Grades from Missouri’s 24-14 win over Arkansas and looking ahead to a coaching search
Following weeks of speculation, Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk fired former Mizzou coach Barry Odom on Saturday.
The decision came one day after Mizzou defeated Arkansas 24-14 to salvage one last win in an otherwise tumultuous 2019 season. The Tigers finished 2019 at 6-6, a five game losing streak ultimately dooming Mizzou and Odom.
Sterk is now tasked with finding Odom’s replacement, all eyes on the athletic director making a marquee move.
But there was still a game played Friday. Here are the grades for the offense, defense and special teams.
Play of the game
Jonathan Nance touchdown reception: With the game still in doubt, an Arkansas connection between Taylor Powell and Nance sealed it for Mizzou. Powell, a Fayetteville native, threw his first career touchdown pass on a free play to Nance after the defense jumped offsides.
Nance, a grad transfer who played at Arkansas, caught the touchdown that helped put the Tigers up 10 points. From there, Mizzou snapped a five game losing streak.
Grades
Offense B-. Injuries ravished a group that struggled during the skid, but Mizzou did enough to win the game. Starting quarterback Kelly Bryant was out, leading to true freshman Connor Bazelak’s first career start. Bazelak impressed in limited action before a knee injury knocked him out of the game.
Taylor Powell did well in relief duty, throwing 8 of 14 passes for 105 yards with a touchdown and interception. The running game found holes as Larry Rountree III and Tyler Badie both scored touchdowns.
Defense B+. After a disappointing game against Tennessee’s aerial attack, the Mizzou defense ended the season on a high note. Arkansas was on its fifth starting quarterback, limited as the Hogs struggled to throw the ball. Aside from some runs by former “Last Chance U” star Rakeem Boyd, Arkansas was held in check.
Mizzou’s defense ended on a high note after solid play all season long. They finally got enough help to pick up the win.
Special teams B. The third phase of Mizzou’s game did what it needed to do. Tucker McCann hit a 26-yard field goal on his only attempt. He also had punts of 55 and 54 yards to flip field position when necessary.
Next up
Mizzou’s next football coach will likely be found surprisingly quick, as Sterk said he wants a hire within the next two weeks. For reference, it took roughly 10 days for Mizzou to hire basketball coach Cuonzo Martin after Kim Anderson was fired.
Look for Mizzou to have a coach in place ahead of the early signing period, which runs Dec. 18-20.