Rock M Nation - Florida holds off Mizzou's upset bid, 14-7.A Blog for Ol' Mizzouhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50319/rmn-fav.png2012-11-08T09:54:06-06:00http://www.rockmnation.com/rss/stream/33487332012-11-08T09:54:06-06:002012-11-08T09:54:06-06:00Tape Breakdown: Florida
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P4esBYxUMr3btzE9P12W33UUhl8=/0x42:4000x2709/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2880007/155365425.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sam Greenwood</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Reason to hope, reason to doubt.</p> <p>I have to be honest: This week's video breakdown was fun. I know, we're not supposed to like moral victories. And truth be told, this wasn't a moral victory, because we <i>should</i> have won that game. Maybe we're not a better team than Florida over a whole season, but head to head, I think we win that game more often than we lose it. And that's really why I find my spirits lifted, because I now have hope for the rest of the season. Of course, our remaining opponents present a different kind of challenge, but we'll get to that in a minute.</p>
<p>I had a hard time narrowing down what to talk about, and that's without giving much time to the defense. So I'll take a shotgun approach:</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="#franklin">Franklin had a good bad game</a></li>
<li><a href="#right">What went right</a></li>
<li><a href="#wrong">What went wrong</a></li>
<li><a href="#defense">Devastating defense?</a></li>
<li><a href="#conclusions">Conclusions</a></li>
</ol>
<h4>
<a name="franklin" id="franklin"></a>1. Franklin had a good bad game</h4>
<p>The narrative around this game started with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a> and ended with James Franklin, with a sprinkling of defense in between. A lot of public criticism led to teammates, coaches and some journalists defending him. Personally, I thought he mentally had a great game, but as many have noted, his throwing motion was off. His stride seemed a little abbreviated, and he didn't launch off of his back foot forward the way he often does.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WERdK-BPw-w" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>I thought that mentally, however, this was Franklin's best game. After his first interception (which looked at first like an underthrow but on reviewing appears to actually be a ball that sailed badly), he looked so dejected. I thought to myself, "oh crap, here comes Kansas State or Kansas from last year all over again." But he bounced back. Yes, he had three more interceptions, but I don't actually think he was careless with the ball. Two of the interceptions just sailed on him, as in the video above, which goes right back to your throwing motion. On the last interception of the game, it was 4th down with no time left and we had to take a risk, with pressure in his face. And the other one ... well, let's just say seeing this linebacker was a bit like playing "Where's Waldo," except you have 0.2 seconds to find him. Here's Franklin at the point of deciding to throw the ball, and the linebacker camoflauged against a sea of orange and blue fans right at field level. I'm not saying Franklin shouldn't have seen him, but it's not a terrible mistake either. Seriously, Boise State is thinking about adding orange and blue fans in the background of their blue field to achieve Sniper-like camoflauge.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1705623/UFCamoflauge.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1705623/UFCamoflauge_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Ufcamoflauge_medium"></a> <br id="1352372298970"></p>
<p>The numbers tell a similar story. Out of 28 unsuccessful passing plays (not counting sacks and trick plays), nine were due to great Florida coverage, eight were bad throws (including five overthrows), seven were from protection breakdowns and only two were bad reads or decisions. That's 10 bad plays out of 59 passes for an injured Franklin -- a number he can improve on, but also not a terrible one. And while four interceptions obviously isn't a great day, where would we have been without Franklin? Probably a lot worse. For one thing, Franklin's scrambling changed everything. We were actually more successful, both on passes and rushes, when Franklin extended the play with his feet than when he didn't. Five yards per play when Franklin scrambled vs four when he did not. Doing better when your line breaks down is a nice thing!</p>
<p>Franklin had seven successful scrambles, including six that went for nine or more yards. That's as many as the rest of our running game combined. It forced Florida out of man to man coverage on most snaps, and into a (mostly) Cover 3 zone, which our receivers ate alive. Which brings me to...</p>
<h4>
<a name="right" id="right"></a>2. What went right</h4>
<p><strong>Receivers</strong></p>
<p>This was the receiving unit we thought we'd have at the beginning of the season. Not only did individual players have big games, but I think our depth as a unit wore on Florida over the course of the game. I can't stress enough how good that Florida secondary has been this season. This was an impressive outing.</p>
<p>Welcome back, Marcus Lucas. It's good to see you again. He only caught two of five targets, but he didn't have any drops, and both catches were tough. Also, welcome to your coming out party, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158633/dorial-green-beckham" class="sbn-auto-link">Dorial Green-Beckham</a>. I know we've tried to get you more involved lately, but this is the first game where you looked like a highly-recruited receiver. This Florida defense is known for blanketing receivers, and he got open regularly and adjusted well to the ball. He is like the ultimate "500" player, where one guy can always just get the ball in a crowd. And what's more, he makes it look easy.</p>
<p>And I'm glad to hear <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85958/t-j-moe" class="sbn-auto-link">T.J. Moe</a> strongly backing Franklin in the press. After some half-hearted and even backhanded support earlier this season, I thought this might be becoming an issue based on Moe's sideline body language. Hopefully his public comments mirror his locker room support.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IVyT1Ghql3k" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>COUNTER!</strong></p>
<p>I'd like to thank the coaching staff for reading my articles, and I'll be sending you a bill for my consulting services shortly! Just a week after I again questioned where the Counter play was in our offense, it suddenly appeared. I just about fell out of my chair. Perhaps I just missed it before, because it can look suspiciously like a zone read option with a cutback to the casual eye, but this was definitely a counter. They ran it three times, and while it was only successful once, for nine yards, it was a nice constraint play to keep the defense honest on the zone read option and the inside zone.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/liG8uoeOFpY" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Marcus!</strong></p>
<p>Where have you been, my friend? I was so excited about Marcus Murphy this August, but it seemed like he just could never find a rhythm. He found it on Saturday with an aggressive, north-south running style that favored immediate yards over "what if" yards. Kendial Lawrence's gut instincts tell him "if I could just beat this guy I could go the distance." Marcus Murphy seems to think "I see easy yards and I want them now." A bird in hand is worth two in the bush, after all, especially against SEC speed.</p>
<p>Murphy also seemed to find more comfort running in traffic this game. That said, Lawrence mostly ran well this game, and Murphy wasn't without an east west moment. Not to belabor Bill C's points, but I feel very good about our running back corps for next year. And with some offensive linemen getting experience this year, if <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115145/henry-josey" class="sbn-auto-link">Henry Josey</a> is like his old self (a tall order to be sure) ... wow, we could terrorize defenses.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CKnZMAYa0io" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Offensive Line</strong></p>
<p>Not a lot of execution issues. And Franklin had time to throw against a three- or four-man rush on most snaps. Interestingly enough, we didn't necessarily have a higher success rate when Franklin had longer to throw, or even when he was under pressure. Franklin, mentally, was just in the zone. The receivers were open pretty early, or they weren't there at all.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1705631/MU-UF_PassesByTimeToThrow.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Mu-uf_passesbytimetothrow_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1705631/MU-UF_PassesByTimeToThrow_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1352372534720"></p>
<h4>
<a name="wrong" id="wrong"></a>3. What went wrong</h4>
<p><strong>Offensive line</strong></p>
<p>Yes, I'm fully aware that this is listed in the "good" section above. It was that kind of day. All or nothing in many ways for the offensive line. Pass protection against a four-man front was quite good actually, and almost half our running plays were successful. But especially after Justin Britt went down, some of the issues we've dealt with earlier this year reared their ugly head again. The execution wasn't terrible. In fact, on running plays, 11 of 13 unsuccessful running plays (out of 33 total) were just Florida defensive linemen either being too fast or too physical for our offensive line. Hey, it happens. Florida is an elite defense for a reason. They're big, fast and use their hands really well.</p>
<p>But don't mistake that for saying we just need to get bigger and faster. A defensive tackle shooting a gap with a quick first step might be a sign of athleticism, but as an offensive linemen gets experienced he can anticipate that. We had a lot of opportunities to learn from this game. I always hate to single out linemen, because you don't notice them when they do something right, but the breakdowns were similar to what I've been saying for the last few weeks. When Britt went down, those problems became amplified. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115156/anthony-gatti" class="sbn-auto-link">Anthony Gatti</a> very much looks the part of an SEC linemen, one year from now. But he had a rough introduction to one of the best defenses in the country. You just can't overstate the effect of these injuries. Before Britt's injury, 57% of running back rushing plays were successful. A respectable, but noticably lower, 37% were successful afterward. Our offense hums when both pass and run are a threat, and that extra 20% makes a difference. Still, you saw linebackers close to the line of scrimmage all game long, partially to spy Franklin, but also out of respect for the running game.</p>
<p>Our runs, however, were all or nothing. Either we got a body on a player and it went 10 yards, or it was stuffed for nothing. Similarly, Franklin had to deal with a few speed rushes after Britt went down, and we did not pick up the blitz well, giving Franklin two seconds or more on only two of 11 blitzes. Lots of work to do this week so we don't lose the gains we've made on the offensive line.</p>
<p>This video shows the power of missing just a single block. The first clip shows what it looks like when we get a hat on every player. After that, all of these plays can be traced to a single missed assignment, even when there's a swarm tackle. Make that one block, and it often goes for nine yards. Five players playing in unison is what it takes and it's pretty hard when people keep going down. And it also shows just how physical and athletic the Florida D was.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aFEcnRd40a4" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Defensive Lapses</strong></p>
<p>It takes absolutely no imagination to think we could have shut Florida out. If not for three bad plays, really, our seven measly points would have won it. Still, we could have also given up other home runs had we not made that one critical tackle by the safety or linebacker. But one play definitely stood out. Thankfully, Sheldon ensured it didn't stand, although they scored two plays later anyway. Look at the confusion caused by Florida's shift, and the ensuing mess in coverage.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ssRef-IXvZs" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4>
<a name="defense" id="defense"></a>4. Devastating Defense?</h4>
<p>This was the defense's best game of the year by far. And yet, I have a hard time shaking one thought from my mind. Florida is 103rd in total offense. I know it's dropped a bit after facing Georgia, South Carolina, LSU and Missouri in the last month or so. But still. That's not a good offense. Shut down the run, and they can't beat you. In many ways, this is kind of what I expected in the SEC. Great defense, mediocre passing offenses and elite athletes that can make big plays. Turns out the offenses are just a bit better this year.</p>
<p>Still, I would be remiss if I didn't mention a few things. First, the Florida receivers were, generally speaking, not open. This may not be an All-American crew, but they are athletic and dangerous after the catch. Second, we tackled really well. If we had played defense like this against South Carolina, they would have struggled to get 17 points.</p>
<p><strong>Aggressive D</strong></p>
<p>Mizzou fans have been calling for an aggressive defense for years, and for maybe only the second time under Pinkel, we have it (funny how it tends to come when we have both a good secondary and a good pass rush). But make no mistake, Mizzou has always played aggressive <i>rush</i> defense under Pinkel. We bring our linebackers and safeties up to stop it cold, and when we don't, it's bad. For example, take the Nebraska game in 2010 when they had 44% of their offense on 3 plays from Roy Helu.</p>
<p>When a running back gets past the first few yards against Mizzou, it's not uncommon for them to go well into the secondary, if not the distance. So it's not surprising that Florida had two big plays that, despite coming on short fields, would have scored from any distance. I said Mizzou needed an aggressive gameplan and roll the dice. It burned us, but overall I think holding a team to 14 points gives you a chance to win most games.</p>
<p><strong>Adjustments or luck?</strong></p>
<p>Muschamp said going into halftime that they saw some opportunities, and he looked correct as they scored on two of their first eight plays in dramatic fashion. I think it was more chance personally. Here is the TD screen, as well as similar screens that Mizzou defended correctly. And if they really thought the Jet Sweep was the answer, why did they fake it all day and only run it once?</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MKmU_EEaMzI" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Playmakers</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134326/sheldon-richardson" class="sbn-auto-link">Sheldon Richardson</a> continues to amaze me. He is easily one of the best defensive tackles I've seen in some time for any team. He runs like <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36934/jacquies-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Jacquies Smith</a> but 50 pounds heavier. And yet, I think he'll be an odd fit in the NFL, at least at tackle, where I'm not sure he's big enough to be a physical run stopper. I think perhaps he'll find a home in a 3-4 defense where they need a stout defensive end to clog the run, but someone still fast enough to rush the passer and seal/stretch the edge. Of course, the NFL tends to beef players up, so perhaps that will change in time. Either way, this video is pretty impressive. He manages to play both the zone read handoff and the QB keeper, ala Jarvis Jones. While the QB cuts back in toward him, you can see he easily would have had him regardless.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zXwbKQKz6Co" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>But as others have noted, it's not just Richardson in there. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115161/matt-hoch" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Hoch</a> is playing at a whole new level the last couple of weeks. For a tall guy, he doesn't get stood up a lot, and he is very physical. And while we're at it, when's the last time you noticed <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115163/lucas-vincent" class="sbn-auto-link">Lucas Vincent</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76631/marvin-foster" class="sbn-auto-link">Marvin Foster</a> or even <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36919/jimmy-burge" class="sbn-auto-link">Jimmy Burge</a> getting pushed around. There's definitely a big drop from first to second team, mainly in athleticism and physicality, but there is usable depth there, which is promising for next year. In this video you'll see Hoch show a combination of both power and speed, and Jimmy Burge - yes, the great white hope - hold his ground against a double team and pressures the QB. Watch the right defensive tackle in this video.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N1dMLgqN8AA" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h4>
<a name="conclusions" id="conclusions"></a>5. What it means the rest of the season.</h4>
<p>I have no idea. I'd love to say this means we've turned a corner and will go on a tear. But the injury to Britt is significant and we saw the effects last week. Plus, the remaining teams are just so different than Florida. It was nice to get some measure of respect, though. Even the announcers, for once, seemed to acknowledge Missouri's competitiveness and the fact that the spread can work in the SEC if your QB isn't spraying interceptions all over the field. (Speaking of announcers, how refreshing is it to get color analysts that aren't idiots?).</p>
<p>As Bill C. pointed out, we needed about 17 points to beat Florida, but we may need on the order of 30 or more to beat Tennessee. Are we both consistent and explosive enough on offense to score that much? And how much will we miss Justin Britt? One thing that gives me hope is that our starting cornerbacks have been lockdown on the bigger receivers we've faced this year, so Tennessee may have to look to depth at receiver to beat us. We've gotten a familiarity with Texas A&M, so College Station won't be intimidating, but this is a better A&M team this year, and so far, we're worse. Can we handle the balanced attack and running QB on the road? And while Syracuse would appear to be a win, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2012">the latest F/+ rankings</a> show that's far from a cakewalk.</p>
<p>I said before, and I'll say it again: Win Tennessee, and I think we run the table. Lose and we probably miss a bowl. Let's hope I'm right, and it's the former. Despite all the injuries, if we could somehow not only make a bowl game, but get eight wins and finish on a four-game winning streak (with a bowl), then the narrative about Mizzou in the SEC changes dramatically this offseason. We might know the answer this Saturday afternoon.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2012/11/8/3617126/tape-breakdown-floridaDocNice2012-11-07T14:57:05-06:002012-11-07T14:57:05-06:00Mizzou-Florida: BTBS
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0J1H42sQ5i9PfFbADn5zbbN3t8U=/0x118:4000x2785/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2835141/155365516.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sam Greenwood</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The trip to Gainesville, and how it might inform the trip to Knoxville.</p> <p>First, as always, a mini-Numerical.</p>
<p><b>340</b>. Yards gained by Tennessee against Florida's defense. Texas A&M gained 334. Georgia gained 273. LSU gained 200. South Carolina gained 191.</p>
<p><b>335</b>. Yards gained by Missouri against Florida's defense. Yes, Mizzou was still mediocre on a per-play basis (3.9 yards per play), but the Tigers moved the ball on the Gators as well as any team this year. And that was <i>with</i> James Franklin being almost completely incapable of controlling his passes.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center">
<p>David Yost called a brilliant game. Open men all over the place, usually with the ball flying over their heads.</p>
— edsbs (@edsbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/edsbs/status/265532154140839936" data-datetime="2012-11-05T19:12:53+00:00">November 5, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><b>64</b>. Pre-sack rushing yards for James Franklin on seven carries. Mizzou coaches were hesitant to call any designed run plays for the still-gimpy Franklin, but a runner's going to run. Franklin picked his spots beautifully and showed off some old-man craftiness on a couple of carries (particularly the one where he Brad Smith'd Florida defenders, acting like he was running out of bounds and cutting upfield to steal more yards), and he gave us a nice reminder of what a fully healthy, accurate Franklin is capable of doing.</p>
<p><b>56</b>. Total Florida plays. The Gators move at a very slow pace and shouldn't be expected to attempt 90 plays by any means, but Mizzou's ability to move the chains (23 first downs) also assured the Tigers of a fresh defense. UCF ran almost 56 plays in the first half alone versus Mizzou. Florida barely got enough snaps to score even 14 points.</p>
<p><b>15</b>. Passes targeting <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158633/dorial-green-beckham" class="sbn-auto-link">Dorial Green-Beckham</a> in the last two weeks. Beware, future opponents: DGB is starting to figure things out.</p>
<p><b>9</b>. Missouri trips into Florida territory. That these trips resulted in just seven points is simultaneously amazing, mystifying, and f***ing maddening.</p>
<p><b>5.6</b>. Via Mizzou historian Tom Orf, the percentage of Marcus Murphy's career carries that have gone for a loss. Two of his 32 carries this year (6.3 percent) have lost ground, even despite serious line troubles in front of him. How impressive is that? Last year, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115145/henry-josey" class="sbn-auto-link">Henry Josey</a> lost ground on 10 percent of his carries, and Henry Josey was <i>awesome</i> in 2011. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76613/kendial-lawrence" class="sbn-auto-link">Kendial Lawrence</a> was at 16 percent in 2011, 13 percent in 2012. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/22065/derrick-washington" class="sbn-auto-link">Derrick Washington</a> in 2009: 11 percent. Murphy is still learning how to be a running back, but he has showed more and more potential in recent weeks. Mizzou will have to replace Lawrence after this season, but even if Henry Josey isn't full-speed from the start of 2013, the position seems to be in damn good hands with Murphy and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158642/russell-hansbrough" class="sbn-auto-link">Russell Hansbrough</a>.</p>
<p><b>4</b>. Fourth-quarter catches for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85958/t-j-moe" class="sbn-auto-link">T.J. Moe</a> in 2012. <i>Also</i> per Tom Orf, that was his first such catch in six games. He has a grand total of four fourth-quarter receptions this year. He had 12 in 2011, 20 in 2010. This season simply hasn't turned out as the senior receiver (and captain) probably intended, has it?</p>
<p><b>4, again</b>. Passes broken up by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115164/kony-ealy" class="sbn-auto-link">Kony Ealy</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115161/matt-hoch" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Hoch</a>, who have both been fantastic over the last two weeks. Obviously Sheldon Richardson is the engine of the defensive line, and he will continue to be so over the final three games of the regular season. But against Kentucky and Florida, Ealy had 5.0 tackles, a tackle for loss, two passes broken up and a quarterback hurry, while Hoch had 6.5 tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack and <i>three</i> passes broken up. According (once again) to Tom Orf, Ealy is now third in the country among defensive linemen with six passes broken up with six. Getting your hands up and obstructing passing lanes is such a "little things" thing, and it can be so valuable. That Ealy and Hoch are doing this, and making other box score contributions, is fantastic.</p>
<p><b>2.3</b>. Yards per target averaged by Florida's top receiving threat, tight end <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78460/jordan-reed" class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Reed</a>. Reed caught just three of seven passes for all of 16 yards. Hell, other than the perfectly-called screen pass to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78461/mike-gillislee" class="sbn-auto-link">Mike Gillislee</a>, passes <i>not</i> to Reed went just 8-for-13 for 45 yards, 3.5 per target. Florida won because, in part, they called and executed two absolutely perfect plays: the screen to Gillislee and the jet sweep to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36031/omarius-hines" class="sbn-auto-link">Omarius Hines</a>. Otherwise, as we'll see below, Mizzou almost completely negated any sort of hope the Gator offense had of moving the ball consistently.</p>
<center>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="7">
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Florida 14, Missouri 7</h4>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center"><b></b></td>
<td width="75" align="center"><b> Florida</b></td>
<td width="75" align="center"><b> Missouri</b></td>
<td align="center"><b></b></td>
<td align="center"><b></b></td>
<td width="75" align="center"><b> Florida</b></td>
<td width="75" align="center"><b> Missouri</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close %</td>
<td align="center" colspan="2">100.0%</td>
<td></td>
<td colspan="3"><u>STANDARD DOWNS</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Position %</td>
<td align="right"><b>25.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>43.0%</b></td>
<td></td>
<td>Success Rate</td>
<td align="right">34.2%</td>
<td align="right">34.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leverage %</td>
<td align="right">0.732</td>
<td align="right">0.605</td>
<td></td>
<td>PPP</td>
<td align="right">0.25</td>
<td align="right">0.11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.592</td>
<td align="right">0.461</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"><u>TOTAL</u></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EqPts</td>
<td align="right">14.5</td>
<td align="right">11.1</td>
<td></td>
<td colspan="3"><u>PASSING DOWNS</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close Success Rate</td>
<td align="right">32.1%</td>
<td align="right">36.1%</td>
<td></td>
<td>Success Rate</td>
<td align="right">26.7%</td>
<td align="right">38.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close PPP</td>
<td align="right">0.26</td>
<td align="right">0.13</td>
<td></td>
<td>PPP</td>
<td align="right">0.28</td>
<td align="right">0.15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.580</td>
<td align="right">0.489</td>
<td></td>
<td>S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.546</td>
<td align="right">0.534</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"><u>RUSHING</u></td>
<td></td>
<td colspan="3"><u>TURNOVERS</u></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EqPts</td>
<td align="right">8.0</td>
<td align="right">7.3</td>
<td></td>
<td>Number</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close Success Rate</td>
<td align="right"><b>36.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>45.2%</b></td>
<td></td>
<td>Turnover Pts</td>
<td align="right">4.9</td>
<td align="right">20.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close PPP</td>
<td align="right">0.24</td>
<td align="right">0.24</td>
<td></td>
<td>Turnover Pts Margin</td>
<td align="right">+15.6</td>
<td align="right">-15.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.606</td>
<td align="right">0.688</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Line Yards/carry</td>
<td align="right">2.89</td>
<td align="right">2.41</td>
<td></td>
<td>Q1 S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.532</td>
<td align="right">0.456</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>Q2 S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.137</td>
<td align="right">0.574</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"><u>PASSING</u></td>
<td></td>
<td>Q3 S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.958</td>
<td align="right">0.529</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EqPts</td>
<td align="right">6.5</td>
<td align="right">3.8</td>
<td></td>
<td>Q4 S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.741</td>
<td align="right">0.395</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close Success Rate</td>
<td align="right">26.1%</td>
<td align="right">30.9%</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right"></td>
<td align="right"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close PPP</td>
<td align="right"><b>0.28</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.07</b></td>
<td></td>
<td>1st Down S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.431</td>
<td align="right">0.310</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.542</td>
<td align="right">0.378</td>
<td></td>
<td>2nd Down S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.966</td>
<td align="right">0.750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SD/PD Sack Rate</td>
<td align="right">0.0% / 0.0%</td>
<td align="right">3.2% / 12.5%</td>
<td></td>
<td>3rd Down S&P</td>
<td align="right">0.245</td>
<td align="right">0.549</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="7"><b>Projected Pt. Margin: Florida +19.0 | Actual Pt. Margin: Florida +7</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
<h4>Five Notable Items From This Table:</h4>
<ol>
<li>Big plays were the difference. Florida basically had two. Mizzou had none. Florida's PPP average (0.26) was well below-average, and Mizzou's was non-existent. Mizzou moved the ball because of efficiency and a surprisingly solid passing downs success rate. But Florida tackled pretty well (away from the line, anyway), prevented any hope for easy points, and was eventually able to either stall drives or end them with interceptions.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Look at Mizzou's Passing PPP. 0.07. That's ... that's not good. Mizzou turned a serious corner in Gainesville when it comes to efficiency. Now they need to figure out that "easy points" thing in Knoxville.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Mizzou was basically one play from taking the No. 8 team in the country to overtime, on the road, despite losing the turnover points battle by more than two touchdowns. That does not compute.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Mizzou averaged 2.41 Line Yards per carry. Honestly, I expected under 2.0. But Mizzou did experience some early success on the ground before Justin Britt went down. Britt's injury, and the subsequent move of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115154/mitch-morse" class="sbn-auto-link">Mitch Morse</a> from center to right tackle, changed the complexion of the MU OL vs. UF DL battle.<br><br>
</li>
<li>What you tend to see with these stats is that teams with superior athleticism derive bigger overall advantages as a half progresses. That Florida's offense fell apart in both the second and fourth quarters was very, very encouraging to me.</li>
</ol>
<center>
<table border="1" style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Player</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Catch%</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Target%</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rec. Yds.</b></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds. Per</b></div>
<b>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Target</b></div>
</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76603/l-damian-washington" class="sbn-auto-link">L'Damian Washington</a> (WR)</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">20.0%</td>
<td align="right">19.6%</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td align="right">2.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dorial Green-Beckham (WR)</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">75.0%</td>
<td align="right">15.7%</td>
<td align="right">73</td>
<td align="right">9.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36898/gahn-mcgaffie" class="sbn-auto-link">Gahn McGaffie</a> (WR)</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">57.1%</td>
<td align="right">13.7%</td>
<td align="right">47</td>
<td align="right">6.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115138/bud-sasser" class="sbn-auto-link">Bud Sasser</a> (WR)</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">33.3%</td>
<td align="right">11.8%</td>
<td align="right">26</td>
<td align="right">4.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcus Lucas (WR)</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">40.0%</td>
<td align="right">9.8%</td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">5.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T.J. Moe (WR)</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">60.0%</td>
<td align="right">9.8%</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">2.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcus Murphy (RB)</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">75.0%</td>
<td align="right">7.8%</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">5.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kendial Lawrence (RB)</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">50.0%</td>
<td align="right">3.9%</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36916/jared-mcgriff-culver" class="sbn-auto-link">Jared McGriff-Culver</a> (RB)</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">100.0%</td>
<td align="right">2.0%</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">5.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>N/A</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i><b>TOTAL</b></i></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>51</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>24</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>47.1%</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>100.0%</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>236</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>4.6</i></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TOTAL (WR)</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>41</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>19</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>46.3%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>80.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>209</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5.1</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TOTAL (RB)</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>71.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>27</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3.9</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TOTAL (TE)</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>N/A</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>0</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>N/A</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
<p>Poor L'Damian Washington. Washington was either the target of third-and-long desperation passes or the "thrown away in the general direction of this guy" target. Of the eight incomplete (or intercepted) passes targeting Washington, two came on first-and-10, but the other six came on 2nd-and-22, third-and-4, third-and-6, third-and-10, third-and-13 and third-and-19. Those are the lowest of low-percentage passes, and unfortunately they wrecked his catch rate. (It's a little bit of the same story for Marcus Lucas and Bud Sasser. Lucas made two lovely catches and gave us a boost of optimism about him, even though his catch rate was still just 40 percent.)</p>
<p>Meanwhile, I'm pretty sure both of the incomplete passes targeting T.J. Moe were about 11 feet over his head. Just a frustrating game for Mizzou receivers considering they actually played pretty well.</p>
<center>
<table border="1" style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Player</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Targets</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Catches</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Catch%</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Target%</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rec. Yds.</b></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds. Per</b></div>
<b>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Target</b></div>
</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Reed (TE)</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">42.9%</td>
<td align="right">30.4%</td>
<td align="right">16</td>
<td align="right">2.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Frankie Hammond, Jr. (WR-X)</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">66.7%</td>
<td align="right">13.0%</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">3.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Omarius Hines (WR-F)</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">33.3%</td>
<td align="right">13.0%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Gillislee (RB)</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">50.0%</td>
<td align="right">8.7%</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
<td align="right">22.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/111909/trey-burton" class="sbn-auto-link">Trey Burton</a> (WR-F)</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">100.0%</td>
<td align="right">8.7%</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
<td align="right">14.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115265/quinton-dunbar" class="sbn-auto-link">Quinton Dunbar</a> (WR-Z)</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">100.0%</td>
<td align="right">8.7%</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">6.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158427/raphael-andrades" class="sbn-auto-link">Raphael Andrades</a> (WR-Z)</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0.0%</td>
<td align="right">4.3%</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115256/mack-brown" class="sbn-auto-link">Mack Brown</a> (RB)</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">100.0%</td>
<td align="right">4.3%</td>
<td align="right">-7</td>
<td align="right">-7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>N/A</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
<td align="right">N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i><b>TOTAL</b></i></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>23</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>12</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>52.2%</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>100.0%</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>106</i></b></td>
<td align="right"><b><i>4.6</i></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TOTAL (WR)</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>11</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>63.6%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>47.8%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>52</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>4.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TOTAL (RB)</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>66.7%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>13.0%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>38</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>12.7</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TOTAL (TE)</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>42.9%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>30.4%</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>16</b></td>
<td align="right"><b>2.3</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
<p>Mizzou's wideouts still outperformed Florida's despite <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin's</a> general inaccuracy. So there's that.</p>
<p>(Seriously, what a great performance by Mizzou's defense.)</p>
<h4>Summary</h4>
<p>It is amazing to think about how <i>different</i> this coming game in Knoxville will be compared to Mizzou-Florida. Against Florida, Mizzou dominated defensively, fought to a draw in the field position battle, and quite possibly could have won the game with only <i>three</i> turnovers. But Florida has a decent offense and a great defense. Tennessee has a great offense and a downright poor defense. Florida runs as much as possible, while Tennessee puts the game in the hands of quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116203/tyler-bray" class="sbn-auto-link">Tyler Bray</a> and star receivers Justin Hunter and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158468/cordarrelle-patterson" class="sbn-auto-link">Cordarrelle Patterson</a> (a one-time Mizzou target). Florida's defensive line is fantastic; Tennessee's has struggled terribly. Entering the Florida game, we figured the Mizzou defense was going to be under pressure to stop Florida enough to potentially win a 14-10 (or 14-7) game. Against Tennessee, Mizzou's offense is going to be under pressure to score enough to potentially win a 38-34 game. Mizzou absolutely <i>can</i> beat Tennessee. If nothing else, the Tigers showed that their ceiling is not only higher than some may have thought, but that it could be even <i>higher</i> if James Franklin gets more accurate as he gets more healthy.</p>
<p>Tennessee is basically a must-win game for Mizzou's postseason hopes. Florida proved that Mizzou not only has a solid chance of winning in Knoxville, but a <i>solid</i> chance. The matchups are completely different, and Tennessee's offense really is outstanding, but through incredible fourth-quarter disappointment in Gainesville, we found reason for optimism for the rest of 2012. Hopefully we are still talking about 2012 next Sunday morning.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">**********</p>
<h4><b>A Quick Glossary</b></h4>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i><b>F/+ Rankings</b>: </i><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus2010">The official rankings for the college portion of Football Outsiders</a></i><i>. They combine my own S&P+ rankings (based on play-by-play data) with Brian Fremeau's drives-based FEI rankings.</i></p>
<p><i><b>Field Position %</b>: The percentage of a team's plays run in their opponent's field position. <b>National average: 43%.</b></i></p>
<p><i><b>Leverage Rate</b>: A team's ratio of standard downs to passing downs. <b>National average: 68%</b>. Anything over 68% means a team did a good job of avoiding being leveraged into passing downs.</i></p>
<p><i><b>Passing Downs</b>: Second-and-7 or more, third-and-5 or more.<br></i></p>
<p><i><b>PPP</b>: An explosiveness measure derived from determining the point value of every yard line (based on the expected number of points an offense could expect to score from that yard line) and, therefore, every play of a given game. <b>National average: 0.32.</b><br></i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i><b>S&P</b>: </i><i>Think of this as an OPS (the "On-Base Plus Slugging" baseball measure) for football. The 'S' stands for success rate. The 'P' stands for PPP, an explosiveness measure that stands for Eq<u>P</u>ts Per Play. S&P is measured for all non-garbage time plays in a given college football game. Plays are counted within the following criteria: when the score is within 28 points in the first quarter, within 24 points in the second quarter, within 21 points in the third quarter, and within 16 points (i.e. two possession) in the fourth quarter. For more about this measure, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaa">the main S&P+ page</a></i><i> at Football Outsiders. <b>National average: 0.747. Standard downs S&P average: 0.787. Passing downs S&P average: 0.636</b>.</i></p>
<p><i><b>Standard Downs</b></i><i>: First downs, second-and-6 or less, third-and-4 or less.<br></i></p>
<p><i><b>Success Rate</b>: A common Football Outsiders tool used to measure efficiency by determining whether every play of a given game was successful or not. The terms of success in college football: 50 percent of necessary yardage on first down, 70 percent on second down, and 100 percent on third and fourth down. <b>National Average: 42%.</b><br></i></p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2012/11/7/3614404/florida-14-missouri-7-beyond-the-box-scoreBill Connelly2012-11-06T05:19:03-06:002012-11-06T05:19:03-06:00Mizzou Links, 11-6-12
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t-ekIULMcYd-HQvCQZZnq9Z2TUg=/0x883:2748x2715/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2747509/20121103_pjc_ab2_096.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tennessee blitzes 38 percent of the time, James Franklin's fingers are falling off, and Mizzou Soccer hosts Illinois in the NCAA Tournament.</p> <h4>
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553964/newlogo.jpg"> Mizzou Football Links</h4>
<p>Per the Post-Dispatch article below, I just have one thing to say about <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85958/t-j-moe" class="sbn-auto-link">T.J. Moe's</a> quotes: a) If <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a> was indeed breathing fire, and b) If his fingers indeed look like they're falling off (???) ... he should really get that checked out. Of course, I guess perhaps he just breathed on his fingers...</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Game Week</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110512aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Road Show Continues in Knoxville
<blockquote>
<p>Saturday's game between Mizzou and Tennessee will feature a pair of teams in very similar circumstances. Both teams will take the field fighting to finish the year strong for a push to a bowl game, and they will carry identical 4-5 records into the matchup.</p>
<p>The game might not register high on the national radar, but it offers one of the more intriguing matchups in the country, with Mizzou's highly-touted defense looking to match wits with Tennessee's explosive and high-powered offensive attack.</p>
<p>The teams couldn't come into Saturday's game having possibly played more diametrically different games than they experienced last week. Mizzou went into the Swamp and lost a tough defensive struggle to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators" class="sbn-auto-link">Florida Gators</a>, 14-7. Mizzou gained 335 yards of total offense and held Florida to just 276 overall. On the flipside, Tennessee won the type of shootout that gives stat geeks a thrill up their leg, as they amassed 718 yards of total offense in their 55-48 win. The Volunteer defense allowed 721 yards of offense to Troy, however, including 496 yards passing and 225 yards rushing, while UT totaled 530 in the air and 188 on the ground.</p>
</blockquote>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110512aab.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Mizzou Media Day Coverage - Nov. 5
<blockquote>
<p><i>On how close the game was last week</i><br>"I think we've learned some lessons as the seasons gone on there. Our preparation was really good, and I think that's probably the difference. We were in a great college football environment. If you're a competitor, you love being in places like that. Our football team, if we prepare and we do the right things, I think we can compete with anybody, and certainly we're as physical as anybody. But, we've got to finish. I think that's kind of the lessons we've learned from that game."</p>
<p><i>On our great defense for the past 3 years</i><br>"Of course, the coaching staff does a great job, but I think they'd be the first to say that we've got a lot of great players. So we've got good coaches and we've got good players, and we've been very healthy, except losing Will or Xavier for a game here or a game there, we've been across the board healthy. That's just the way it goes. And this is perhaps the best defense we've had since I've been here. It's great to see."</p>
</blockquote>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/weblogs/behind-the-stripes/2012/nov/05/tigers-meet-the-press/">The Trib (Dave Matter)</a>: Tigers Meet the Press
<blockquote>
<p>Coaches from both sides of the ball had lots to say about Tennessee's schemes and personnel. Just a few samplings: Tennessee has blitzed only 38 percent of the time this season, Walker said, but the Vols are a heavy blitz team in the red zone. Yost said Tennessee will regularly pressure with six or seven defenders when the opponent crosses the 30-yard line. … Yost read the comments Vols Coach Derek Dooley made earlier in the day about making changes to the defense. "I just watched 300 of their snaps," Yost said. "I hope they don't change a whole bunch." … With the Vols throwing the ball so often this year, cornerbacks coach Cornell Ford said this week takes the defensive staff and players back to the days of the Big 12 days. Tennessee quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116203/tyler-bray" class="sbn-auto-link">Tyler Bray</a> and receivers Justin Hunter and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158468/cordarrelle-patterson" class="sbn-auto-link">Cordarrelle Patterson</a> will all be playing in the NFL, Ford said, but MU doesn't expect the week of preparation to be a major adjustment. "We practice against our offense all the time, so our kids are used to this style of offense," he said.</p>
</blockquote>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/155551/pinkel-missouri-football-players-back-james-franklin-after-florida-loss/">The Missourian</a>: Pinkel, Missouri players back James Franklin after Florida loss
<blockquote>
<p>Cornerback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36901/kip-edwards" class="sbn-auto-link">Kip Edwards</a> took the same stance as linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36912/will-ebner" class="sbn-auto-link">Will Ebner</a>, saying the defense should take the blame for the loss.</p>
<p>When asked if he was concerned about Franklin's confidence heading into next week, Edwards simply said, "James is a boss, so I'm not worried about it."</p>
<p>Franklin might have lost the game with his four interceptions and other missed throws, but he hasn't lost his team.</p>
<p>"(They) are all just encouraging me. Telling me, 'Just try not to worry about it and prepare for this week,' cause they will need me to step up and keep being a leader," Franklin said. "So they just gave me some encouragement, told me not to hold onto it."</p>
<p>The Tigers are backing Franklin as their starting quarterback, and he'll have an opportunity to redeem himself when the Tigers play the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/tennessee-volunteers" class="sbn-auto-link">Tennessee Volunteers</a> at 11:21 a.m. Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.</p>
<p>If there is ever a game for the Missouri offense to get going, this is it. Tennessee's defense has allowed at least 38 points in each of its past five games.</p>
</blockquote>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.stltoday.com/print/sports-section/heat-on-franklin-from-outside-warmth-for-him-on-inside/article_e15f1cce-602d-5485-9523-8da949b692d3.html">Post-Dispatch</a>: Heat on Franklin from outside, warmth for him on inside
<blockquote>
<p>there was an entirely different view of Franklin and the game he had in the 14-7 loss to the Gators on Monday at the Mizzou Athletics Training Complex, and it went well beyond any reflexive, hollow defense of him.</p>
<p>"The kid came out breathing fire … He's the only reason offensively we were in that game," said receiver T.J. Moe, referring to Franklin's effective scrambles, 236 passing yards and sheer attitude. "He's not healthy right now.</p>
<p>"But he played like he was healthy on Saturday. He didn't care about his knee (a strained MCL on Oct.6). He didn't care about his shoulder (two separate injuries, including major surgery in the spring).</p>
<p>"He didn't care about his fingers that look like they're (going to fall off). There are so many things wrong with the kid right now, but he gave us a chance to win."</p>
</blockquote>
<a target="_blank" href="http://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1432147">PowerMizzou</a>: PMTV-HD: Week Ten Media Day</li>
<li> <b>Next Week</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/weblogs/behind-the-stripes/2012/nov/05/evening-kickoff-for-mus-home-finale-vs-syracuse/">The Trib (Dave Matter)</a>: Evening kickoff for MU's home finale vs. Syracuse</li>
<li> <b>Britt</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/nov/05/missouris-britt-will-miss-rest-season/">The Trib</a>: Missouri's Britt will miss rest of season<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/05/3901787/mus-justin-britt-out-for-rest.html">KC Star</a>: MU's Justin Britt out for rest of the season<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/mizzou-s-britt-is-out-for-the-season/article_588ad07e-7a6f-5c0f-8208-416fccdb4b71.html">Post-Dispatch</a>: Mizzou's Britt is out for the season</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553964/newlogo.jpg"> Mizzou Basketball Links</h4>
<ul>
<li> <b>The Second Exhibition</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://kbiasports.org/2012/11/05/several-surprises-in-mizzous-second-mens-exhibition-basketball-game/">KBIA Sports</a>: Several surprises in Mizzou's second men's exhibition basketball game</li>
<li> <b>Kimmeh & Company</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110512aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Mizzou NBA Recap</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553964/newlogo.jpg"> Mizzou Diamond Sports Links</h4>
<ul>
<li> <b>Fall World Series</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/110512aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Black On Brink Of Fall World Series Title With 5-4 Win</li>
<li> <b>2013</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://simmonsfield.blogspot.com/2012/11/whos-on-first-kansas-city-missourians.html">SimmonsField.com</a>: Who's on First: Kansas City Missourians</li>
<li> <b>National</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://simmonsfield.blogspot.com/2012/11/college-baseball-scheduling-coaching.html">SimmonsField.com</a>: College Baseball: Scheduling, Coaching Moves</li>
<li> <b>SEC</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://simmonsfield.blogspot.com/2012/11/sxse-columbia-south-carolina.html">SimmonsField.com</a>: SxSE: Columbia, South Carolina</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553964/newlogo.jpg"> Other Mizzou Links</h4>
<ul>
<li> <b>Mizzou Soccer</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/110512aad.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Mizzou Earns Fifth NCAA Tournament Berth<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/weblogs/beyond-box-score/2012/nov/05/ncaa-bound-mu-soccer-to-host-illinois-in-first-rou/">The Trib (Ross Dellenger)</a>: NCAA bound: MU soccer to host Illinois in first round<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/weblogs/beyond-box-score/2012/nov/05/a-look-at-missouris-ncaa-route/">The Trib (Ross Dellenger)</a>: A look at Missouri's NCAA region<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/155547/missouri-womens-soccer-team-to-play-in-ncaa-tournament/">The Missourian</a>: Missouri to play in NCAA Tournament<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/110512aac.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Krentz, Sauerwein Named to SEC All-Tournament Team</li>
<li> <b>Mizzou Volleyball</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/110512aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Tigers Continue Homestand with Arkansas State</li>
<li> <b>Mizzou Wrestling</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/110512aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Bradley Sets Tone for Season at NWCA All-Star Classic</li>
<li> <b>Mizzou Women's Basketball</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/110512aac.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Mizzou Hosts Lindenwood on Tuesday<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/155466/young-point-guards-ready-to-lead-offense-for-missouri-womens-basketball/">The Missourian</a>: Young point guards ready to lead offense<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/110512aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Brad Tregnago Will Join Mizzou Radio Broadcast Team</li>
<li> <b>Mizzou Gymnastics</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/w-gym/spec-rel/110512aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Meet Miranda Eubank!</li>
</ul>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2012/11/6/3608508/mizzou-links-11-6-12Bill Connelly2012-11-05T05:27:50-06:002012-11-05T05:27:50-06:00Mizzou Links, 11-5-12
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4b1SI8n6D0M_zMgXOUu63vVYHAs=/0x46:4000x2713/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2679641/155363941.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sam Greenwood</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Brandon Holifield goes from "raw tight end with potential" to "Former Mizzou tight end with potential," Stefan Jankovic looks really, really interesting against Missouri Southern, and Mizzou Soccer learns its tourney fate today.</p> <h4>
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553964/newlogo.jpg"> Mizzou Football Links</h4>
<ul>
<li> <b>Florida</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110312aaf.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Missouri vs. Florida Football Quotes
<blockquote>
<p><b>Junior QB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a></b></p>
<p><i>On what led to offensive breakdowns:</i><br>"We just couldn't get any completions, and that's about it."</p>
<p><i>On defense taking the blame:</i><br>"I know they are trying to have my back, but we can't turn the ball over four times."</p>
</blockquote>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/weblogs/behind-the-stripes/2012/nov/04/emptying-the-notebook-gator-bait/">The Trib (Dave Matter)</a>: Emptying the Notebook: Gator Bait
<blockquote>
<p><b>3. Saturday's game was the first time this season <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158633/dorial-green-beckham" class="sbn-auto-link">Dorial Green-Beckham</a> looked like a college wide receiver. </b>On his game-high six catches for a game-high 73 yards, Green-Beckham consistently beat his man downfield, got open and made good catches. These weren't manufactured plays designed to get him touches. He was flying downfield, beating coverage and snatching the ball. While <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85958/t-j-moe" class="sbn-auto-link">T.J. Moe</a> and Marcus Lucas have seen their production fall off in recent weeks, it's not out of the question that when the season ends, either in three weeks or next month, that Green-Beckham will be the team's best receiver.</p>
<p><b>4. Marcus Murphy might have earned himself more touches.</b> Throughout spring practices and preseason camp, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76613/kendial-lawrence" class="sbn-auto-link">Kendial Lawrence</a> was clearly Missouri's best tailback. Until Saturday, he was quietly having a strong season, on pace for nearly 1,000 yards if Missouri were to qualify for a bowl game. But Lawrence couldn't get it going against Florida, gaining just 34 yards on 18 carries. For the first time all year, Murphy was the more decisive and effective runner, picking up 32 yards on just four carries and catching three balls for another 20 yards. Lawrence has earned the right to be MU's top back, but Murphy impressed me against the Gators. Tennessee has the SEC's worst rush defense. Both backs should get ample touches on Saturday.</p>
<p><b>5. Speaking of those Vols …</b> The Tigers are going to visit the old days in the Big 12 against a Tennessee team that chucks the ball over the field and doesn't play a lick of defense. Saturdays 55-48 shootout victory over Troy was another example. But Tennessee's shoddy defense is partially responsible for the prolific passing numbers. Heading into yesterday's game, 54 percent of the Vols' passing attempts came when they trailed, compared to just 25 percent when the Vols had the lead. Still, Tennessee's strength is the wide receiver position. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158468/cordarrelle-patterson" class="sbn-auto-link">Cordarrelle Patterson</a> (9 catches, 219 yards) and Justin Hunter (9 catches, 181 yards) were explosive as usual on Saturday and should give cornerbacks Gaines and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36901/kip-edwards" class="sbn-auto-link">Kip Edwards</a> their toughest test of the season. As much as the Vols throw the ball, they do a good job of protecting quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116203/tyler-bray" class="sbn-auto-link">Tyler Bray</a>, who as of last week was sacked fewer times than any quarterback in the SEC. For the Tigers to win in Knoxville, it's no stretch to say they have to play their best defensive game of the season. If the Tigers can ground Tennessee's passing attack, then maybe Richardson's "best defense ever" bluster will be open for discussion.</p>
</blockquote>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/04/3900283/offense-blamed-in-mizzous-loss.html">KC Star</a>: Sunday rewind | Offense blamed in Mizzou's loss to Gators
<blockquote>
<p>The sad thing is that his mistakes — and he did miss a number of open receivers Saturday — will overshadow the fact the offense moved the ball better than it had when he was out of the lineup, and it wasn't even close. With Franklin - who was making his first start since the Tigers' 19-15 loss to Vanderbilt on Oct. 6 - at the helm, Missouri actually outgained Florida 335-276 overall and had more than twice as many first downs (23) as the Gators did (11).</p>
<p>What's more, while Franklin clearly needs to shake off some of the rust in the passing game, he looked terrific running the ball. He looked decisive and strong while breaking off a pair of 20-plus yard runs, just like last year, when he ran for almost 1,000 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, and his teammates noticed.</p>
<p>"We try not to run James just because he's been beat up," said senior left tackle <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/22654/elvis-fisher" class="sbn-auto-link">Elvis Fisher</a>, "but he ran the ball well today."</p>
</blockquote>
<a target="_blank" href="http://blog.wearemizzou.com/2012/11/mizzou-vs-florida.html">We Are Mizzou</a>: FLICKR: Mizzou vs. Florida</li>
<li> <b>Nice Knowing You, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158657/brandon-holifield" class="sbn-auto-link">Brandon Holifield</a></b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/nov/04/mu-tight-end-dismissed-team-arrested/">The Trib</a>: MU tight end dismissed from team, arrested<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/11/04/former-missouri-football-player-holifield-arrested-possession-marijuana/">The Missourian</a>: Former Missouri player Holifield arrested for marijuana possession<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/04/3900292/mu-football-player-arrested-for.html">KC Star</a>: Former MU football player arrested for marijuana possession<br><a target="_blank" href="http://kbiasports.org/2012/11/04/former-missouri-tight-end-brandon-holifield-kicked-off-football-team-arrested-on-drug-charges/">KBIA Sports</a>: Former Missouri tight end Brandon Holifield kicked off football team</li>
<li> <b>Interesting Piece From Friday</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/nov/03/thursdays-with-gary/">The Trib</a>: Pinkel prefers to make big decisions during calm coaches' meetings</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553964/newlogo.jpg"> Other Football Links</h4>
<ul>
<li> <b>I Watched This Play About 25 Times Yesterday And Giggled Each Time</b><br><a href="http://smartfootball.com/offense/cincinnatis-post-handoff-jump-pass" target="_blank">Smart Football</a>: Cincinnati's Post-Handoff Jump Pass</li>
</ul>
<center><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wqsq0FNVAOo" height="315" width="560"></iframe></center>
<h4>
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553964/newlogo.jpg"> Mizzou Basketball Links</h4>
<ul>
<li> <b>Mizzou > Missouri Southern</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/110412aac.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Mizzou Basketball Cruises To Exhibition Win<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/110412aab.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Post Game Quotes: Mizzou vs. Missouri Southern<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/11/04/pressey-tigers-need-limit-turnovers/">The Missourian</a>: Pressey, Missouri fight turnover woes<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/04/3900435/freshmen-lead-mu-to-exhibition.html">KC Star</a>: Freshmen lead MU to exhibition win over Missouri Southern<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/freshmen-star-in-mizzou-exhibition/article_dddb2473-d09c-5635-afc9-07338720da2a.html">Post-Dispatch</a>: Freshmen star in Mizzou exhibition<br><a target="_blank" href="http://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1431579">PowerMizzou</a>: Game at a Glance<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.foxsportsmidwest.com/11/04/12/Mizzou-Basketball-Tops-Missouri-Southern/landing_mizzou.html?blockID=814773&feedID=3599">Fox Sports MW</a>: Mizzou Basketball Tops Missouri Southern<br><a target="_blank" href="http://kbiasports.org/2012/11/04/missouri-men-win-again-beat-missouri-southern-86-60-in-exhibition-game/">KBIA Sports</a>: Missouri men win again, beat Missouri Southern in exhibition game</li>
<li> <b>Party Starter</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/03/3899930/mus-bowers-returns-to-pursue-his.html">KC Star</a>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52474/laurence-bowers" class="sbn-auto-link">Laurence Bowers</a> returns to pursue his dream</li>
<li> <b>This Dude Looked Awfully Good Yesterday</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/nov/04/missouri-86-missouri-southern-60/">The Trib</a>: New position suits <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175949/stefan-jankovic" class="sbn-auto-link">Stefan Jankovic</a> fine<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/11/04/missouri-mens-basketball-wins-exhibition-over-missouri-southern/">The Missourian</a>: Jankovic shines for Missouri in exhibition victory</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553964/newlogo.jpg"> Mizzou Diamond Sports Links</h4>
<ul>
<li> <b>Fall World Series</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/110312aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Fast Start Gives Black 2-0 Fall World Series Lead</li>
<li> <b>SE</b><b>C</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://simmonsfield.blogspot.com/2012/11/sec-fans-guide-to-mizzou-baseball-ku.html">SimmonsField.com</a>: SEC Fan's Guide to Mizzou Baseball: kU Sucks</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/553964/newlogo.jpg"> Other Mizzou Links</h4>
<p>Mizzou Soccer will find out its tourney fate today at 3:30 p.m. on NCAA.com. Check out Ross Dellenger's excellent "Tournament possibilities" piece below for what to expect.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Mizzou Soccer</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/w-soccer/recaps/110212aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Mizzou Falls to Florida in SEC Semifinals<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/weblogs/beyond-box-score/2012/nov/03/ncaa-rules-blitz-to-miss-ncaa-tournament-match/">The Trib (Ross Dellenger)</a>: NCAA rules: Blitz to miss (possible) NCAA Tournament match<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/weblogs/beyond-box-score/2012/nov/04/missouri-soccer-ncaa-tournament-possibilities/">The Trib (Ross Dellenger)</a>: Missouri soccer: NCAA Tournament possibilities</li>
<li> <b>Mizzou Volleyball</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/w-volley/recaps/110212aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Tigers Bounce Back to Sweep South Carolina<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/11/02/missouri-volleyball-makes-comeback-against-south-carolina/">The Missourian</a>: Missouri gets a much needed win against South Carolina</li>
<li> <b>Mizzou Wrestling</b><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-wrestl/recaps/110312aaa.html">MUtigers.com</a>: Houdasheit, McCormick Shine in Black and Gold Meet</li>
</ul>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2012/11/5/3602560/mizzou-links-11-5-12Bill Connelly2012-11-04T11:50:48-06:002012-11-04T11:50:48-06:00Mizzou-Florida: Links & Reflections
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cr1p5jfHIQ8R4ujA2ew1Mo9gDm4=/0x154:2627x1905/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2639797/155355967.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sam Greenwood</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Exceeding expectations in the most frustrating way possible™.</p> <h4>Recaps</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110312aab.html" target="_blank">MUtigers.com: Missouri Falls in Tight Fight with Florida, 14-7</a><br><a href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110312aaa.html" target="_blank">MUtigers.com: Mizzou/Florida Post-Game Notes</a><br><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/nov/03/florida-14-missouri-7/" target="_blank">The Trib: Tigers drown in mistakes in Swamp debut</a><br><a href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/11/03/missouri-football-starts-fast-falls-florida-road/" target="_blank">The Missourian: Missouri football starts fast but falls 14-7 to Florida</a><br><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/03/3899525/mizzou-leads-florida-7-0-at-halftime.html" target="_blank">KC Star: Mizzou offense sputters in 14-7 loss to Florida</a><br><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/03/3899879/mu-florida-game-report.html" target="_blank">KC Star: MU-Florida game report</a><br><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/tiger-tracker/no-florida-holds-off-mizzou/article_176763d6-46ef-5251-84c6-3740eeef9b4a.html" target="_blank">Post-Dispatch: No. 8 Florida holds off Mizzou 14-7</a><br><a href="http://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1431076" target="_blank">PowerMizzou: Game at a Glance</a><br><a href="http://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1431063" target="_blank">PowerMizzou: Game Balls: Florida</a><br><a href="http://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1431085" target="_blank">PowerMizzou: Sunday Grade Card</a><br><a href="http://kbiasports.org/2012/11/03/james-franklins-mistakes-doom-missouri-in-tight-loss-to-no-7-florida/" target="_blank">KBIA Sports: James Franklin’s mistakes doom Missouri in tight loss to No. 7 Florida</a></p>
<p>Really, this was like the Arizona State game: visitor outplays home favorite, play for play, but the home team pulls out a win with turnovers and late defensive stands. Outplayed home team "did what was necessary," shoulda-woulda-coulda visiting team "drowns in mistakes." The expected winner won, and the expected loser ends up with a lot more regret than expected.</p>
<h4>Just Good Enough To Lose</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/nov/04/franklin-missouri-see-upset-bid-sink-in-swamp/" target="_blank">The Trib: Franklin, Missouri see upset bid sink in Swamp</a><br><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/mizzou-s-offense-can-t-cash-in-defensive-gifts/article_a13709e6-7aeb-5dcc-8ec8-e8b8ebffef1b.html" target="_blank">Post-Dispatch: Mizzou's offense can't cash in defensive gifts</a><br><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bryan-burwell/burwell-franklin-isn-t-all-that-ails-mizzou-offense/article_84e1a9e2-2757-5db4-ba5c-330c719d304e.html" target="_blank">Post-Dispatch (Bryan Burwell): Franklin isn't all that ails Mizzou offense</a><br><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/franklin-makes-highlight-reel-for-both-teams/article_c438b743-58de-5dd2-ab68-45c74efc3558.html" target="_blank">Post-Dispatch: Franklin makes highlight reel for both teams</a><br><a href="http://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1431171" target="_blank">PowerMizzou: Beat and beaten down</a><br><a href="http://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1431083" target="_blank">PowerMizzou: Offense sinks in the Swamp</a></p>
<p>Here's the deal: Mizzou's field position situation was as bad as expected. Of Mizzou's first 11 drives, six started inside the Tigers' 25, and another four started on Mizzou's side of the 50. If you'd have told me that before the game, I'd have assumed Mizzou would have scored about seven points, and they did. But I'd have also assumed that the field would have drastically tilted in Florida's favor, and the Gators would have eventually scored between about 24 and 31 points. Instead, Mizzou moved the ball enough to actually give Florida the exact same field position.</p>
<center>
<table border="1" style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Team</b></td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Avg. Starting</b></div>
<b>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>FP (1H)</b></div>
</b>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Avg. Starting</b></div>
<b>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>FP (2H)</b></div>
</b>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Drives Starting</b></div>
<b>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Inside 25</b></div>
</b>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Drives Starting</b></div>
<b>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>In Opp. Territory</b></div>
</b>
</td>
<td>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Drives Advancing</b></div>
<b>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>>25 Yards</b></div>
</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mizzou</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">28.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">31.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Florida</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">29.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">32.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
<p>Basically, Mizzou's offense made too many mistakes to win. Yes, of course. But in gaining 339 yards against the Gators (five more yards than <i>Texas A&M</i> gained on them, by the way, and 66 more yards than Georgia gained), the offense gave itself a chance to win despite what should have been fatal field position. That something <i>else</i> killed the offense is both obvious and beside the point.</p>
<p>(In other words, as we have often said on this site, Mizzou figured out a way to exceed expectations in the most frustrating way possible.)</p>
<p>Despite the worst accuracy problems of his career (and I'm not even talking about the passes he made under pressure -- I'm talking about the passes he made when attempting to step into them properly in the pocket), James Franklin led a strong offensive effort against the second-best defense in the country. With Franklin, Mizzou averaged more yards per play against Florida than Mizzou did with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134321/corbin-berkstresser">Corbin Berkstresser</a> against <i>Kentucky</i>, the same Kentucky that allowed 40 points to Vanderbilt yesterday. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/2012/10/31/3577444/mizzou-33-kentucky-10-beyond-the-box-score">As I wrote in last week's BTBS post</a>, I'm not giving up on Berkstresser. But I've basically given up on him in the short term. He got almost four full games to prove himself capable of playing good offense in 2012. He didn't do it.</p>
<p>That Mizzou was able to move the ball against Florida, even <i>with</i> Franklin unable to throw an accurate pass more than about seven yards, ends the argument. With a healthy Franklin that wasn't coming back from his third extended absence of the last six months, Mizzou goes for over 400 yards. With the evidence at hand, we can't even guarantee Berkstresser gains 200 yesterday. The bad passes were incredibly frustrating. But Mizzou still gained 339 yards against, again, the second-best defense in the country. And again, that was more than Texas A&M or Georgia gained. That means something.</p>
<h4>Sigh</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2012/nov/04/game-notes/" target="_blank">The Trib: GAME NOTES: Florida 14, Missouri 7</a><br><a href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/11/03/sheldon-richardson-does-it-again-missouri-football-team/" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">The Missourian: Missouri defense battled against Florida despite lack of offensive support</a><br><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/03/3899877/mu-notebook-britt-leaves-game.html" target="_blank">KC Star: Britt leaves game with knee injury</a></p>
<p>From the Trib:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Justin Britt, you are the next contestant on "Missouri Offensive Lineman with a Knee Injury."</p>
<p>Britt, MU's right tackle, became the fourth starter along the offensive line to suffer damage to a knee ligament when he was knocked out of yesterday's game at Florida in the first quarter. Pinkel did not give a full update on Britt's condition, saying only that the early indication was Britt hurt his anterior cruciate ligament. If the ligament's torn, Britt would most likely miss the rest of the season. The junior has started every game the last two seasons, making 22 consecutive starts, the longest current streak for any of Missouri's O-linemen. He was on crutches after the game with his right leg in a brace.</p>
<p>"Unfortunate for him," Pinkel said. "Such a great kid."</p>
<p>With Britt out of the game, redshirt sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115156/anthony-gatti">Anthony Gatti</a> took over for a few possessions at right tackle. Later, Missouri shifted <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115154/mitch-morse">Mitch Morse</a> from center to right tackle and pulled <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134341/brad-mcnulty">Brad McNulty</a> off the bench to play center.</p>
<p><b>In nine games, Missouri has used five different offensive line combinations because of multiple knee injuries. Left tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/22654/elvis-fisher">Elvis Fisher</a> missed three games with a sprained medial collateral ligament, the same injury that sidelined Morse for a game and projected starting guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76624/jack-meiners">Jack Meiners</a> for all but three games. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36915/travis-ruth">Travis Ruth</a>, the projected starter at left guard, has missed every game this year with a torn triceps tendon, while backup tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134340/taylor-chappell">Taylor Chappell</a> was lost for the season in training camp with a torn ACL.</b></p>
<p>"Our O-line's been beat up all year, but we've got guys who have played the position before," Fisher said. "It wasn't anything new. It was just a little heartbreaking to see your buddy go down."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And from The Missourian:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Richardson admitted some frustration, but mostly emphasized his desire to win. He blocked a punt in the game and has been consistently productive for the Tigers this season.</p>
<p>"There's more games to play. You can't get angry at each other now," Richardson said. "Just got to keep playing. We lost more lineman on offense, gotta keep going."</p>
<p>Missouri right tackle Justin Britt went down early with what Pinkel called an ACL injury.</p>
<p>"With the offensive line issues we have, it's absolutely staggering, and it affects absolutely every single thing that we do," Pinkel said. "And I thought our guys battled against a great defensive line."</p>
<p>The offensive line has struggled with injuries all season, which might be a reason why the defense is willing to share the blame for losses.</p>
<p>"It's frustrating but we have to keep our poise," said cornerback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115141/e-j-gaines">E.J. Gaines</a>. "We can't control what they do. Anytime you lose, it's tough on the whole team, not just the offense or the defense."</p>
<p>While the Tigers defense held Florida scoreless in the first half, the defense was clearly wearing down in the second half.</p>
<p>A holding penalty nullified a touchdown that would have given the Gators their first lead of the game, but Florida scored anyway just two plays later to go up 14-7.</p>
<p>Even after, the defense regrouped and gave the Tigers a chance to win. For Ebner, it still wasn't good enough.</p>
<p>"We shut them out first half," he said. "Why couldn't we do it the second half?"</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Next week against Tennessee, Mizzou will be starting its sixth different offensive line in 10 games. That's staggering.</p>
<p>It's probably also worth pointing out that Mizzou's effectiveness, both in run-blocking and pass protection, pretty much began to run out in the second quarter ... right around the time Britt got hurt. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76613/kendial-lawrence">Kendial Lawrence's</a> first five carries went for 26 yards. His last 13 went for eight. And he looked really good in just gaining eight. We can discuss how the second-half play-calling put too much of the game's hopes in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin">James Franklin's</a> hands, but honestly, there wasn't much of a choice. Lawrence carried the ball on first-and-10 four times in the second half; the result: 2nd-and-12, 2nd-and-14, 2nd-and-10 and 2nd-and-10. Marcus Murphy also carried once on first down and gained 13 yards. But even counting that one, that's five carries for seven yards.</p>
<p>Since Franklin obviously couldn't control his accuracy, here's my one complaint about his decision-making: he consistently looked unprepared for the pass rush. This wasn't a Gabbert-esque "fleeing the pocket directly into pressure" situation; he maybe did that twice. Most of the time, he fled because he had to ... but he never seemed to have a plan. It was pretty obvious that the pressure was going to come, but he wasn't ready to check down because of it. Again, you can pin part of that on rust. But you won't be able to do that next week. If Tennessee is able to take advantage of another patchwork offensive line (questionable), Franklin needs to be readier to offload the ball.</p>
<h4>The Other Side</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/2012/11/3/3595412/florida-vs-missouri-2012-recap-score-stats" target="_blank">Alligator Army: Florida vs Missouri: Gators survive, 14-7</a><br><a href="http://www.alligatorarmy.com/florida-football-video-analysis/2012/11/4/3596402/2012-florida-gators-football-video-breakdown-offense-vs-missouri" target="_blank">Alligator Army: Florida vs. Missouri, Theater of Operations: Reviewing the Gators' 14-point offensive explosion</a><br><a href="http://www.teamspeedkills.com/2012/11/3/3595946/florida-missouri-14-7-game-recap" target="_blank">Team Speed Kills: Florida Survives Missouri 14-7</a><br><a href="http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20121103/ARTICLES/121109858?tc=cr" target="_blank">Gainesville Sun: Gillislee screen play of game for UF</a><br><a href="http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20121103/ARTICLES/121109857?tc=cr" target="_blank">Gainesville Sun: Notebook: UF defense holds</a><br><a href="http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20121103/COLUMNISTS/121109854?tc=cr" target="_blank">Gainesville Sun (Dooley): Gators deserve applause</a><br><a href="http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20121103/ARTICLES/121109852?tc=cr" target="_blank">Gainesville Sun: Resolve equals results</a><br><a href="http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20121103/ARTICLES/121109864/1189?Title=Young-linemen-step-up-Bullard-Fowler-help-stop-Tigers" target="_blank">Gainesville Sun: Young linemen step up, Bullard, Fowler help stop Tigers</a><br><a href="http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=24197" target="_blank">GatorZone: Gators Cap Comeback SEC Season in Familiar Fashion</a><br><a href="http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=24196" target="_blank">GatorZone: Two Big Plays Were Enough for Gators Offense</a><br><a href="http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=24195" target="_blank">GatorZone: Gator Defense Delivers by Affecting the Quarterback</a></p>
<p>It does bear mentioning that Florida was forced to deal with a Mizzou-esque number of injuries (and illness), both before and during the game. But as Gary Pinkel said about Mizzou's injuries all year, nobody cares. No sympathy here. We've heard that the post-injury struggles are just proof that Mizzou doesn't have "SEC depth." Florida almost didn't have it either, I guess.</p>
<h4>Multimedia</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/11/03/florida-missouri-football-gainesville-tigers-gators/" target="_blank">The Missourian: PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri Tigers face Florida Gators in Gainesville</a><br><a href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/11/03/photo-missouri-florida-football/" target="_blank">The Missourian: PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri, Florida football fans gather in Gainesville</a><br><a href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2012/11/03/photo-florida-gators-missouri-tigers-football-gainesville/" target="_blank">The Missourian: PHOTO GALLERY: Fans cheer as Florida Gators play Missouri Tigers</a></p>
<h4>Let's Finish This Happy</h4>
<p>Here are five reasons to be optimistic about the weeks ahead:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115161/matt-hoch">Matt Hoch</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115164/kony-ealy">Kony Ealy</a> have each been really, really good the last two weeks, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134326/sheldon-richardson">Sheldon Richardson</a> has been incredible. Combine that with persistently underrated <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76621/michael-sam">Michael Sam</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36918/brad-madison">Brad Madison</a>, and Mizzou might have the level of defensive line play to disrupt the three good passing offenses it will face in the weeks to come. (Andrew Wilson and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36912/will-ebner">Will Ebner</a> looked outstanding yesterday, too.)<br><br>
</li>
<li>Marcus Murphy looked <i>really</i> confident running the ball yesterday. He obviously didn't get many chances, and he was obviously dealing with the same OL-versus-DL matchup as Kendial Lawrence, but in Murphy's four carries, he looked like he was returning a punt. That's a compliment, as he has looked <i>much</i> more confident in punt returns than actual carries this year.<br><br>
</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158633/dorial-green-beckham">Dorial Green-Beckham</a> looked sharp, smart and confident yesterday. He didn't break a big gainer, and he did drop a first-down screen pass on what eventually became Mizzou's touchdown drive, but he has shown signs of growth for two straight weeks now and is apparently "getting it" in practice. Want to see an offense improve quickly? Watch a five-star <i>recruit</i> turn into a five-star <i>player</i>.<br><br>
</li>
<li>James Franklin will be healthier six days from now than he was yesterday.<br><br>
</li>
<li>No remaining defense on Mizzou's schedule is anywhere near as good as Florida's. (At least two of the offenses are also better, but that's beside the point.)</li>
</ol>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2012/11/4/3598642/florida-14-mizzou-7-links-and-reflectionsBill Connelly2012-11-03T14:29:06-05:002012-11-03T14:29:06-05:00Florida 14, Mizzou 7: Encouragement + frustration
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VjicFaYmzi-nOgNznBPp3z8kp_k=/0x163:4000x2830/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2589911/155355889.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sam Greenwood</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>So close.</p> <p><b>2012 Mad Lib: The Mizzou Defense shows well, but [injury-plagued sieve of an offensive line -or- woefully inaccurate quarterback] leads to too many offensive miscues.</b> Granted, the Mizzou defense played its best game of the season on Saturday, dominating for basically all but about three plays. And granted, the line actually wasn't terrible (though its effectiveness waned dramatically as the game progressed). But despite reaching Florida territory on seven different possessions, woeful quarterback play led to Mizzou's demise in a 14-7 loss to No. 8 Florida in Gainesville. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin">James Franklin</a>, returning after basically a three-game absence, completed 24 of 50 passes for 236 yards and four picks, and the Tigers fell to 4-5 with a particularly frustrating, what-could-have-been loss.</p>
<p>Know this: If you want to give up on James Franklin, go ahead. But in doing so, you're ignoring his performance from almost the entire 2011 season, when he didn't miss time with injury, when he wasn't "85 percent," as Gary Pinkel described him before the game, and when he wasn't trying to figure out how to develop a beginning-of-the-season rapport with his receivers a) in November and b) against a ridiculously good Florida pass defense. He wasn't reading the field well, and he couldn't even pretend to hit an intermediate pass. He would be the first person to tell you this. Neither of those characteristics have been a particular strength for QB No. 1, but neither have been this dramatic a weakness.</p>
<p>But while Franklin is not a very good quarterback right now, realize that this might not be the same James Franklin we see when he actually gets to play two consecutive games (and next week he gets to face a Tennessee defense dramatically inferior to Florida's). And realize this almost <i>certainly</i> won't be the James Franklin we see next year if he actually gets to remain healthy this offseason. He missed most of the summer and started the season behind the curve. He missed the Arizona State game, came back for 4.5 quarters, then missed almost another three full games with a completely different injury. This hinders a quarterback's development, to say the least. His performance today doesn't say incredibly wonderful things about the rest of 2012, and it cost Mizzou a potentially rare shot at a win in the Swamp, but if you stomp your feet and say you're "Done … DONE!!!" with Franklin, you might feel pretty dumb about it at a later date. Bad today doesn't mean bad forever.</p>
<p>It was definitely frustrating, though, wasn't it? Mizzou put up a solid 335 yards and ground out 23 first downs against the second-best defense in the country. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158633/dorial-green-beckham">Dorial Green-Beckham</a> caught six passes for 73 yards, Marcus Lucas made a couple of tough, encouraging catches, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76613/kendial-lawrence">Kendial Lawrence</a> and Marcus Murphy made the most of the blocking they got. And the Tiger defense was fantastic, holding the Gators' offense to 276 total yards. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78461/mike-gillislee">Mike Gillislee</a> rushed once for 23 yards and gained just 45 yards in his other 15 carries. Quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/131897/jeff-driskel">Jeff Driskel</a> generated just 106 yards in 23 passes. Florida scored with two perfect play-calls, but the Mizzou offense generated enough chances to counter 14 points. It didn't happen, and that stinks.</p>
<p>As is customary, consider this your Rest Of Saturday Live Thread.</p>
<p>Also: Beat Tennessee.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2012/11/3/3595776/florida-14-mizzou-7-recap-james-franklinBill Connelly2012-11-03T12:39:05-05:002012-11-03T12:39:05-05:00Mizzou-Florida: Second Half Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TpGHbvQZift4lfkMImFDyzs0Aec=/0x80:4000x2747/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2584893/20120929_ajw_sd9_247.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 9px;">30 more minutes, guys.</span></p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2012/11/3/3595380/mizzou-florida-second-half-threadBill Connelly2012-11-03T08:10:07-05:002012-11-03T08:10:07-05:00Mizzou-Florida Live Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mzxlOIfO4rI0gJU9HkLj3oHPBNI=/0x1111:2669x2890/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2569677/20120929_ajw_sd9_246.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>What: Mizzou Football<br>Who: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Missouri Tigers</a> (4-4) at No. 8 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators" class="sbn-auto-link">Florida Gators</a> (7-1)<br>When: 11:01 a.m. CT<br>Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548)</strong></p>
<p><br><strong>TV: ESPN2 (Dave Pasch, Brian Griese)<br>Radio: Tiger Network (Mike Kelly, Howard Richards)</strong></p>
<p><br>Do the Tigers have an incredible performance in them this year? If so, then now would be a pretty good time to show it...</p>
<p><br>M-I-Z...</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2012/11/3/3594470/football-live-thread-missouri-at-floridaBill Connelly