FanPost

Mizzou 45, Vandy 17: 2 post-game thoughts

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Great team win in the sense that Mizzou overwhelmed the opponent with its depth across all three phases. The Tigers looked dominant for stretches in each phase, which is good to see closing out a season. I thought the 'Dores did a really good job of making adjustments on offense to feature the TE and on defense to take away the inside zone play (daring the Tigers to feature Lock as a runner). The team's response wasn't always perfect but more than enough to handle bid'ness on the road. Road wins are tough.

1. It's been real. It's been fun. It's been real fun, Terry Beckner, Jr.

I'll be a little disappointed if he chooses not play in the bowl game but not upset in the least. We can't really ask much more of him at this point. I'm pretty much a lifelong Seahawks fan, and the Cortez Kennedy '92 season sets the bar for DT dominance.

Beckner isn't quite in that class talent-wise. Had he stayed healthy though, he'd be similar to Richardson. I'd still give the slight nod to Richardson, who is putting together quite the pro career. Obviously the injuries hampered Beckner but it's also worth noting that he is a bit tall and seems long-limbed for a full-time tackle. That comes with some disadvantages.

He still tends to play too high, taking on blockers upright. Imagine how insane it would be if he could stay low to split double-teams the way Richardson could. In fact I wonder if at least some NFL teams won't see him as strongside defensive end on early downs who kicks inside on passing downs. Think former Jo'Jah Bulldawg and Patriot, Richard Seymour.

2. Vandy used a blueprint to defend Mizzou's that has shut the offense down in the past.

Vandy manned up on the WRs the entire game pretty much, not allowing for easy yards on the simple throws to the outside. This also allowed them to scheme away Mizzou's pet run play (the inside zone) in the second half, which Mizzou seemed to play almost entirely in long yardage situations.

Last year, Florida and LSU did the same thing basically and that was a wrap. Mizzou had no answers. I love that this year Mizzou has answers like Albert Okwuegbunam. And had they been really pressed, they might have featured the RBs in the passing game.

Quick aside. It was funny. The broadcast team seemed to have no love for the Vandy corners, who were out on an island all night. I thought they were more than credible; between good and excellent. They gave up some plays but their coverage made for small passing windows and an inefficient WR passing game. It allowed their interior defenders to concentrate on the run. Their corners sold some woof tickets--shocking--and didn't get any picks. That may have overly skewed Andre Ware's perception but I thought they played well. (I rather like Andre Ware as an analyst. He should get better assignments.)
I couldn't be more proud of the turnaround. Here's hoping the team finishes strong by beating Arkansas and winning a bowl game. And since we're hoping, how 'bout no injuries or foolishness this off-season? (Yeah, I know.) With an eye toward next season, where Georgia will be favored but the East will really be wide open, working on beating press coverage (not to mention catching the ball) has to be high on the list of off-season priorities.

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