/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67783946/usa_today_14989335.0.jpg)
Missouri probably wasn’t going to beat Georgia.
I know, I know. I probably would have convinced myself by Saturday the Tigers would have a chance, too. But if you’re looking for a silver lining in Missouri postponing the game, it’s that.
The Tigers had three borderline unwinnable games this season: Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Alabama did what was expected to the Tigers, the Florida loss was even worse than anticipated, and Georgia was next on the docket.
Until it wasn’t.
On Paul Finebaum's show, Mizzou AD Jim Sterk confirmed it was the defensive line that had the roster shortage leading to Saturday's game being postponed.
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 11, 2020
Earlier this week we got word Missouri was under the SEC’s threshold for players along the defensive line. That means the game against Georgia, unfortunately, can’t be played. At least not right now. And that stinks. We all want to watch this team play as many games as possible while we have the opportunity to do so. Having more Nick Bolton, Larry Rountree III, Joshuah Bledsoe and Tyree Gillespie is a good thing in my life.
It’s just not in the cards. And that’s okay. There are more important things in life right now. It could also end up working out to Missouri’s benefit in one way in particular.
The Tigers’ first half of the season was a success. Eli Drinkwitz’s team pulled off a great upset against LSU & they ended the drought against Kentucky. But the season was always going to be judged by the next four games on the schedule.
This is the ‘business’ part of the schedule. South Carolina, Arkansas and Mississippi State are winnable games. Vanderbilt is a must-win. Winning three of four would be a success. Two of four is fine. One of four is probably a disappointment.
One positive about not playing Georgia on Saturday is the ability to prepare even longer for the South Carolina meeting. The Gamecocks’ season has gone a bit sideways the last two weeks after their impressive week against Auburn. LSU beat them 52-24, and Texas A&M absolutely destroyed them to the tune of a 48-3 victory.
Missouri has every opportunity to pick up another big victory in the other Columbia. That’s where things should begin, and hopefully that gives them an opportunity to build some momentum going into the match up against Arkansas.
It also allows some time for healing. The Tigers are beaten up with injuries both reported and otherwise. Bolton has been playing hurt all season. I can’t imagine Rountree is anywhere near 100% after the beating he’s taken this season. The offensive line is running out of bodies to throw out there. Hopefully we’re able to see Kobie Whiteside again before the season comes to an end.
We would all love to see Missouri play this weekend. But if it means we avoid a near surefire loss to get a little healthier and to hopefully create some momentum for the stretch run, I guess it’s not all bad.
This is a season of looking for silver linings. Here’s to hoping this postponement can turn into the latest silver lining in a strange, strange season.