers left the game. South Carolina got thwacked in their home stadium and hardly looked convincing over South Carolina State or Virginia Tech, two… well, they’re certainly football teams. As long as they have LaNorris Sellers behind center, they’re going to be dangerous. But they’re not the CFP threat they were billed to be ahead of the season.
Nate Edwards: I’m not convinced on Oklahoma yet, Vanderbilt is no longer surprising, and South Carolina has already been taken, so I’m going to say Texas. Arch Manning is clearly injured underwhelming and the entire Longhorns teams just seems like half the team it was last year. They’ll still find a way to make it to the Playoff but they look a lot more discombobulated than last year.
Sammy Stava: Vanderbilt has been a surprise in the good way. Two commanding wins on the road at Virginia Tech and South Carolina. Sure, those teams might not be good — but winning on the road in College Football is difficult. Diego Pavia and Clark Lea have the program in a good spot, but their schedule is about to heat up soon. Overall, the Commodores have absolutely deserved their ranking up to this point.
Rory Whetstone: For the last few years it seems Vanderbilt always finds a way to enter themselves in the underdog conversation, but this year I’m impressed. Diego Pavia at the helm of the Commodores has been encouraging so far, and I’m interested in seeing how the team fares with a tougher schedule ahead. As Sammy mentioned, winning on the road against a ranked team in College Football, especially the SEC, is a huge feat and I think the rest of Vandy’s opponents have a reason to be worried.
True Deck: For me, the most surprising team has been John Mateer and the Oklahoma Sooners. After watching them play on Faurot Field last season, I did not expect this team to be anywhere near the caliber they are playing at now. I think Oklahoma is going to a force to be reckoned with this season and Mizzou fans should definitely mark the date on their calendars when the Tigers play the Sooners.
Whether or not LaNorris Sellers plays, South Carolina will be Mizzou’s biggest test of the season. Which specific Tiger vs. Gamecock matchup are you most looking at heading into Saturday?
Josh Matejka: I’m tempted to say Hardy against South Carolina’s run defense, but I’m actually quite curious to see how Mizzou’s pass rush can make Sellers sweat. For all of our griping about Mizzou’s line, South Carolina’s hasn’t been convincing either. And that’s before you note that right tackle Cason Henry left last week’s game early due to an injury. Even if he plays, he won’t be 100 percent healthy. It’ll be imperative that Corey Batoon gets Sellers uncomfortable early and that guys like Zion Young, Damon Wilson II, Khalil Jacobs and Darris Smith are able to get home.
Nate Edwards: Missouri’s plays run vs. South Carolina’s plays run. Possession has been the secret sauce to Missouri’s dominant performances since holding on to the ball for a long time mans that the opposing offense can’t do anything.
Sammy Stava: Mizzou’s defense will need to contain LaNorris Sellers if he plays. I know the Gamecocks have been underwhelming, but he can pop at any time. Meanwhile, Missouri’s offensive line can’t let Dylan Stewart dominate. Keep those two players in check and the Tigers should be fine.
Rory Whetstone: I’m most looking forward to seeing how the Mizzou offensive line holds up against a conference foe. It’s a group that’s been tested all season and has continued to show improvement week by week. Against Louisiana-Lafayette the O-Line wasn’t called for a penalty until the start of the third quarter, and I think that will be a major key to creating a gap from the Gamecocks.
True Deck: The matchup I am most excited about seeing is the matchup between Mizzou’s punt defense and South Carolina’s special teams. Vicari Swain has three punt return touchdowns in three games for the Gamecocks, and Mizzou’s special teams hasn’t really been tested yet. I’m keeping an eye on this matchup.
PICK ‘EM! Mizzou opened as a nearly two-touchdown favorite, but that line has shrunk over the course of the week, likely in anticipation of Sellers suiting up. Does Mizzou cover and get the Mayor’s Cup back?
Josh Matejka: Mizzou has yet to not cover this season. They’re the No. 11 team in SP+ and South Carolina is No. 42. I get that the hype around the Gamecocks was big coming into the season, and Sellers is the real deal. But Mizzou doesn’t tend to lose home games under Drinkwitz and there’s something about this team that feels… I’ll just say up to the challenge. Mizzou wins 31-21 and recovers the Mayor’s Cup from Columbia Least.
Nate Edwards: This game is always weird, always memorable, always close. I’ll say 31-17, Missouri wins and covers. Don’t let it come down to a field goal please!
Sammy Stava: South Carolina losing to Vanderbilt was the worst thing that can happen to Mizzou. You know this game won’t be easy as the Gamecocks will come in desperate and motivated. Mayor’s Cup games always seem to be close but it’s a home game at night and Mizzou just looks like the better overall team. Tigers pull away late 30-21, MIZ.
Rory Whetstone: I think the line will definitely continue to change the more Sellers injury status is updated. However, I still think Mizzou takes care of business. The momentum has built up at home, and I think the Tigers take this by a score of 34-24.
True Deck: With how little the spread has shifted since LaNorris Sellers has moved to likely playing, I think the Tigers overpower South Carolina all the way around and ultimately take care of business. I think this will be a statement win for Mizzou, and Memorial Stadium is in for a good one. Give me Mizzou, 35-10.
