Rock M Nation - Mizzou Football in 2021: Week 6 vs. North TexasA Blog for Ol' Mizzouhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50319/rmn-fav.png2021-10-12T15:53:36-05:00http://www.rockmnation.com/rss/stream/224751632021-10-12T15:53:36-05:002021-10-12T15:53:36-05:00Beyond the Box Score: Winning is the most important part!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aF9PVKV44NzxASFF66geR8G-ycY=/107x0:1259x768/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69986162/Beyond_the_Box_Score_2021_22_B.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Style points aren’t for teams that are rebuiling.</p> <p id="9eCKbp">Did Missouri win on Saturday? Yes. Were their any catastrophic injuries incurred? No.</p>
<p id="pasclV">Then it’s a good day! We can all move along.</p>
<p id="FzbBEC">...except that’s not what I do, right? However, there really isn’t much to take away from this game. The offense did well enough against a terrible defense to score 40+ points and a slightly-better defense lost interest as the second half wore on and the backups entered the fray.</p>
<p id="nekkTi">The offense is still ok. The defense still has weaknesses. Sunrise, sunset. Nothing has changed.</p>
<p id="qxraBw">But let’s at least take a quick peak at how the game unfolded and look at any interesting trends that emerged.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hyRwOaElxVPVXWMjNDv4MnA9jd8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22920079/Capture.PNG">
<figcaption>Advanced Box Score</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="tLTAUy">I had a few noticeable differences between how I scored the game and the official scorecard that is being utilized by the media. Unfortunately, the scorekeeper did not reveal their play-by-play data so I can’t track to see where our work differed. Regardless, the two are still pretty close which means there won’t be anything jarringly missed or numbers that will completely alter the talking points. </p>
<h2 id="vdxIuI"><strong>When Missouri Has the Ball</strong></h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7TZQN-VCh3akfAGorkbeadQG6JQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22920094/Capture1.PNG">
<figcaption>Missouri Offense vs. North Texas Defense</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8JGZAH">In regards to success rates, this was Missouri’s worst passing performance since the Central Michigan game and its worst rushing performance since the trip to Boston College. The reason the passing game struggled was because everything was short and very few guys were able to shake the first tackle or elude their defender. The reason the rushing game was so terrible is because a.) the offensive line apparently decided to haze B.J. Harris and let him get smacked in the backfield on every other run, and b.) success rates are based on keeping up with the chains, not busting 20+ runs, and most of the gains on the ground were done on the five explosive plays from Badie and Downing. The best offenses are able to do both. Missouri is usually pretty efficient; luckily, on a day where that wasn’t happening, they were able to be explosive.</p>
<h3 id="rtFj5X"><strong>Throw to Win</strong></h3>
<p id="1y26AM">Well this didn’t happen! The North Texas run defense was stout enough and their pass defense generous enough that I assumed a <em><strong>50% success rate through the air </strong></em>would be both manageable <em>and</em> enough to doom the Mean Green defense. Instead, Missouri limped along with a 41.2% success rate through the air, giving up three catches for loss and only seven completions going for more than 8 yards. You can get by with that when playing a G5 team but that s*** won’t cut it in the SEC.</p>
<p id="owlgjt"><strong>Winner</strong>: North Texas</p>
<h3 id="IRLmYj"><strong>Keep Bazelak Upright</strong></h3>
<p id="ploVW1">North Texas was good at creating pressure entering the game and I wanted to make sure <em><strong>Missouri didn’t give up more than one sack</strong></em>. The offensive line wasn’t great but did deliver on that promise, at least.</p>
<p id="ow6duv"><strong>Winner</strong>: Missouri</p>
<h3 id="o6Lsm0"><strong>Finish your dang drives</strong></h3>
<p id="mqzrxg"><em><strong>6 scoring opportunities, 5 points per opportunity </strong></em>was the goal; the Tigers came through with 8 scoring opportunities and 6 points per opportunity. Beautiful.</p>
<p id="P3pemP"><strong>Winner</strong>: Missouri</p>
<h2 id="muVpx7"><strong>When North Texas Has the Ball</strong></h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mRKLNLxwd1Wvx4snEzKzn_IAIsc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22920364/Capture2.PNG">
<figcaption>Missouri’s Defense vs. North Texas’ Offense</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="i6kTIr">Much like the Missouri offense didn’t operate according to script, neither did the North Texas offense. The Mean Green legitimately struggled running the ball for most of the game but were able to hit moon shots in the passing game, mostly in the 4th quarter. For most of the game the defense was much better but that second half was a bit of a mess, especially the last 15 minutes.</p>
<h3 id="FwfA8C"><strong>Mitigate the Running Game Impact</strong></h3>
<p id="voxM3j">I set the bar low on purpose: Missouri’s new defensive line coach wasn’t going to magically fix everything but I did hope that they could hold a G5 team to a <em><strong>rushing success rate under 45%; </strong></em>the Tigers fell just short of that goal, ending up at 45.5% but is still their best performance against the run this season. Yay improvement!</p>
<p id="gHv2Zi"><strong>Winner</strong>: North Texas</p>
<h3 id="ijryY5"><strong>Force 3rd Downs</strong></h3>
<p id="nk1Hin">Coming in to this game North Texas was good at avoiding 3rd-downs and terrible at converting them, while Missouri was pretty good at stopping 3rd-downs but could never force them. The Tigers got the Mean Green into 15 3rd-downs and only allowed them to convert on five, good for a 33% success rate which beats my <em><strong>40% goal</strong></em>. Awesome.</p>
<p id="RDgvsl"><strong>Winner</strong>: Missouri</p>
<h2 id="QApHph"><strong>The Little Things</strong></h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1xP6qiRf42l8BrtiHRdq_qrP1ns=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22920383/Capture3.PNG">
<figcaption>“The Little Things” Report Card</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="5P6RUd">Yards per play were dead even and North Texas was perfect in their points per opportunity but every other “Little Things” item went, decisively, in Missouri’s favor. You can point out that Missouri benefited from four turnovers in a game that they won by 13. I agree, that doesn’t look good. But I also don’t believe that Missouri plays with a lackadaisical effort in the second half if they didn’t get those turnovers in the first place. Besides, this team is not good! Thinking “oh well they can’t rely on that turnover luck going forward” is a waste of thought because, DUH, this team isn’t good and will struggle to beat every team left on their schedule even with a +4 turnover margin. This isn’t breaking news, folks. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QyqqmFer2SQrkvK67XGTT_hn5zc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22920397/Capture4.PNG">
<figcaption>Penalties</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="tFxA7U">No drops by either team this week but lots of penalties. I do appreciate Allie Green IV jumping offside on an extra point and saying “eff it, I’m going to make it count”, and proceeding to clobber the kicker in the same 3 seconds. That’s the kind of effort and determination that gets you on the field. </p>
<p id="lr2EeI">The offensive line was pretty glitchy this game and Hyrin White was the canary in the coal mine for that. He was called for two holding penalties (and, frankly, could have been more) while giving up five pressures on Bazelak. But Javon Foster also gave up four pressures while Cook and Delgado each gave up two. Missouri was fortunate to only have those holding penalties called and not any more.</p>
<h2 id="YBJ4X1"><strong>Extra Points</strong></h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f4J7IASRRuRjEMENioZRcVzaUtA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22920406/Capture5.PNG">
<figcaption>Success Rates by Quarter</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ZLuzkl">This is another instance where the success rates by quarter do a good job of telling the story of the game. Slow start in the 1st quarter, Missouri pulls away in the 2nd, falls asleep in the 3rd, basically plays it even in the 4th.</p>
<p id="eKqErD">I do want to point out an issue I’ve been noticing recently regarding Missouri in the 3rd quarters of games: the offense is barely on the field. That 9% success rate shown above is pretty bad but it’s also from a mere 11 plays run. North Texas, meanwhile, ran 25 plays in the 3rd quarter. And that’s been the case for at least the past three games for sure, so I went back and looked at 3rd quarter performance so far this year. Here’s what Missouri did in each game’s 3rd quarter in terms of plays and yards and the percentages of each:</p>
<ul>
<li id="lVsEAp">Central Michigan: 18 plays (26% of total), 111 yards (23% of total)</li>
<li id="mGqCeS">Kentucky: 25 plays (33% of total), 134 yards (34% of total)</li>
<li id="u4r05W">SEMO: 15 plays (21% of total), 121 yards (18% of total)</li>
<li id="cBhq0e">Boston College: 4 plays (6% of total), 17 yards (4% of total)</li>
<li id="mRuC2d">Tennessee: 10 plays (13% of total), 32 yards (8% of total)</li>
<li id="DlDIlf">North Texas: 11 plays (15% of total), 48 yards (9% of total)</li>
</ul>
<p id="p3fA4N">Isn’t that weird? Now, Missouri hung with Boston College even with a lopsided 3rd quarter, and nothing was going to salvage that Tennessee game so I’m not as concerned about it there. And I guess North Texas only score one touchdown in the 3rd quarter so the damage wasn’t significant. But it’s still an odd trend to look at. </p>
<p id="GgpS6y">Halftime adjustments aren’t really all that important as the casual fan might think; halftimes are usually meant for coaches to use the bathroom, grab something to eat, and give a quick pep talk to whatever unit they oversee. But second half plays are sometimes scripted ahead of time and, if that’s the case with Missouri, it’s really not cutting it. I don’t know what sort of position the Tigers would be if they held the ball longer or moved it further in the 3rd quarter but I’d certainly like to see it happen!</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pKn3uD1qcSM6pOsysEE8rJ9ZjeQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22920464/Capture6.PNG">
<figcaption>GATA</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="EMMBdt">These three are quickly becoming my favorite defenders. If you thought that a converted quarterback, a converted receiver, and a freshman defensive linemen would be impact players on this year’s team then you need to go play the lottery. </p>
<p id="hPyml1">Also, Missouri’s 30.2% havoc rate was the second-best havoc rate of the year Week 1’s sack-fest against Central Michigan. Again, this is less about “the problems are solved!” and more about quality of opponent but the Tigers didn’t get after SEMO this well either so it’s nice to see some disruption from the defense.</p>
<h2 id="RpUBi8"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p id="1BXwd8">I spend enough time on here telling you to “eat your vegetables” and trying to temp down expectations that are getting out of hand. So, its also important for me to remind you to all to enjoy good things when they happen. Missouri won which is not an easy thing to achieve! No coach was fired after the game which is a new positive streak! And homecoming was great, the weather was mostly cooperative, and we saw some young guys get a chance. These are all positive things.</p>
<p id="TNC5J3">Now we get to turn around and beat the ‘Bama-slayer, <a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M</a>. Yikes.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/beyond-the-box-score/2021/10/12/22722045/beyond-the-box-score-winning-is-the-most-important-partNate Edwards2021-10-12T09:00:00-05:002021-10-12T09:00:00-05:00The Revue: Serving up good HoCo vibes in the midst of a tough year
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2Udq8tetqhXo8eiw5MdowgOzZAk=/26x0:478x301/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69983866/homecoming.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Revue salutes Homecoming for taking the pressure off the team and hopes better times aren’t too far off.</p> <p id="kAXXcI">It’s hard not to get reflective during Homecoming week. After all... it’s homecoming. </p>
<p id="CDjDsZ">Even for me, someone who admittedly doesn’t get into the sentimentality and theatrics of the Homecoming traditions, HoCo week at Missouri always did have a different sort of feeling to it. I can’t really discern what made it special, but I can say it left a distinct impression, one that carries over post-graduation.</p>
<p id="cwd4SW">It sort of reminds me of the way my dad always used to talk about Christmas and why it was his favorite holiday: “Everyone’s just a little nicer this time of year.” Maybe “nicer” isn’t the descriptor I’d use here, but it’s something in that vein. Hospitable? Energized? Whatever it is, it carries over.</p>
<p id="z71drt">Additionally, in years like the one Missouri is having on the football field, Homecoming can prove to be a special sort of boon. The festivities of the week and the response of the fan base adapts to the circumstances surrounding the program, delivering the pitch perfect attitude (or as close as sports fans can get) to whatever happens on the football field. In 2013, the feeling was devastation, and understandably so. In 2021, it was relief — relief that Mizzou didn’t blow an easily winnable game and actually walked away pretty handily in the end. </p>
<p id="FBabtu">It sort of makes me sad, though, because 2021 could use a lot more Homecoming type weeks, where the fans are energized and content with a win, even if the final score doesn’t shake out to every person’s liking. That’s not to say fans shouldn’t expect the best from their Tigers or accept mediocrity especially when it comes to effort. But we’re now 50 percent of the way through a season that all reasonable people have realized is going to end somewhere between 5 and 7 wins, the latter now proving to be an <em>exceedingly</em> optimistic proposition. </p>
<p id="uejrlZ">Honestly, it’s not that surprising in hindsight. Hell, I read all of Nate’s previews, saw his tweets and looked at the numbers. Still, I wanted to think the canary in the coal mine was just singing a benign tune and not warning about the coming, “disaster.” I wanted to believe that 8 wins were on the table and a bowl game was all but assured. Now six weeks in, I’ve come to fully embrace the rebuild stage we currently find ourselves in — teased with enough glimpses of future glory to feel somewhat cheated while miring about in the muck that years of mediocrity (in recruiting and results) wrought.</p>
<p id="oLp0JO">That’s why I feel like we could use another Homecoming or two this year. Not because I particularly miss the party or because I want fans to be more content. I just wish the pressure was relieved ever so slightly week-to-week. And hell, I’d take a few more 48-35 victories while we’re at it.</p>
<h1 id="npHWMW">The (Actual) Revue</h1>
<h3 id="DKID0L"><em>Homecoming</em></h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5GDiPalnSHaNPbyg8IikJYS8kSM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22920006/homecoming.png">
</figure>
<p id="NCRatG"><em>Dir. Eli Drinkwitz</em></p>
<p id="ci37fs">★★★☆☆</p>
<p id="Igi7sy">After two consecutive flops, Eli Drinkwitz needed to earn back a little goodwill with audiences who were starting to seem restless. It makes sense then that the director would throw what he knows and deliver a fun, inoffensive romp in the form of <em>Homecoming</em>. </p>
<p id="8Qq3AG">His sixth feature of his second contract year with Mizzou Studios, <em>Homecoming</em> finds Drinkwitz playing the hits to an adoring crowd, primed and ready for a show that the cast and crew is happy to deliver. Sure, a few deep cuts get played here and there (it’s not often that Drinkwitz dusts off the Dawson-Downing-explosive-play number), but it’s pretty easy to tell when the movie works best. It’s when Tyler Badie shows up and rips a 40+ yarder. It’s when Connor Bazelak slings a deep ball to JJ Hester. It’s when Kris Abrams-Draine comes up with a pretty pick. These are the things the fans came to see, and they’re what keeps <em>Homecoming </em>rolling through its runtime.</p>
<p id="ftqeQZ">Is the movie without its flaws? Of course not — if this year has taught us anything, it’s that Drinkwitz is learning to operate with his flaws bubbling to the surface. After a few hours, <em>Homecoming</em> starts to wear on you a little bit, a raucous show simmering into slight discontent when the hits run out too quick and all you’re left with is the memory of a show you’’re still attending. It’s a strange combination of, “is it over yet,” and, “isn’t there more,” that’s not particularly satisfying, even if the end result gets the job done. In the coming weeks, Drinkwitz will have to find a way to work around these weaknesses or address them fully... though it’s doubtful he has the personnel on-hand to accomplish that task at this point in his time as the studio’s top director.</p>
<p id="yGwlLU">Fortunately, <em>Homecoming</em> is enough of a crowd-pleaser that the flaws are pretty easily forgiven, If not forgotten. The stakes are certainly higher than they appear, but you’d never know it with the latest from Drinkwitz and Co., who turn in a production that is breezy, light and gratifying, even if it leaves you expecting and wanting just a little bit more.</p>
<h1 id="dTMy1s">And the M-y Goes To...</h1>
<h3 id="PsQnbO">Honorary Lifetime A-Tweet-ment Award</h3>
<div id="zIHMdF">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Toyota Camry. Full-sized and only available in automatic</p>— Represent Mizzou (@RepresentMizzou) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepresentMizzou/status/1446951915787591683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="eFGOQQ">Props to Represent Mizzou here, I legitimately gasped when this popped up on the mentions. What a stunner.</p>
<p id="SjmzMO">Honorable Mention goes to <a href="https://twitter.com/miz_freakbeast/status/1446951725370429443?s=20">the word play on his hometown</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/LEVINOTLERI/status/1446951156400500738?s=20">this callback</a> to a genuine Hall of Fame tweet.</p>
<h3 id="2PsxVb">Best Original Play</h3>
<p id="1niKUt">It was hard to leave out my boy Mekhi Wingo here, but this run from Tyler Badie was something else.</p>
<div id="KjReSL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">My goodness, Tyler Badie. <a href="https://t.co/wlebpAwBu8">pic.twitter.com/wlebpAwBu8</a></p>— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/BKSportsTalk/status/1446967363082063877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="e4VCoP">The man started into the abyss, said, “Not today Satan,” and cast him off like bad sin at the confession booth. Praise the lord!</p>
<h3 id="zFKmDE">Best Original Actor, Supporting Role</h3>
<p id="xgeNK9">Lots of good candidates here, but Kris Abrams-Draine continues to dominate the Supporting Actor categories here by making the most out of his opportunities. He’s like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5YfUDaJ6aQ">Mark Wahlberg in the Departed</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Inf1Yz_fgk">Bob Odenkirk in anything.</a> Shows up for small periods of time and just lights the house on fire.</p>
<p id="5cbZTz"></p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/12/22720279/the-revue-serving-up-good-hoco-vibes-in-midst-of-tough-year-mizzou-football-homecomingJosh Matejka2021-10-12T07:30:00-05:002021-10-12T07:30:00-05:00Taking the Good with the Bad: North Texas
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: North Texas at Missouri" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rm0qe_xFR19jabntL_GR-WjQKYA=/0x81:4611x3155/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69983427/usa_today_16925598.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There’s a whole lot of good to discuss this week in the recap of Missouri’s win over North Texas. </p> <p id="9YcFMi"></p>
<h1 id="MoCqqw">The Good</h1>
<ul>
<li id="Pgw08B">Missouri ran the ball effectively, and that was because the offensive line had a good day overall. They were able to carve out lanes and do well enough so that Bazelak had a decent amount of time to throw. They weren’t perfect and had a few noteworthy penalties, but they did a good job on Saturday. </li>
<li id="fv9sdB">What can you say about Tyler Badie that hasn’t been said already? He’s been the engine of this offense for the most part and has stolen the show in almost every game he’s played this season. He has an NFL skillset that is on display on Saturdays, and I truly question where Missouri would be without him. </li>
<li id="oBVqA1">Connor Bazelak got back to what he does best, being efficient with the football. He also managed to sprinkle in a deep shot downfield for a TD to JJ Hester, which was encouraging. It was a good, not great day for Bazelak and it’s really because they didn’t need him to be amazing. Nonetheless, a solid day and something he can continue to build off of. </li>
<li id="fYs5Mn">This is the first time all season that I have gotten to be truly positive about the defensive line. They did a better job against the run than in previous weeks, and managed to hold a very talented rusher in DeAndre Torrey under 100 yards. I’ll take that. In addition, a few individuals managed to shine, too. Trajan Jeffcoat and company looked active and managed to keep them off balance for most of the game. </li>
<li id="gX9X7u">Mekhi Wingo deserves some praise as well. He had several plays in the game where he truly flashed the potential of what he could be going forward. Aside from the touchdown, (which was sick) he had several plays where he was the driving force in the play being made. Wingo has had an up and down year and that should be expected, honestly, as he’s a true freshman starting in a spot that is truly punishing. That is the benefit of getting a player like him snaps early in his college career. He is developing for 2022, ‘23 and ‘24, and in the meantime, he’s still providing solid value as a freshman. </li>
<li id="HtTVY5">One of the bright spots of the Missouri offense has been how lethal they are in the red zone. They are ranked #1 in the country in red zone offense, and are very impressive when they get down into the “money” territory. </li>
<li id="zQT3A3">Death, taxes, and Harrison Mevis making kicks with ease. I am all aboard the #MevisForGroza campaign. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: North Texas at Missouri" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OoybfEzokdMtIsJ1S9wCtKyV7ew=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22918749/usa_today_16924285.jpg">
<cite>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="97Fga8"></p>
<h1 id="5Tneqv">The Bad</h1>
<ul><li id="vfhNbK">For the most part, it was a clean slate. However, the fourth quarter defense left something to be desired. They had a couple of breakdowns in coverage, on misdirection plays. It really changed the tenor of the game when Missouri was giving up continuous TD’s at the end of the game. The game was in hand, so I think that the concentration slipped for a bit, but there were still too many players who play often for that kind of thing to be happening. </li></ul>
<p id="p9go2A"></p>
<p id="We2rCn"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/iAirDry">Follow me on Twitter @iAirDry!</a></p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/12/22721579/taking-the-good-with-the-bad-north-texas-missouri-sec-footballAaron Dryden2021-10-11T18:58:53-05:002021-10-11T18:58:53-05:00PODCAST: Back to .500 with a win over North Texas!
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 09 North Texas at Missouri" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UeXLnCsIUlVuHXgU91NCFX1dyCA=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69981964/1235792734.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With another game in the books, Nate and BK discuss some new questions regarding the offense after a win against the Mean Green.</p> <p id="ogvZxy">Welcome back Tiger Fans to another episode of Before the Box Score with Nate Edwards and Brandon Kiley. Mizzou ended the game with a W as the Tigers beat North Texas. The guys recap the game as well as discuss a newer concerning topic: the offense.</p>
<div id="cEQJaP"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 152px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3nULJZhnNUOsZoNP13nFve" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="LCBrlL"><strong>Episode Breakdown:</strong></h1>
<p id="53jhn7"><strong>00:00 - 01:13: </strong>Hey we beat the MEAN GREEN! 3-3.<br><strong>01:13 - 13:25: </strong>Mizzou looked fine against North Texas! At least in the first half. Nate and BK talk about some of the personnel changes that may have helped.<br><strong>13:25 - 15:43:</strong> General overview of the game.<br><strong>15:43 - 31:54: </strong>Let’s talk about the offense…<br><strong>31:54 - 35:40: </strong>Let’s talk about something good. VERY good. VERY VERRRRY good. Tyler Badie.<br><strong>35:40 - END: </strong>Final thoughts. Be sure to follow us on all of our social accounts and subscribe to the pod. Thanks for listening!</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cYBaqC_vc3cgcb2fyUk8cetgUkA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22917306/Rock_M_Radio.png">
<cite>Levi Hutmacher</cite>
</figure>
<p id="KU74c4"><em>To subscribe to Rock M Radio on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, click </em><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-m-radio/id1255992025?mt=2&xcust=___sb__p_22149496__t_w__r_rockmnation.com/before-t" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em><strong>HERE</strong></em></a><em>!</em></p>
<p id="qiiCxb">If you prefer to stream your podcasts, click <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/rock-m-nation?selected=VMP4197210410"><em><strong>HERE </strong></em></a>or check it out below.</p>
<div id="fkj0bW"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP4197210410" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="L8VyjL"><em>Click </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2QbMfz50GVbvSpYlLmZE3F?si=j8ZlVuM4SFOFiZKbxAeIxg"><em><strong>HERE</strong></em></a><em> if you like your podcasts on Spotify!</em></p>
<p id="8z1Vde">You can follow members of today’s show on Twitter @<a href="https://twitter.com/NateGEdwards"><strong>NateGEdwards</strong></a><strong> </strong>and @<a href="https://twitter.com/BKSportsTalk"><strong>BKSportsTalk</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="FcH49A"><em>Have a question for one of our podcasts? Leave a 5 star review with your question and that show just might answer it in an upcoming episode!</em></p>
<p id="xJnVv7">Do you like Rock M Radio? Drop us a Review and be sure to subscribe to Rock M Radio on your preferred podcasting platform. And be sure to follow @<a href="https://twitter.com/RockMNation"><strong>RockMNation</strong></a> on Twitter.</p>
<p id="4S8Kwl"></p>
<p id="xLwY66"></p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/11/22720631/podcast-back-to-500-with-a-win-over-north-texasLevi HutmacherBrandon KileyNate Edwards2021-10-11T07:30:00-05:002021-10-11T07:30:00-05:00MV3: It’s Tyler Badie and then everyone else for Homecoming MVP
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 09 North Texas at Missouri" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5EvBNeDRVyf96GAztKv_Gc8a0gY=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69979377/1235793991.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The senior running back was the (hehe) RUNaway favorite on this week’s ballots.</p> <h1 id="GO66W6">1. Tyler Badie</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 09 North Texas at Missouri" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UfScD-qItcJhcfq9ea0UCKfVwwI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22916810/1235792734.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="BHnDQ6">I shouldn’t have to spend a ton of time gushing about how great Tyler Badie is, but it’s becoming something of a pastime here at Rock M. We don’t have to talk about our guy... but why wouldn’t we, right? Badie shook off two disappointing performances by cashing in a career-high rushing day, totaling 217 yards on just 17 carries to go along with 3 total touchdowns. And it’s not just the pure numbers, either — it’s the way he got them. Badie busted big runs in crucial situations, exploited big holes in the trenches and even fought off an attempted DDT to log an explosive play in the day’s most impressive run. </p>
<p id="jEbTYy">There’s no doubt Badie will be getting All SEC votes at the end of the season. At this point, he’s fighting for a spot on the First Team... and maybe more than that if he finds a way to tally some great performances against the juggernauts coming up on Missouri’s schedule.</p>
<h1 id="l89LN3">2. Harrison Mevis</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 09 North Texas at Missouri" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UuU-FisbS-YL6yOdpouJrRQTNwk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22916811/1235792283.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="BwcEGr">The Thiccer continues to wallop mighty field goals with disgusting ease. When do we start fundraising to build the statue?</p>
<h1 id="bks5VA">3. Mekhi Wingo</h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 09 North Texas at Missouri" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/evNpAsiLFSipgTC0VFkUpufU9Lg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22915606/1235794244.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="JMkZcd">It’s hard to sum up how disappointing the defensive line has been in 2021, though I suppose all the headlines about Mizzou firing its defensive line coach after 5 games do it pretty well. But if anything good has come from the upheaval on the line, it’s been the quick emergence of Mekhi Wingo. Wingo wasn’t the most touted of Mizzou’s DL commits in the 2021 class, but he’s proven to be the most immediately effective. He had a coming out party against North Texas, accruing a rumblin-stumblin-bumblin big man pick-six while stacking up a TFL and QB hurry along with 3 additional tackles. It was an all-around performance for the true freshman, a sign that things may not be so dim in the future.</p>
<p id="ufCMqr"><em>Others receiving votes: Kris Abrams-Draine </em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="AKsiQz">
<p id="V31Ft0">How about y’all? Who was your Homecoming MVP, and why is it Tyler Badie? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.</p>
<p id="13SJc6">But if it wasn’t Tyler Badie, that’s fine. Maybe just keep your comments and bad opinions to yourself.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/11/22720264/mv3-its-tyler-badie-and-then-everyone-else-for-homecoming-mvpJosh Matejka2021-10-10T11:50:48-05:002021-10-10T11:50:48-05:00The Least Talked about Great Player in the Country
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: North Texas at Missouri" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L85B9UUtWOpmHFOmb18IcVIkGKs=/0x0:5274x3516/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69977082/usa_today_16924291.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Nationally, Tyler Badie hasn’t been getting much love this season, but he sure does deserve it</p> <p id="xb6sCb">In a season that has featured many disappointments, Tyler Badie has been one of the main bright spots for the <a href="https://www.rockmnation.com">Missouri Tigers</a>. After a career-high 217 rushing yards yesterday against North Texas, Missouri Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz called him “probably the least talked about great player in the country right now.”</p>
<p id="m0VoZw">The least talked about great player in the country right now is almost the perfect way to explain the year Badie’s having. The senior currently leads the SEC in rushing touchdowns, touchdowns from scrimmage, and yards from scrimmage. He’s also second in the conference in rushing yards. </p>
<p id="Fo61z0">However, despite all this success, Badie is still on a .500 Missouri Tigers team that is greatly underachieving based on their preseason expectations. So while he’s not getting the national love that runningbacks like Bijan Robinson or Treyveyon Henderson are getting, Badie deserves to be talked about in that upper echelon of elite college runningbacks.</p>
<p id="SgPHma">Badie knows he belongs in that group, too. “My goal is to be the best running back in this conference, in the NCAA, period,” he said. However, even with all his success this year, Badie remains incredibly humble.</p>
<p id="kdhPF2">“I get all the praise and all the glory,” the Tigers running back said. “But at the end of the day, the O-Line does the hard work, the wide receivers block for me, and the quarterback hands me the ball so I feel like it’s just a team effort.”</p>
<p id="0iUi5m">While Badie is right that it takes a team to put together a great individual statistical season, special players still make special plays when no one else would, and there’s been no greater example of that this season than Badie’s 42-yard run at the end of the third quarter.</p>
<p id="907OLj">It looked like Badie was surely stopped for what wasn’t going to be more than a 6-yard gain, but inconceivably he broke out, got to the edge, and turned a decent gain into a 42-yard run. That’s just the 2021 rendition of Tyler Badie for you.</p>
<p id="cj7Zd4">When asked about the run in the postgame, Badie downplayed the impressive nature of it saying, “Honestly I just closed my eyes. Sometimes you close your eyes and good things happen.” But the truth is, most players don’t make that play, only great players do.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/10/22719305/the-least-talked-about-great-player-in-the-countryKortay Vincent2021-10-10T05:00:00-05:002021-10-10T05:00:00-05:00Pourover: A sleight of hand wasn’t going to fix the defensive issues
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 09 North Texas at Missouri" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tHdoIXcKNdO2YNjzxvWLqRVDnZ8=/0x0:4274x2849/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69975698/1235792547.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The week long theater of firing coaches and burning the depth chart doesn’t hide the fact the Tigers don’t have a good defense. </p> <p id="rN5Y6S">A win is a win is a win is a win is a win is a win. </p>
<p id="0Xci4h">Mizzou has approximately four games on the schedule they cannot afford to lose this year, and the good news is so far they’re 3-0 in those games. The bad news is they’re 0-3 in any other game, whether it’s a toss up or otherwise. But you can’t not beat North Texas, or SEMO, or Central Michigan. And the way the season is trending I think you have to include Vanderbilt in that group as well. </p>
<p id="iPTEAd">While Mizzou is winning the games they should, they’re doing so in a way where your eyebrow gets raised each time. Against Central Michigan it was early, you could write certain things off. But week over week the defense seemed to deteriorate, and it culminated with the thrashing against Tennessee last week, and led to the ever predictable “Reset Week”. A tradition as old as struggling football programs had to meet with the press as often as they do now, I guess. </p>
<p id="dbaiQ1">Whenever things go south, you need to do something. I even <a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/3/22706217/mizzou-football-defense-tennessee-reaction-analysis-pourover-wilks-drinkwitz">said it last week after UT, “Something has to change.”</a> And something did. </p>
<p id="kWSqbR">They fired the defensive line coach, then didn’t release a depth chart. Something changed.</p>
<div id="D5NXcP">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Only new starter for Mizzou defense: Chad Bailey gets the start over Blaze Alldredge at LB</p>— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dave_Matter/status/1446930315792904193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="WQvxfB">Until it didn’t. </p>
<p id="L0ch2x">Here’s the thing about the depth chart though, you spend weeks before the season and even in season watching guys play. The depth chart exists because certain players have supposedly proven themselves to be better options at their position than others. We were all surprised in Week 1 when the depth chart revealed Allie Green IV and Akayleb Evans were behind Ish Burdine and Ennis Rakestraw. So maybe that was our first hint that the depth chart released by Mizzou Athletics was more of a PR move than an actual chart of the depth on the football team?</p>
<p id="v3I7Kw">I guess that’s why I’m mostly non-plussed by the theater of the week. It ended up meaning nothing other than Chad Bailey started instead of Blaze Alldredge. On that decision <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8P_Rom6IMA">Drinkwitz had this to say</a>: </p>
<blockquote><p id="9O1ina">“There was no point (to prove.) It was earned. That was how it’s going to be for the rest of the year. You come to practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and whoever practices best is going to start. We’re going to evaluate the film, see where we’re at and open it up for competition. There’s no strategy, there’s no motivational ploy. There’s just reality. Whoever practices the best is going to play. Period. This program is going to be built on competition. That’s who we are at our core and that’s who we’re going to be. That’s no motivational tactic. Man, this ain’t Ted Lasso.” </p></blockquote>
<p id="24FWbE">Tell me you haven’t watched Ted Lasso without telling me you haven’t watched Ted Lasso. </p>
<p id="1j8nxp">Removing the depth chart <em>is</em> theater. It <em>is</em> a motivational ploy. The motivation is playing time, and telling the backups that the starter isn’t assumed to be a starter is <em>exactly</em> a motivational ploy for those not listed at the top of the depth. I do think when you are building culture within the program, and you’re attempting to set the tone of competition, you may need these ploys to set the tone. But like, this is how it works. You play well in practice, you get to play in the game. Once you get past middle school this is really how it plays out. </p>
<p id="ebD1iS">And here’s the kicker: that’s how it should work!</p>
<p id="WmlJsO">And as an absolute Ted Lasso fan, Lasso’s big motivational ploy is based solely and completely out of team building. Connecting with people, getting everyone on the same page and pulling the rope at the same time. </p>
<p id="OVi9YP">I tend to think soccer, or football in any country not named the United States, has more in common with basketball than it does American Football. In basketball you have fewer options, you send your players onto the floor and maybe call a few plays from the sideline. The same goes for soccer. But American Football is different. Everything is scripted. Each play chosen. The offense calls a play with specific personnel, the defense matches that personnel and calls its own plays to match up. </p>
<p id="MfXtCz">Which is why I liked <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8P_Rom6IMA">this quote from Drinkwitz</a> much better:</p>
<blockquote><p id="NtfDi8">“They were 5-of-15 on third downs. They had three turnovers. I thought there were a lot of improvements. How many negative yards plays? How many sacks? Those were all steps. It wasn’t perfect, but we didn’t think we were going to transform into the ‘85 Bears overnight. We’re working towards it. We took a big step. It’s a process. We still had a couple busts that we got to get cleaned up. Figure out what’s the reason we don’t cover the tight end on a drag route or why we don’t cover the tailback out of the backfield in cover three when you’re the corner that has the deep third. Other than that, cover two safety has got to stay deep on fourth-and-five, didn’t. We’ll get that fixed. It’s a process. It’s something.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="sFZxhw">I don’t like coachspeak. The first quote is coachspeak, the next one is truth. This <em>is</em> a process. Anyone who thought firing Jethro Franklin was suddenly going to turn the defense around is a disillusioned human and not worth reasoning with. The defense is flawed with not enough talent, but worse the talent they had wasn’t performing to the levels expected. </p>
<p id="GGzrM3">Nobody should have ever expected the defense to be stalwart. But by the end of the season it needs to be better. Yesterday things were better, but the competition was also not what they’ll see the rest of the year. North Texas is 1-4 on the season. They scored 12 points against SMU (who’s currently in the top 25), 6 against UAB, and 17 against Louisiana Tech. Missouri gave up 35. </p>
<p id="e5vpOa">Realistically, after Mehki Wingo returned an interception for a touchdown the game was over; Missouri was up 27 points at that point. It was midway through the 3rd quarter and the defense had only surrendered 14 points. So improvement!</p>
<p id="lbhOXG">Still, the Tigers gave up 21 points after that moment, some of which when backups were in the game. But I would hope Missouri would have backups capable of competing with Louisiana Tech or UAB. UAB is 68th in SP+, Louisiana Tech is 101st, Missouri is 67th. North Texas is 114th. It’s a process, I think we’re all bought in on the process. Drink is an excellent salesman who has upgraded recruiting and excited the right people in and around the program. But if I can, I’d recommend he attempt less theater, and worry more about substance. We’re ok waiting on the process to play itself out. </p>
<p id="SbSEOR">Stats from StatBroadcast:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="statbroadcast unt" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S4-y_YX4IQ10tzwE03k9XRBmjsM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22914093/UNT1.png">
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="statbroadcast unt" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oPQ2Av3pmLYUNzoFGybrwxfN2ko=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22914094/UNT2.png">
</figure>
<h3 id="XA9uad">Here are your other SEC scores:</h3>
<ul>
<li id="ByOO3n">Texas A&M 41, 1. Alabama 38</li>
<li id="E6bhJ2">2. Georgia 34, 18. Auburn 10</li>
<li id="za0GNR">17. Ole Miss 52, 13. Arkansas 51</li>
<li id="kAc3jj">16. Kentucky 42, LSU 21</li>
<li id="wUnrP6">20. Florida 42, Vanderbilt 0</li>
<li id="w16ESd">Tennessee 45, South Carolina 20</li>
</ul>
<h1 id="QvdtMQ">Yesterday at Rock M</h1>
<ul>
<li id="bHZbQm"><a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/9/22717176/missouri-vs-north-texas-football-gameday-info-where-to-watch-predictions">Missouri vs North Texas football GameDay: info, where to watch, predictions</a></li>
<li id="G2hTur"><a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/9/22717493/bottoms-up-goes-to-homecoming">Bottoms Up! Goes to Homecoming</a></li>
<li id="bJUicL"><a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/9/22717906/homecoming-gamethread-mizzou-vs-north-texas">Homecoming Gamethread: Mizzou vs North Texas</a></li>
<li id="7oVaWH"><a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/missouri-tigers-football/2021/10/9/22718352/five-takeaways-from-mizzous-48-35-win-against-north-texas">Five takeaways from Mizzou’s 48-35 win against North Texas</a></li>
<li id="Za8gRC"><a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/9/22717998/dominant-first-half-then-sleepy-second-half-defines-mizzous-2021-homecoming-win">Dominant first half then sleepy second half defines Mizzou’s 2021 Homecoming win</a></li>
</ul>
<h1 id="2ZYQdI">GameDay Links:</h1>
<ul>
<li id="RR89RJ"><a href="https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/mizzou-holds-off-north-texas-for-sloppy-homecoming-victory/article_c6cb48f8-e2f2-507b-9fc8-90e9b32d931c.html">Dave Matter’s game story</a></li>
<li id="FdMAsm"><a href="https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article254888802.html#storylink=mainstage_card">Lila Bromberg’s game story</a></li>
<li id="xF1GGI">Columbia Missourian <a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/mizzou_football/bad-bad-man-badie-scores-three-tds-in-homecoming-win/article_5ddbd420-2951-11ec-8c68-0f25644e0365.html">Calum McAndrew’s game story</a>
</li>
<li id="hyHEcW">Trib’s Eric Blum <a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/mizzou_football/bad-bad-man-badie-scores-three-tds-in-homecoming-win/article_5ddbd420-2951-11ec-8c68-0f25644e0365.html">wraps up the day</a>
</li>
<li id="Ps3snJ">If you’re looking to sign up for ESPN+, Rock M Nation now has an affiliate link: <a href="https://espn.zlbu.net/c/482924/535101/9070?sharedid=RockMNation">click Here for ESPN+ Now!</a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="QDR51h"></p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/10/22718559/pourover-mizzou-football-eli-drinkwitz-postgame-analysis-defenseSam Snelling2021-10-09T19:57:15-05:002021-10-09T19:57:15-05:00Dominant first half then sleepy second half defines Mizzou’s 2021 Homecoming win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yB5eGU59xer1JSKb5ZWBlHk2KRA=/0x0:2000x1333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69975161/Big_Man_TD.0.jpeg" />
</figure>
<p>The Tigers showed marked improvement in many areas in the first half against UNT, but seemed to let up as the game wore on</p> <p id="xFQblu">Homecoming returned to Columbia after a two-year absence, and Missouri put on a show for the thousands of alumni that came back into town.</p>
<p id="TEHOlK">Missouri opened up with a 3-and-out, but Kris Abrams-Draine continued his stellar play as of late with an interception to set the Tigers up at the UNT 26-yard line.</p>
<p id="rdcaJG">Mizzou rode Tyler Badie into the end zone from there to open up the scoring with just over ten minutes left in the first quarter. The Tigers followed that up with a 3rd and 1 stop thanks to a tackle for loss from Akail Byers.</p>
<p id="E7zXSA">Badie again exploded for a big run to put the Tigers in Mean Green territory, continuing his hot start to the game. Barrett Banister drew a pass interference call that set the Tigers up inside the five yard line, and Bazelak connected with Tyler Badie for a toe tap touchdown grab. Badie again displayed his versatility throughout the first quarter of this game.</p>
<p id="we9n8B">North Texas continued to stick to the ground game, likely hoping for similar success to what virtually every team has had against Mizzou this season. Running back DeAndre Torey was the workhorse, seemingly touching the ball on every play in the first half. However, the Mean Green brought in their goal-line back, freshman Isaiah Johnson, to cap off a lengthy drive that cut the Tiger lead in half to start the second quarter.</p>
<p id="4pHE5k">Freshman running back BJ Harris got a couple opportunities in this game to show what he was made of, and he started off the next Missouri drive with a first down run. Bazelak had looked slightly off to start this game, but JJ Hester broke free for a 56-yard touchdown catch that was perfectly placed by the veteran quarterback. When Badie got a break, Bazelak seamlessly took over the offense.</p>
<p id="mE1HhO">North Texas punted the ball right back, and after a couple of Bazelak first downs, Badie scampered for another touchdown, this time from 52 yards out.</p>
<p id="Dc9tX5">Mookie Cooper started off the next Mizzou drive with two straight catches for first downs, but went down with what appeared to be a leg injury (would later return). BJ Harris proceeded to continue his solid start to the game, taking over for Badie on this drive. A false start on 4th and 1 prevented Mizzou from advancing further, but Harrison Mevis proved to yet again be automatic with a 48-yard field goal.</p>
<p id="w2u0MU">The first half would come to close with the score reading 31-7 in favor of the home team. Tyler Badie stole the show with a three touchdown first half, and the defense really showed some resilience as they stuffed the North Texas rushing attack after being reamed for struggling with it all season long.</p>
<p id="strOb5">“Really proud of the effort we started out with on defense,” Eli Drinkwitz said after the game. “There was just a response (to new defensive line coach Al Davis), making sure those guys know how to play for each other and with each other.”</p>
<p id="JTXF58">UNT came out in the second half with a clear goal in mind: keep utilizing Austin Aune’s legs. He ran for two first downs, but a fumble recovery from, guess who, Kris Abrams-Draine, halted the drive. Abrams-Draine has been all over the place in recent weeks, making plays on both defense and in special teams.</p>
<p id="3JIbKU">Austin Aune responded on their next drive, as he and Torrey led a balanced drive that resulted in a throwback wheel route from one to another.</p>
<p id="3jR605">Missouri would go 3-and-out on their next drive. Trajan Jeffcoat and Isaiah McGuire each would secure sacks to help Mizzou stop another threatening North Texas drive.</p>
<p id="PF4DKC">After another stagnant Mizzou drive, North Texas again drove down the field and was in scoring position. However, a 4th down stop shifted momentum and field position back towards the Tigers.</p>
<p id="vsPfcn">Badie proceeded to be wrapped up by 3 defenders and miraculously break free for a 42-yard run, putting him at a career-high of 217 yards on the ground for the day. </p>
<p id="AIPHni">“It’s just a credit to the O-line,” said Badie on his second 200 yard game of the season. “I get all the praise, but the O-line does all the hard work.”</p>
<p id="5vL8vB">“He’s probably the least talked about great player in the country right now,” Drinkwitz said of Badie.</p>
<p id="AdRINh">Still, the Tigers had to settle for a field goal that Mevis knocked through from 40 yards out.</p>
<p id="NoLxUd">The pressure continued to increase on Aune as the game wore on, as Johnnie Walker, Jr. got into the mix with a sack on the next drive. A tipped pass by Jeffcoat resulted in a BIG MAN TOUCHDOWN from the 266 lb. Mekhi Wingo, as he glided past the North Texas offensive line for a score that will surely live with him forever.</p>
<p id="BzlWov">“I’m a running back at heart,” Wingo claimed postgame.</p>
<p id="ENvIfx">Another throwback pass would cap off a touchdown drive for the Mean Green, as they cut the deficit to 20. </p>
<p id="zBgaUp">UNT would get the ball back, and some gutsy running from Aune and broken coverage from the Tigers resulted in another Mean Green touchdown. A scoreline of 41-28 would mean UNT would cover the spread (-18), and Mizzou would advance to 0-6 against it this season.</p>
<p id="RnjjBG">Psyche. Dawson Downing came in and housed one from 60 yards out to bring the scoreline back to 48-28.</p>
<p id="PeRchv">Double psyche, North Texas completed a 77-yard touchdown pass to make it 48-35. The game would close at that scoreline.</p>
<p id="gjRgal">Overall, Mizzou showed marked improved in the first half. The defense stood tall against the run forced three turnovers and made UNT go 5/15 on third downs. On offense, Badie had yet another sensational game to lead the unit. </p>
<p id="mD6zon">“The difference was a commitment (to the run) by me,” Drinkwitz said. “We decided we were gonna stay committed to the run game this week.”</p>
<p id="qZxbTl">Still, Bazelak looked off at times, and the defense wore down and ended up letting up nearly 500 yards off offense to the Mean Green. Another game where the Tigers let a team make the game look more respectable than it was in the second half, and there will likely be mixed feelings about the result.</p>
<p id="LkVdMG">The Tigers will host Texas A&M next Saturday at 11 am on the SEC Network.</p>
<p id="GcDD3a"></p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2021/10/9/22717998/dominant-first-half-then-sleepy-second-half-defines-mizzous-2021-homecoming-winParker Gillam