I knew it was coming, but with the deluge of names getting a vote on this week’s MV3 ballots, I didn’t expect the names to feel so familiar!
Mizzou’s 59-28 blowout of SEMO earned the highest number of total players receiving votes so far this season (including two first-place votes for “the QB room,” sorry y’all, that ain’t how it works.) But even with players like Kris Abrams-Draine and JJ Hester making their way onto multiple ballots, they couldn’t stop some of our old stalwarts to show up once more.
1. Connor Bazelak
To use a phrase that is already sounding stale, Bazelak did everything he was supposed to against SEMO... but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate him for it. Bazelak led Mizzou’s methodical first half approach by hitting a variety of receivers on a variety of routes, matching deep balls with quick outs, slants, screens etc. He took an uncharacteristically inaccurate turn at some point in the second half, but appeared to be battling some hand soreness and was probably not as locked in as he would be against a better opponent. Even with his “struggles,” Bazlek led the way to a rout, which was exactly the job description.
2. Tyler Badie
On a day when he really wasn’t needed, Tyler Badie once again looked like the team’s most dangerous weapon. On just 11 touches, Badie contributed 95 yards and 3 touchdowns, outmatching the Redhawk defense at every turn. At this point, Badie is working toward an All SEC season, and he looked very much like an All SEC back facing an FCS defense on Saturday.
3. Dominic Lovett
As you’ll see below, a number of players got votes for this last spot, but Lovett ultimately wins out. The true freshman struggled to fully catch his stride in the first two games, but looked two steps quicker than everyone else on Saturday. Lovett tied for the team lead in receiving yards and caught 4 passes, looking like Connor Bazelak’s favorite slot option early on. The hope is he can now translate that performance into something more substantial against a power five or conference opponent.
Others receiving votes: Kris Abrams-Draine, Realus George, Harrison Mevis, JJ Hester, Mookie Cooper
Who do you think Mizzou’s most valuable players were against SEMO? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter at @RockMNation.