Grades from Missouri’s 38-19 loss to Alabama, and a look ahead to Tennessee
The Missouri Tigers saw firsthand how far they are from the Southeastern Conference’s elite. No. 2 Alabama came into Faurot Field and trounced Mizzou 38-19 in MU coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s debut.
It wasn’t all negative for MU, though, with the Tigers’ offense showing signs of life, even if they have some poor habits to eliminate.
Hey, at least football was back. After months of no football/all COVID-19 pandemic, Saturday evening seemed pretty normal. Some players — and coaches — were missing because of the virus, while others had opted out of the season altogether. But when the Tigers lined up for kickoff in front of a socially distanced Memorial Stadium crowd, it could’ve been any season, any fall Saturday.
“I’m proud of this football team to even have a football game tonight with all the different things we battled the last seven months,” Drinkwitz said. “Hats off to both Alabama and us to field a team.”
Here are this week’s grades for the offense, defense and special teams, including a glimpse of what’s next for Mizzou.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Shawn Robinson fumble in the third quarter: While the first half didn’t go Mizzou’s way, the Tigers looked like they were driving into Alabama territory with efficiency. Robinson just had a great throw on the run to Knox, and a promising drive was unfolding to begin the second half. A touchdown would’ve been a major momentum swing.
Robinson pitched it to Knox, except the ball was way off its target. And since it was going backward, it was a fumble. Alabama went on to score off the turnover, vanquishing any chance the Tigers had of keeping the game close.
GRADES
Offense: C+. The MU offense looked nearly every bit of what fans expected when Drinkwitz took over the program. There were some different pre-snap motions, some of that “pro-tempo” Drinkwitz has talked about and the Tigers picked up plenty of first downs.
Where it went wrong was when Mizzou couldn’t convert those drives into touchdowns. Drinkwitz said he didn’t like seeing so many negative plays, including sacks and other miscues. Then again, he showcased what made him such an attractive hire during the school’s coaching search last December: Drinkwitz, who was aggressive at App State, finished 2 for 3 on fourth downs Saturday.
Expect more of that as this coach is firmly part of the “go for it” crowd.
Defense: C. The Tigers forced a three-and-out to start the game, then Alabama scored touchdowns on its next five of six drives. The Mizzou defense couldn’t get off the field on third downs as Alabama converted nine of 14 opportunities. There were some positives, including Martez Manuel picking up 3.5 tackles for loss, but otherwise, it was a long day for the Tigers’ defenders.
Special teams: C-. The specialists did their job, including true freshman kicker Harrison Mevis, who knocked in field goals from 27 and 37 yards for his first career points. Punter Grant McKinnis also converted on three punts, including one inside the 20-yard line. A blemish occurred when wide receiver Barrett Banister — who usually has reliable hands — muffed a punt that was recovered by Alabama.
NEXT UP
The Tigers face another ranked SEC foe as their brutal early schedule continues. Mizzou faces Tennessee on the road at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville next weekend.
Dual quarterback threat? Other than two drives where Connor Bazelak saw action, Robinson was Mizzou’s QB against Bama. Bazelak, to his credit, led a touchdown drive in the final minutes of the game. Drinkwitz said he doesn’t know if he’ll play two quarterbacks each week, but that could be in the works.
How will the defense respond? The Tigers were always going to rely heavily on defense this season. They brought back key returners, the same scheme and defensive coordinator Ryan Walters. It was a tough loss to the Crimson Tide, but Mizzou has all the tools to bounce back.