It’s been a minute since Missouri was on the losing end of a football game, and let me tell you, MV3’s are not as much fun to put together in those cases! It’s been extra weird in 2020, as Missouri’s four losses have all come by margins of two-plus touchdowns. Sometimes you can find the positives of a close loss, but there’s not much to take away from a margin of 35 points.

That being said, there were a few players who impressed us on Saturday, even if just for a play or two.

1. Martez Manuel

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It feels scandalous to have a defensive player at No. 1 after the abomination of a performance the defense turned in on Saturday. But Manuel did stand out amidst the bunch, totaling seven tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Manuel still has things to work on, but he’s primed to become the new leader of the defense when Nick Bolton heads to the NFL next season.

2. Grant McKinniss

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This is so bad, we had to go all the way back to the Alabama game to find a picture! You never want your punter to be one of the highlights of the game (with a special exemption to that Kentucky game, good on you, Grant). But McKinniss performed well when called upon, averaging 43.1 yards per punt and pinning Georgia deep in their own territory several times. It didn’t work out well even then... but that’s not his job, now is it?

3. Mason Pack

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

If we’re going to be here, we might as well shoutout Pack, yeah? The redshirt senior walk-on single-handedly got Missouri back into the game early on by blocking a punt deep in Georgia territory. The play led quickly to a score, tying the game at 14-14. It was all downhill from there, but Pack’s tenacity on special teams gave the Tigers a chance to compete in the margins of the game.

Others receiving votes: Keke Chism, Jersey Mike

What do y’all think? Were there three players worthy of recognition after Saturday’s debacle? Let us know what you think in the comments or on Twitter at @RockMNation.