Rock M Nation - Missouri 21, Arkansas 14: Tigers claim second straight SEC East title with comeback winA Blog for Ol' Mizzouhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50319/rmn-fav.png2014-12-03T09:24:58-06:00http://www.rockmnation.com/rss/stream/70373802014-12-03T09:24:58-06:002014-12-03T09:24:58-06:00Mizzou vs Arkansas: The Drive to save a Title
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<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Late in the second half against Arkansas, with a return to the SEC Championship game on the line, Mizzou turned to it's passing game to tie the game</p> <p><b>Setting the Scene:</b></p>
<p>The score is Arkansas 14 - Mizzou 6 and Arkansas has just put Mizzou on their own two yard line, there's 1:13 left in the third quarter. To this point, Mizzou had gained 212 yards on 60 plays, good for 3.53 yards per play.</p>
<p>Needing to drive 98 yards, Josh Henson asked Maty Mauk and the now healthy wide receiver corps of Bud Sasser, Jimmie Hunt and <span>Darius White</span> to drive the length of the field to score. They picked up 8.9 yards per play, 92 yards of which came via the pass and each of the senior wide receivers stepped up to make key plays, perhaps none more than the two point conversion hauled in by <span>Darius White</span>.</p>
<p>Mizzou needed to go 98 yards, score, <i>and</i> get a two point conversion just to tie the game. Here are the plays that made that happen.</p>
<h5>First and 10 from their own two yard line</h5>
<p>Lining up with their top 3 wide receivers out left, Mizzou used a run on first down on their own goal line to give Maty Mauk some breathing space. <span>Marcus Murphy</span> picked up 2 yards, giving Josh Henson just enough breathing space to call a play action quick hitting play where a <span>Maty Mauk</span> pass found <span>Bud Sasser</span> at the seven yard line and he was able to turn up field for 5 more yards and a first down. Arkansas appeared to bite on the run fake which prevented the weak side linebacker, #51, from staying tight on Sasser. It was a gutsy call, having Mauk throw a sideline pass out of his own endzone, perhaps my anxiety was heightened by the Arkansas fan sitting behind me who kept shouting for Mauk to throw a pick-6.</p>
<p><img style="-webkit-user-select: none;" src="http://giant.gfycat.com/ScratchyHugeGroundbeetle.gif"></p>
<p>The next few plays consisted of an incomplete pass that was deflected at the line of scrimmage and a short run by Marcus Murphy before the start of the 3rd quarter. This resulted in Mizzou needing to drive away from my vantage point in section AA and toward the supposedly cursed north endzone. Regardless, the 4th quarter started with a critical 3rd down and 7.</p>
<p>Mizzou lined up with an empty backfield, which according to <a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/behind_the_stripes/snap-decisions-using-linebackers-and-the-nd-half-line-shift/article_b046d938-7915-11e4-9f38-eb2f6e32be51.html" target="_blank">David Morrison's snap count article</a> was used most extensively all season in this game. Maty Mauk took a five step drop and, ignoring the pressure coming off the right tackle, launched a pass to <span>Jimmie Hunt</span> for 44 yards who bobbled until the last possible second. The pass came against senior corner back #23 Tevin Mitchel. Third down for Hunt indeed.</p>
<p><img src="http://giant.gfycat.com/GranularDazzlingCheetah.gif" style="-webkit-user-select: none;"></p>
<p>Mizzou's next two first downs, both runs, offset each other in a rather fitting manner. The first down after Hunt's long gain, Marcus Murphy took a sweep off the right side 11 yards for another first down. <span>Russell Hansbrough</span> took the next handoff 1 yard but <span>Sean Culkin</span> was called for holding, backing them up 10 yards and setting up a 1st and 20. Maty Mauk hit Sean Culkin for 4 yards on a short hitch almost as if to say 'it's cool Thor, we got this."</p>
<p>The next play was truly incredible. Sitting from my seats in the south endzone I could tell from the crowd's reaction that Bud Sasser manged to pull in this incredible, 28 yard corner route catch on the left sideline.</p>
<p>The offensive line stonewalls the Arkansas pass rush, including a tremendous job from LT Mitch Morse not giving up ground to the RDE while on an island.</p>
<p>Watching the catch on replay I couldn't help but think of Sasser's 4th quarter touchdown against Tennessee the week before. Sasser set up the catch by cutting inside from the X position, dragging the safety inside to cover the deep inside route. We briefly lose sight of him but he must have sold the inside well enough to open up the space necessary to make the catch against the left side line. If you notice, he's able to get both feet down with room to spare.</p>
<p>Another thing I noticed while watching the replay was Maty Mauk's eye discipline on this throw specifically. He's not perfect, but he's doing a better job of not staring down his target, he even included a subtle head shake to keep the safety honest, all the while keeping his eyes on the center/left side of the field. I'm not going to pretend all his problems are fixed, but these are steps that can help mask his intentions.</p>
<p><img src="http://giant.gfycat.com/SarcasticDampAmoeba.gif" style="-webkit-user-select: none;"></p>
<p>On the goal line, Mauk tries to find Sean Culkin on a play action but the pass is too high. I could be convinced a touchdown pass to a tight end was meant to impress a specific recruit in attendance, but even if it wasn't, I liked the playcall and the throw, Mauk put the pass high where only the 6'6" Culkin could try for it and it came very close to catching the Arkansas defense off guard.</p>
<p>The next play, second and goal, Maty Mauk takes a three step drop and lofts a high pass complete to Jimmie Hunt for a 4 yard touchdown. Something the GIF below doesn't show is the read Mauk makes just before snapping the ball, he identifies Arkansas linebacker #47 <span>Martrell Spaight</span> threatening to blitz at the bottom of the screen, checked with the sideline and shifted Russell Hansbrough to the left side of the formation to help pick up the blitz. I don't think it changed the play call, but again it's a minor tweak that demonstrates he's getting better at making pre-snap reads.</p>
<p>The rest of this play is simply Jimmie Hunt making up for that drop in the first half by demonstrating great body control with his twisting midair touchdown grab.</p>
<p><img src="http://giant.gfycat.com/PertinentEnlightenedCrustacean.gif" style="-webkit-user-select: none;"></p>
<p>It's at this point I want to highlight the fact that Maty Mauk, for all his flaws, currently has 12 touchdowns and 0 interceptions when in the red zone, a stat that will absolutely be tested against Alabama's phenomenal red-zone defense.</p>
<p>Still needing a two point conversion to tie it Josh Henson turned to his bag of tricks and possibly the most clutch quarterback in Mizzou history: Bud Sasser.</p>
<p><img src="http://giant.gfycat.com/FailingCraftyAurochs.gif" style="-webkit-user-select: none;"></p>
<p><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/mizzou-draws-first-blood-in-battle-line/article_1ae323ae-75bd-55b9-98f3-f758f0358159.html" target="_blank">According to Dave Matter</a>, offensive coordinator Josh Henson's twelve year old son noticed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKNlUnM0fAI">a pretty nifty trick play:</a></p>
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<p><span>Will noticed No. 9, a 2-point conversion play run by Clemson against Georgia Tech in 2012. On the play, Clemson wideout <span>DeAndre Hopkins</span> took a pitch from tailback <span>Andre Ellington</span> and threw to quarterback <span>Tajh Boyd</span> in the end zone. </span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>But on twitter TJ Moe says that this play has been in the playbook since 2007</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>If you all remember, that's the same play <a href="https://twitter.com/jmac_18">@jmac_18</a> threw against Oklahoma when he played for Mizzou. Have had that play in for years.</p>
— <span>T.J. Moe</span> (@TJMoe28) <a href="https://twitter.com/TJMoe28/status/538461430337384449">November 28, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>And sure enough, if you go back to the 2007 Big 12 Championship game vs Oklahoma, you can see it happen at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHolPYdhylQ">4:36 mark in this video</a> (the video was apparently shot using a potato). I could understand not wanting to rewatch that particularly game but it makes me wonder how much game film coaches keep around and analyze of their own team vs others.</p>
<p>No matter if it was Josh Henson's son or a throw back to <span>Jeremy Maclin</span>, the trick play worked so well no one in my section knew what'd happened until the roar of the crowd made it clear, Mizzou was one score closer to returning to Atlanta.</p>
<p>Next we'll look at the drive that booked Mizzou's return to the SEC Championship game.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2014/12/3/7318697/breaking-down-how-mizzou-tied-up-the-hogs-with-98-yard-drive-sec-championship-gameOscar Gamble2014-12-03T08:00:03-06:002014-12-03T08:00:03-06:00The OL has come together
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<figcaption>Paul Halfacre</figcaption>
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<p>Offensive line play was key and will be again.</p> <p>Let me state up front I only got to watch the second half closely, so I won't talk about the first half other than to say the defense kept things from getting out of hand until the offense found its way.</p>
<h4>1. The Offensive Line is Coming Together</h4>
<p>I've never liked the truism that "defense wins championships." It's not outright false so much as just "truthy" enough to not be very insightful. In a time-delimited game, where it is theoretically possible for Team A to deny Team B possession of the ball entirely, the offense's job is far more complex than the defense's. A really talented offense can limit a crappy defense's exposure to unfavorable situations. On the other hand, anyone who watched the Missouri-Georgia game saw a quality defense helpless against its own offense's determined efforts to actively sabotage it.</p>
<p>My preferred truism? Defense tells us about a team's floor while offense tells us about its ceiling.</p>
<p>How close a team comes to reaching its ceiling is about how the offensive line comes together more than any other unit. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/2013/11/19/5121848/two-post-bye-week-thoughts">Just over a year ago I was making this exact point</a>. To win in November teams must sustain drives, simple as that. This line doesn't (in my amateur estimation) have quite the talent of the 2013 group, and it has taken a while to gel. As late as the Florida game, this group couldn't string together more than a two or three good plays. But, beginning at Texas A&M, this offensive line started opening holes and providing time for Mauk. This is now a unit that can run and throw when it wants, and where one bad play doesn't necessarily ruin a drive. It can keep a defense on the field.</p>
<h4>2. Can Someone Tell Me What Has Happened to Special Teams?</h4>
<p><span>Andrew Baggett</span> has been a bit of an adventure throughout his career. So that's no surprise. But the blocking, coverage, and recognition of fakes? Um. We've not seen much of this kind of play in the kicking game under Pinkel in quite some time. Alabama looms. They're not unbeatable, but they are explosive. It's not a game to simply hand over field position.</p>
<h4>3. Arkansas is Already An Important Rivalry</h4>
<p>The game itself will likely go some way to increasing the intensity of the rivalry, but Arkansas is already a rival in recruiting. That's damned near as important as what's going on Saturdays. I strongly suspect that Brett Bielema and Gary Pinkel will be interested in many of the same prospects in the years to come.</p>
<p>So, score one for the good guys.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2014/12/3/7323751/mizzou-21-arkansas-14-two-post-game-thoughtsdcrockett172014-12-03T07:00:05-06:002014-12-03T07:00:05-06:00Mizzou-Arkansas photo gallery
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<figcaption>Paul Halfacre</figcaption>
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<p>Paul Halfacre was back on the sidelines on Friday afternoon and early evening.</p> <p>Love those post-game shots so much.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2014/12/3/7323513/missouri-arkansas-football-photo-galleryBill Connelly2014-12-02T14:00:01-06:002014-12-02T14:00:01-06:00Mizzou-Arkansas: BTBS
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<figcaption>Paul Halfacre</figcaption>
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<p>Mizzou's offense has mastered the art of Just Good Enough, and the Tigers split the Little Things™. Progress!</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Missouri 21, Arkansas 14</h3>
<p><i>Confused? <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2014/2/10/5389226/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary" target="_blank">Visit the Advanced Stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"><b>Basics</b></th> <th width="25%" style="text-align: center;"><b> Arkansas </b></th> <th width="25%" style="text-align: center;"><b> Missouri </b></th> <th width="20%" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nat'l Avg</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total Plays</td>
<td align="center">60</td>
<td align="center">83</td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close Rate (non-garbage time)</td>
<td align="center" colspan="2">100.0%</td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Avg Starting FP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 36.7 </b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 21.8 </b></td>
<td align="center"><i><b> 30.0 </b></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Possessions</td>
<td align="center">10</td>
<td align="center">11</td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scoring Opportunities*<br>
</td>
<td align="center">5</td>
<td align="center">5</td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Points Per Opportunity</b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 2.80 </b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 4.20</b></td>
<td align="center"><i><b> 4.66 </b></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leverage Rate**</td>
<td align="center">58.3%</td>
<td align="center">65.1%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 68.3% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close S&P***</td>
<td align="center">0.441</td>
<td align="center">0.465</td>
<td align="center"><i> 0.506 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4">
<i>* A scoring opportunity occurs when an offense gets a first down inside the opponent's 40 (or scores from outside the 40).<br>** Leverage Rate = Standard Downs / (Standard Downs + Passing Downs)<br></i><i>*** When using IsoPPP, the S&P formula is (0.8*Success Rate) + (0.2*IsoPPP)</i>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"> <b>EqPts (</b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/glossary#eqpts" target="_blank">what's this?</a><b>)</b> </th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Arkansas </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Missouri </b></th> <th></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
<td align="center">17.4</td>
<td align="center">21.3</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rushing</td>
<td align="center">8.1</td>
<td align="center">9.7</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing</td>
<td align="center">9.3</td>
<td align="center">11.7</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"> <b>Success Rate (</b><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/glossary#ncaa_success_rate" target="_blank">what's this?</a><b>)</b> </th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Arkansas </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Missouri </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b>Nat'l Avg</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>All (close)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 33.3% </b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 43.4% </b></td>
<td align="center"><i><b> 41.8% </b></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rushing (close)</td>
<td align="center">30.0%</td>
<td align="center">48.7%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 43.3% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing (close)</td>
<td align="center">36.7%</td>
<td align="center">38.6%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 40.3% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="center">31.4%</td>
<td align="center">44.4%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 47.0% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="center">36.0%</td>
<td align="center">41.4%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 30.6% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"> <b>IsoPPP (</b><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2014/1/27/5349762/five-factors-college-football-efficiency-explosiveness-isoppp" target="_blank">what's this?</a><b>)</b> </th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Arkansas </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Missouri </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b>Nat'l Avg</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>All (close)</b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 0.87 </b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 0.59 </b></td>
<td align="center"><i><b> 0.86 </b></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rushing (close)</td>
<td align="center">0.90</td>
<td align="center">0.51</td>
<td align="center"><i> 0.74 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing (close)</td>
<td align="center">0.85</td>
<td align="center">0.69</td>
<td align="center"><i> 0.99 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="center">0.79</td>
<td align="center">0.45</td>
<td align="center"><i> 0.77 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="center">0.96</td>
<td align="center">0.88</td>
<td align="center"><i> 1.14 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"><b>Line Stats</b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Arkansas </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Missouri </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b>Nat'l Avg</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Line Yards/Carry (<a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/glossary#aly" target="_blank">what's this?</a>)</td>
<td align="center">3.09</td>
<td align="center">2.98</td>
<td align="center"><i> 2.93 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Std. Downs Sack Rt.</td>
<td align="center">0.0%</td>
<td align="center">3.9%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 4.7% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pass. Downs Sack Rt.</td>
<td align="center">0.0%</td>
<td align="center">5.6%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 7.6% </i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"><b>Turnovers</b></th> <th width="25%" style="text-align: center;"><b> Arkansas </b></th> <th width="25%" style="text-align: center;"><b> Missouri </b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turnovers</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turnover Points (<a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/varsity-numbers/2009/varsity-numbers-talks-turnovers" target="_blank">what's this?</a>)</td>
<td align="center">8.0</td>
<td align="center">7.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turnover Margin</td>
<td align="center" colspan="2">+0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Exp. TO Margin</td>
<td align="center" colspan="2">Arkansas +0.59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TO Luck (Margin vs. Exp. Margin)</td>
<td align="center" colspan="2">Missouri +0.59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TO Points Margin</b></td>
<td align="center" colspan="2"><b> Missouri +0.3 points </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"><b>Situational</b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Arkansas </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Missouri </b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q1 S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.687</td>
<td align="center">0.347</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.506</td>
<td align="center">0.343</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.365</td>
<td align="center">0.436</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.290</td>
<td align="center">0.674</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1st Down S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.437</td>
<td align="center">0.419</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2nd Down S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.381</td>
<td align="center">0.482</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3rd Down S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.478</td>
<td align="center">0.509</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" style="text-align: center;"><b>Projected Scoring Margin: Missouri by 4.2 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" style="text-align: center;"><b>Actual Scoring Margin: Missouri by 7 </b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Chunks at a time</h3>
<p>There have been times over the last couple of weeks when my anti-social tendencies almost get the best of me. Obviously a lot of analysts have had more nice things to say about Missouri in recent weeks as the Tigers put together the pieces of a surprising division championship. But part of the narrative that has emerged is that the Tigers became a much better running team. That's only sort of true.</p>
<p>Mizzou has certainly run more <i>frequently</i> in recent games. The run-pass ratios that originally aimed for balance on standard downs and nearly all passing on passing downs shifted back toward last year's rates, when Missouri ran frequently more than the national average on all downs. But there have only been certain instances when Mizzou was particularly good at doing it.</p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Opponent</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Running backs rushing</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Maty Mauk rushing (non-sacks)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">23 carries, 63 yards (2.7), 1 TD</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6 carries, 45 yards (7.5)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vanderbilt</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">36 carries, 189 yards (5.3), 1 TD</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">5 carries, 49 yards (9.8)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kentucky</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">30 carries, 82 yards (2.7)</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">12 carries, 93 yards (7.8)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas A&M</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">44 carries, 321 yards (7.3), 3 TD</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">3 carries, 18 yards (6.0)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">35 carries, 153 yards (4.4), 2 TD</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">6 carries, 49 yards (8.2)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arkansas</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">33 carries, 156 yards (4.7), 1 TD</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">4 carries, 26 yards (6.5)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>In terms of per-carry averages, Mizzou's backs have had one great game, three decent to good games, and a couple of stinkers. Really, looking at things in this way, the biggest advancement Missouri has made on the ground has been Maty Mauk learning to move up into and through the pocket in scrambling situations instead of spinning backwards into Maty Make a Play Mode.</p>
<p>The success rates above, however, tell you how the running game <i>has</i> improved, however. Mizzou backs may have averaged a wholly mediocre 4.7 yards per carry against Arkansas, but the Tigers also ended up with a nearly 50 percent success rate running the ball. There were no big run plays of which to speak, but Mizzou's ability to avoid passing downs against a defense really good at forcing them was key in this one. It allowed the Tigers to rack up a pretty impressive snap count. There was nothing spectacular about Missouri's offense on Friday -- nor has there been for any game other than A&M -- but the key to winning with defense, as Missouri has this year, is being just good enough on offense. Mizzou's offense was, and Arkansas' offense wasn't.</p>
<h3>Reviewing the preview</h3>
<p>Here are the game keys I listed in <a href="http://www.rockmnation.com/2014/11/26/7287355/missouri-arkansas-football-preview-stats-analysis" target="_blank">last Wednesday's preview, <strike>brilliantly</strike> conveniently titled "First team to 21 wins."</a></p>
<h4>1. Passing downs efficiency</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>This game begins when an offense falls behind schedule.</p>
<p>Arkansas is efficient but not explosive on passing downs, and the Razorbacks render you inefficient but explosive on such downs on defense. If Mizzou's own PD success rate is higher -- it shouldn't be, but it's not out of the realm of possibility -- it's probably going to be difficult for the Hogs to win, especially if a couple of Missouri's successes go for long gains.</p>
<p><i>Key Stat: Passing downs success rate</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Passing Downs success rate: Missouri 41.4%, Arkansas 36.4%</b></p>
<p>Along with better avoiding passing downs, Missouri was better at converting them, however slightly.</p>
<h4>2. HAVOC</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>Both Arkansas and Missouri play active, exciting defense, and both rank really high in the Havoc Rate measure mentioned above. These offenses aren't the most explosive in the world, and big defensive plays might be as or more important. So let's track those.</p>
<p><i>Key Stats: Havoc rate</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Havoc Rate: Arkansas 18.1% (15 in 83 plays), Missouri 16.7% (10 in 60 plays)</b></p>
<p>Arkansas had a clear advantage in this regard as it was building a 14-3 lead in the first half. That advantage dissipated as the game progressed.</p>
<h4>3. Little Things™</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>This was the biggest thing in the world for Missouri until two weeks ago, when it became nothing but a hindrance. And hey, if Mizzou wins the first two items on this list, maybe the Tigers can overcome field position and drive-finishing disadvantages once again. But I wouldn't advise it. Arkansas already wants to lean on you; tilting the field in the Hogs' favor only gives them a better chance of making you collapse.</p>
<p>Key stats: points per scoring opportunity and average starting field position.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Average Starting Field Position: Arkansas 36.7, Missouri 21.8</b><b><br>Points Per Scoring Opportunity: Missouri 4.20, Arkansas 2.80<br></b></p>
<p>Here might be a) the biggest reason why Arkansas scored 14 of the game's first 17 points and b) the biggest reason why Missouri scored the last 18. The Hogs did a brilliant job of tilting the field in their favor, particularly in the first and third quarters. But their nearly complete inability to turn chances into points -- five scoring opportunities resulted in two touchdowns, a turnover on downs, a punt, and a fumble, and three other drives moved into Mizzou territory and stalled -- gave the Tigers time to find their legs on offense. And then they did, the Hogs were more or less punched out. The teams split these two categories, and if either team won both, it would have won the game handily.</p>
<h4>4. Special teams</h4>
<blockquote>
<p>Mizzou managed to win last week with one of the worst special teams performances we'll ever see. Let's not try that again.</p>
<p><i>Key Stat: The basics (place-kicking, net kicking/punting averages).</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Place-kicking: Mizzou 2-for-3 FG (m35, 50, 52), Arkansas 0-for-0<br>Net Kickoffs: Arkansas 38.3, Mizzou 36.3<br>Net Punting: Arkansas 42.0, Mizzou 24.7</b></p>
<p>In the end, we'll call this a draw. Christian Brinser's punting was terribly subpar, and <span>Andrew Baggett</span> had a 35-yard field goal blocked in the third quarter. But Baggett's two 50+ yard bombs both bought Missouri time and won him the SEC's special teams player of the week award.</p>
<h3>Havoc</h3>
<p><b><u>Mizzou</u><br><span>Markus Golden</span>: 3 (2 TFL, 1 FF)<br><span>Kentrell Brothers</span>: 1 (1 FF)<br><span>Shane Ray</span>: 1 (1 TFL)<br><span>Matt Hoch</span>: 1 (1 TFL)<br><span>Donavin Newsom</span>: 1 (1 FF)<br><span>Kenya Dennis</span>: 1 (1 PBU)<br><span>Braylon Webb</span>: 1 (1 PBU)<br><span>John Gibson</span>: 0.5 (0.5 TFL)<br><span>Ian Simon</span>: 0.5 (0.5 TFL)</b></p>
<p><b>By Unit: DL 5, LB 2, DB 3</b></p>
<p>Seeing how good Markus Golden has been of late, I'm actually feeling cheated that we didn't get to watch a completely healthy Golden all year. Not only would he have probably turned the tide in the woeful Indiana loss (you can't tell me he doesn't make <i>one</i> extra play that leads to a stop) ... but he also just would have been fun as hell to watch. I said it last week, but nobody plays with such brutality and joy. I'm going to miss watching him. Shane Ray, too, of course, but we've gotten a full season of a mostly healthy Shane Ray. We missed on some Golden moments, even if he only actually missed one game.</p>
<p><b><u>Arkansas<br></u></b><b>Trey Flowers: 3 (1 TFL, 2 PBU)<br></b><b><span>D.J. Dean</span>: 2 (1 INT, 1 PBU)<br></b><b>Jared Collins: 2 (1 FF, 1 PBU)<br></b><b>Taiwan Johnson: 2 (2 TFL)<br></b><b>Rohan Gaines: 2 (1 TFL, 1 PBU)<br></b><b>Tevin Beanum: 1.5 (1.5 TFL)<br></b><b>Jamichael Winston: 1 (1 TFL)<br></b><b>Darius Philon: 1 (1 PBU)<br></b><b>Martrell Spaight: 0.5 (0.5 TFL)</b></p>
<p><b>By Unit: DL 8.5, LB 0.5, DB 6</b></p>
<p>I expected the stats to show that Arkansas' line was more disruptive than Missouri's, and that's what we see here. Again, though, almost all of that came in the first two to three quarters. Mizzou's offensive line owned the fourth. Meanwhile, there were some battles between Mizzou's receivers and the Arkansas defensive backfield. Both units won their fair share.</p>
<h3>Targets & catches</h3>
<p><b><u>Mizzou</u><br><span>Bud Sasser</span>: 13 targets, 9 catches (69%), 127 yards (9.8 per target)<br><span>Jimmie Hunt</span>: 8 targets, 5 catches (63%), 61 yards (7.6), 1 TD<br><span>Sean Culkin</span>: 7 targets, 3 catches (43%), 25 yards (3.6)<br><span>Marcus Murphy</span>: 5 targets, 4 catches (80%), 27 yards (5.4)<br><span>Darius White</span>: 5 targets, 2 catches, 15 yards (3.0)<br><span>Jason Reese</span>: 1 target, 1 catch, 12 yards<br><span>Russell Hansbrough</span>: 1 target, 1 catch, -2 yards</b></p>
<p><b><u>Mizzou by Unit</u><br>WR: 26 targets, 16 catches (62%), 203 yards (7.8)<br>TE: 8 targets, 4 catches (50%), 37 yards (4.6)<br>RB: 6 targets, 5 catches, 25 yards (4.2)</b></p>
<p><span>Maty Mauk's</span> instincts have slowly been tweaked to avoid as many spin-out scrambles, and that's been huge; he's also grown more accustomed to throwing to check down options. They didn't do just a ton for him on Friday -- tight ends and running backs gained only 62 yards in 14 targets -- but ... well, 62 yards is better than zero. And it's better than taking costly sacks. He's had to tone down his play-maker instincts while still taking a couple of deep shots in a given game; his increased conservatism has improved Missouri's efficiency just enough.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, this was a particularly solid game for Maty Mauk getting the ball onto the hands of his receivers. Jimmie Hunt caught five of eight passes and got his hands on the other three; at least two of them should have been caught and would have resulted in another ~40 yards. Sasser suffered a drop as well. But even with the drops, Mizzou wideouts still had a 62 percent catch rate and averaged nearly 13 yards per catch. I'll take that.</p>
<p><b><u>Arkansas</u><br>Hunter Henry: 7 targets, 4 catches (57%), 48 yards (6.9)<br><span>Keon Hatcher</span>: 6 targets, 3 catches (50%), 24 yards (4.0), 1 TD<br>Demetrius Wilson: 6 targets, 2 catches (33%), 18 yards (3.0)<br>Jared Cornelius: 3 targets, 2 catches (67%), 13 yards (4.3)<br>Cody Hollister: 2 targets, 0 catches (0.0)<br><span>Alex Collins</span>: 2 targets, 0 catches (0.0)<br><span>Jonathan Williams</span>: 1 target, 1 catch, 23 yards, 1 TD<br>Jeremy Sprinkle: 1 target, 1 catch, 7 yards<br>Kendrick Edwards: 1 target, 0 catches</b></p>
<p><b><u>Arkansas by Unit</u><br>WR: 18 targets, 7 catches (39%), 55 yards (3.1), 1 TD<br>TE: 8 targets, 5 catches (63%), 55 yards (6.9)<br>RB: 3 targets, 1 catch (33%), 23 yards (7.7), 1 TD</b></p>
<p>Missouri's defense was well-drilled and understood who <span>Brandon Allen</span> would be looking for in specific situations. Arkansas was able to take advantage of that early in the game -- <span>Brandon Allen's</span> 23-yard touchdown pass to <span>Jonathan Williams</span> came because virtually every Missouri defender turned to look for tight end Hunter Henry when they saw a play-fake, and Williams drifted out into the flat, uncovered and unseen. But that 23-yarder was Arkansas' longest pass of the game; take that out, and Allen is 12-for-29 for a brutal 110 yards.</p>
<p>I'll go ahead and say it: this Mizzou secondary is better than last year's. Considering the turnover -- considering the Tigers lost both cornerbacks (including <span>E.J. Gaines</span>) and a starting safety -- that's incredible. But ... prove me wrong. It benefits from having an even better pass rush as well, but when asked to make or prevent plays, it has done so. We'll see what happens when <span>Amari Cooper</span> is lining up across the way.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2014/12/2/7318907/missouri-arkansas-football-score-stats-recapBill Connelly2014-12-02T05:00:03-06:002014-12-02T05:00:03-06:00Watercooler: Steckel's Defense vs. Bama's offense
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<figcaption>Bill Carter</figcaption>
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<p>Tuesday's watercooler politely reminds you to vote for Marcus Murphy for the Paul Hornung Award.</p> <h4>
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What's On</h4>
<p>A new football intro video!</p>
<p><span><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/klExDjaSoiE" height="315" width="560"></iframe></span></p>
<p>Also, Vote for <span>Marcus Murphy</span>!</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://louisvillesports.org/paul-hornung/award-poll/">Louisville Sports Commission - Louisville Knows Sports " Vote for Your Favorite Player</a></p>
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<p><span>The mission of the Paul Hornung Award is to recognize and reward versatile, high-level performers in major college football (Football Bowl Subdivision team member); to help preserve the legacy of one of Louisville’s native sons and sports icons; and to promote Louisville as a great sports town.</span></p>
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Media Day, Offensive Line, Steckel's Defense</h4>
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<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet">
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120114aad.html">MUTIGERS.COM Mizzou's Baggett Named Co-SEC Special Teams Player of the Week</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120114aac.html">MUTIGERS.COM Mizzou Football Media Day Quotes</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/live-from-columbia-pinkel-talks-tigers-tide/article_6bb062a4-a35b-5a82-8894-fef7f5faba70.html">Live from Columbia: Pinkel talks Tigers-Tide : Dave Matter</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/behind_the_stripes/snap-decisions-using-linebackers-and-the-nd-half-line-shift/article_b046d938-7915-11e4-9f38-eb2f6e32be51.html">Snap Decisions: Using 3 linebackers and the 2nd-half line shift - David Morrison</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>With Chappell in the lineup, Missouri ran 40 plays for 130 yards (3.25 per) -- 16 rushes for 51 (3.19 per), 13-of-22 passing for 99 (4.50 per) and an interception and 2 sacks for 20 yards. With Chappell out, Missouri ran 43 plays for 293 yards (6.81 per) -- 23 rushes for 127 (5.52 average) and a score, 12-of-20 passing for 166 (8.30 per), a score and a lost fumble.</p>
<p>A pretty impressive thing about the Tigers' second-half running success? They did it everywhere. They could basically just choose which side they wanted to run and they'd get 6 yards a pop. That's a pretty nice luxury</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
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<h2>Offensive Line</h2>
<p style="font-size:80%">It's been my observation for the past few weeks that <span>Taylor Chappell</span> has struggled both run blocking and pass protecting for the past few weeks. He was thrust into the starting position due to the injury of <span>Anthony Gatti</span> and the resulting shuffling of the offensive line so part of that isn't his fault. We tend to remember the mistakes more than the successes but it's significant that several of the key negative plays that occurred vs Arkansas came from the right tackle position.</p>
<p style="font-size:80%"><b>Most notable to me were three plays</b>: in the 1st Q, 2nd and 1, MU ran to the right side where <span>Russell Hansbrough</span>was tackled for a loss because Jamichael Winston tossed Chappell aside; the play where Mauk was ruled to have forward motion otherwise it would have been a fumble, Taylor Chappell lunged to block <span>Trey Flowers</span> coming off the right side but was discarded easily. Finally, Andrew Baggett's blocked kick in the second half: Arkansas rushed LT Dan Skipper through Taylor Chappell lined up as the left guard in the field goal kicking formation.</p>
<p style="font-size:80%">We now know that Chappell was dealing with an injury, <a href="http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2014/11/missouris_gary_pinkel_updates.html" target="_blank">a hyperextended elbow</a> he suffered at some point in the game, which resulted in him being replaced in the second half where Mitch L. Hall moved to right guard and <span>Connor McGovern</span> moved over to right tackle. According to the latest depth chart, Chappell will return to the starting lineup vs Alabama, I hope he's fully healthy. - <b>Fullback U</b></p>
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<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article4236582.html">Missouri’s Dave Steckel makes final cut for Broyles Award as nation’s top assistant | Tod Palmer</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>During SEC games only, Missouri had the conference’s best total defense (300.8 yards) defense and run defense (115.0) and also had the SEC’s second-best passing defense (185.8) and scoring defense (19.1 points).</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://www.insidestl.com/insideSTLcom/STLSports/MizzouTigers/tabid/140/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/15570/Tiger-Prowl-Week-15-SEC-CG-Edition-Part-II.aspx">Tiger Prowl: Week 15 (SEC CG Edition, Part II) | Brian Haenchen</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Steckel, who is now in his 14th season at the University of Missouri, joins offensive coordinator Dave Christenson (2007) as the only MU assistants to be named finalists for the award since it was founded in 1996.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/mizzou-s-defense-to-thank-for-trip-back-to-sec-title-game-120114">Mizzou's defense to thank for trip back to SEC title game | FOX Sports</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Missouri leads the SEC by more than 40 yards with just 300.8 yards allowed per game in conference play, and the Tigers have been even better since a 34-0 loss to Georgia. Their 281.5 yards allowed per game would rank fifth in the county, and they have held four of six opponents to 14 points or less.</p>
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Scouting Mizzou-Bama, Don James' Disciples</h4>
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120114aaa.html">MUTIGERS.COM It's Mizzou vs. Alabama for the SEC Title</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/behind_the_stripes/missouri-notes-the-a-fine-mu-will-gladly-pay-edition/article_424d6b04-79bf-11e4-bd9a-db43402f407a.html">Missouri Notes: The "A Fine MU Will Gladly Pay" edition - David Morrison</a></p>
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<p>Schools get docked $5,000 for the first offense in any sport, $25,000 for the second and $50,000 for the third. If Missouri is penalized for the same thing within the next three years, it gets a $50,000 fine. If the next offense comes after three years have passed, the fine structure reverts to $25,000.</p>
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<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu_football/don-james-disciples-clash-with-sec-title-on-the-line/article_cf82b6dc-108c-5784-80f1-1b105237bdb8.html">Don James disciples clash with SEC title on the line - David Morrison</a></p>
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<p>He knew it all the way back in 1973, when Pinkel was an honorable-mention All-America tight end and senior captain at Kent State and Saban was a graduate assistant on Coach Don James’ staff. When the two coached together as graduate assistants under James the next year, Saban got the feeling he and Pinkel were pursuing the same path.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article4238048.html">Ahead of SEC title game, Missouri doesn’t care a thing about history books | Tod Palmer</a></p>
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<p>"We prepare for this game like we prepare for any game, and we won’t ever change that," Pinkel said. "This is the fifth divisional championship we have won in the last eight years and we have not won a conference championship in the Big 12 or the SEC. That’s my responsibility, so hopefully we can play well and have an opportunity to do that."</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/tiger_tidings/football-scouting-report-alabama/article_34f652ce-543a-5403-8994-c3ed618a271b.html">Football scouting report: Alabama - Blake Toppmeyer</a></p>
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<p>Auburn game an aberration: Alabama’s defense isn’t as dominant as it has been in years past, but it isn’t as bad as it was against Auburn, either. The Crimson Tide are allowing 4.63 yards per play, ranking fourth in the SEC. Against conference foes, that rate stays the same and puts Alabama second in the SEC, behind only Missouri. No team besides Auburn has scored more than 23 points against Alabama this season. Alabama has been particularly tough against the run, allowing 92.7 rushing yards per game and 2.87 yards per carry. Both figures lead the SEC, although Missouri tops the Crimson Tide in both categories against conference foes. Tennessee is the only team to average at least four yards per carry against Alabama.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/rankinfile/2014/12/01/alabama-pass-defense-had-technical-issues-vs-auburn/19762445/">Alabama pass defense had "technical" issues vs. Auburn</a></p>
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<p>"I just think that we try to correct the mistakes that we made and show a guy why things happened the way they did," Alabama coach Nick Saban said Monday. "Whether it was eye control, not maintaining position on the receiver, not keeping a guy cut off, not playing the right leverage on the guy when you have help. I think these things are technical in nature, and obviously we want to execute a little better than that. That's how we correct things in the film, and that's what we'll do."</p>
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Football Recruiting News</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1710728">PowerMizzou.com - ($$$) Top Kansas prospect visits Mizzou</a><br><a target="_blank" href="https://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1710625">PowerMizzou.com - ($$$) Doherty visits Mizzou again</a></p>
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Shooty Hoops tonight?</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/courtside_view/williams-expected-to-play-vs-semo-and-other-notes/article_0f964a14-f2e1-5d82-8667-2468182ae2fa.html#.VH1Ze3xRxMw.twitter">Williams expected to play vs. SEMO (and other notes) | Steve Walentik</a></p>
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<p>Williams was on the sideline for all but seven minutes in last Wednesday’s victory over Chaminade on the final day of the Maui Invitational after waking up with what Anderson at the time described as tightness in his right knee — the same knee in which he suffered a slight meniscus tear in September that cost his much of the preseason.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article4233232.html">Missouri-Southeast Missouri men’s basketball preview | Tod Palmer</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>▪ ABOUT SOUTHEAST MISSOURI (3-3): The Redhawks have size and experience in the frontcourt led by senior forwards Jarekious Barkley and Nino Johnson, who combined for 29.8 points and 11.5 per game. Johnson also has 15 blocks and 14 steals in six games, while Barkley is Southeast Missouri’s top perimeter shooter at 46.4 percent (13 of 28 on three-pointers). Sophomore Antonius Cleveland brings athleticism and size to the backcourt.</p>
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Georgia ... Georgia ... the whole day through...</h4>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouFootball">@MizzouFootball</a> endzone for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SECATL?src=hash">#SECATL</a> is being painted in the <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgiaDome">@GeorgiaDome</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mutigersdotcom">@mutigersdotcom</a> <a href="http://t.co/BUMQqtslkL">pic.twitter.com/BUMQqtslkL</a></p>
— The Georgia Dome (@GeorgiaDome) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgiaDome/status/539532199536914432">December 1, 2014</a>
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https://www.rockmnation.com/2014/12/2/7318531/sec-championship-2014-missouri-alabama-gary-pinkel-nick-sabanOscar Gamble2014-12-01T14:37:04-06:002014-12-01T14:37:04-06:00On toughness and tweaks
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<figcaption>Paul Halfacre</figcaption>
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<p>Gary Pinkel has pulled off his best ever in-season coaching job in Year 14 at Mizzou.</p> <p>First things first: It felt strange and incredibly wrong to be <i>leaving</i> town the morning of this game. I guess that was a test of my grownupness; professionally, I really wanted to write about the Bayou Classic, and I left town to do it even though it was a severe letdown to the fan in me.</p>
<p>Regardless, I watched the game yesterday, and here are some thoughts:</p>
<h3>1. This team is tough as hell</h3>
<p>I mean, we've all figured that out at this point. Toughness and resilience have been this team's watchwords since the beginning of this strange year -- beating South Carolina after losing to Indiana, winning six straight after looking hopeless against Georgia, etc.</p>
<p>But Friday's win, more than any other one this season, exemplified all of the intangible words we so lazily use from time to time -- toughness, chemistry, leadership, et cetera. Mizzou's defense <i>got excited</i> when Arkansas lined up in some crazy, 18-lineman power formation. Guys like <span>Shane Ray</span> and Markus Golden and <span>Lucas Vincent</span> and Mike Scherer seem to <i>excel</i> when a wave of bodies is trying to push them over. The Tigers <i>wanted</i> to run the ball down the tired Hogs' throat in the fourth quarter. When this team gets a little bit of blood in its mouth, it collectively relaxes. And that is one of the most purely likable, redeeming qualities a team can have, isn't it?</p>
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<p><span>Mitch Morse</span> says team camaraderie is best ever. "There's really no bad apples on the team."</p>
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dave_Matter/status/539482525924466688">December 1, 2014</a>
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<p>Morse: "Coach Pinkel recruits the kind of guy who's going to be dedicated to the team."</p>
— <span>David Morrison</span> (@DavidCMorrison) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/539482636872609793">December 1, 2014</a>
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<p>Morse says Georgia loss was "blessing in disguise." Team rededicated itself to practice</p>
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dave_Matter/status/539482321951289345">December 1, 2014</a>
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<p><span>Markus Golden</span> said, after the Georgia loss, the leaders on the team said they couldn't let one game define their season.</p>
— Pete Scantlebury (@PeteScantlebury) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteScantlebury/status/539484698255179776">December 1, 2014</a>
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<p>In his post-game CBS interview, as fans were rushing the field around him, Gary Pinkel simply shook his head and said "I love this team, man. They battle."</p>
<p>Is "intensely relaxed" a thing? Because Pinkel has been intensely relaxed these last few weeks. He knows his team has flaws, and he knows his team has some of the best leadership and fortitude a Mizzou team has ever had, and he's just riding the wave. His team relishes every challenge, even if it doesn't pass every test with flying colors.</p>
<h3>2. Receivers and perseverance</h3>
<p align="centeR"><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2507694/PH-AR-Sasser.0.jpg" width="85%"></p>
<p align="center"><i><span>Bud Sasser</span> (Paul Halfacre)</i></p>
<p>The Mizzou defense has been lights-out for a good portion of the season. The Tigers are one of just eight teams allowing 4.6 or fewer yards per play this season, and they are one of just five to allow under 4.3 in conference play. So when we talk about defensive toughness and whatnot, we're really just talking a really good defense.</p>
<p>But I would wager that while the offense isn't nearly as good as the defense, it's every bit as tough. You had the offensive line rallying after an awful first half to carve out large chunks of running room and give <span>Maty Mauk</span> plenty of time to throw in the second half. And you had a receiving corps coming back from one of its worst halves of football (which is saying something) to once again make all the plays down the stretch. <span>Jimmie Hunt</span> had three first-half drops (two were pretty bad and one was somewhat forgivable) but caught a 44-yard heave on the first play of the fourth quarter (and yes, he bobbled it for every millisecond that he was allowed to before securing it), then caught a tough touchdown pass five snaps later.</p>
<p>In between those catches, Bud Sasser, who committed two silly first-half penalties and lost a fumble in the third quarter, made a gorgeous, 28-yard over-the-shoulder grab, his ninth catch of the game.</p>
<p>The receiving corps has been both immensely important and inconsistent this year. But be it Darius White's one-handed snare of a Mauk pass against Texas A&M, Hunt's two bombs against Tennessee and Arkansas, or Sasser's leaping one-on-one grab against South Carolina, Missouri's season has been defined by plays these guys make. Mizzou survived (mostly) with one to two of them battling injuries in the middle of the year; the Tigers have thrived with all three battling late. They don't always bring it, but they've brought it when it mattered the most. That's how you get remembered.</p>
<h3>3. Pinkel is SO STUBBORN!!!!!!</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/tigerextra/as-the-outside-world-is-slowly-realizing-pinkel-s-tigers/article_d2fc8c39-75d3-55eb-902b-a93ae9400b33.html">Joe Walljasper had a great line in his Sunday column this week</a>:</p>
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<p><b>Pinkel, credited for his great loyalty when he isn’t being criticized for his stubbornness</b>, stuck with quarterback Maty Mauk when nobody would have faulted him for making a change. Mauk paid him back richly at the end of the season — never more so than the fourth quarter against Arkansas.</p>
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<p>We know quite well that internet memes never actually die, but if they did, I would like to think that this season has been the one to kill the "Pinkel is too stubborn!!" zombie once and for all. Missouri started off the season winging the ball around as much as almost anybody in the country, particularly on passing downs. I joked in September that every passing downs play-call was basically "Hey Maty, go make a play." But when defenses figure Mauk out a bit, and when both White and Hunt began to battle injuries for varying amounts of time, Mizzou adjusted. Following the Georgia game, Missouri became a much slower, more run-heavy team, one that focused on ball control and setting its defense up to succeed.</p>
<p>The staff stuck with Mauk, obviously, but both the coaches and the team figured out, "Here's what we're good at, here's what we're not good at, and here's how we're going to try to win games." And in the end, this has probably been Pinkel's best in-season coaching job. Honestly, I can't think of what other season would even come close in that regard.</p>
<p>Beyond big in-season shifts, however, we've seen some beautiful adaptation from opponent to opponent.</p>
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<p>Morse says OC Josh Henson is "great at feeling out how the game progresses."</p>
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/539482038118912001">December 1, 2014</a>
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<p>On Friday, Mizzou shifted to quite a bit more 4-3 alignment on defense and four- and five-receiver sets on offense. And after stretching Arkansas from side to side with short passing in the first half, Mizzou vertical in the second. When you can't out-talent the other team, you have to out-maneuver them. Mizzou has done a pretty incredible job of that of late.</p>
<h3>4. Five days to get the Little Things™ back</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/2014/11/23/7270539/missouri-tennessee-football-score-recap-jimmie-hunt">I wrote last week how Mizzou had switched from being a Little Things™ team to a Big Things™ team</a>, beginning to win yardage battles by good amounts but giving up all sorts of gains with awful field position and, to a lesser degree, drive finishing.</p>
<p>Two weeks ago, Texas A&M's average starting field position was 12 yards better than Missouri's, which resulted in Mizzou losing about 150 hidden yards over the course of the game. It was worse than that in the first half of the Tennessee game before Mizzou stabilized in the second.</p>
<p>On Friday, it was even worse. Average starting field position: Arkansas 36, Missouri 21. Over the course of 21 possessions (10 for Arkansas, 11 for Mizzou), that's basically another 150-160 yards in the Hogs' favor. Three Christian Brinser punts had a net of just 24.7 yards; it was pretty easily his worst game of the year in that regard. Meanwhile, to top it off, Mizzou fell victim to another fake, this time on a punt.</p>
<p>Throw in some drive-finishing problems against Texas A&M, and you basically have a lot of things Missouri simply cannot do this coming Saturday. In terms of yardage, Missouri was +246 against A&M, +131 against Tennessee, and +135 against Arkansas and needed dramatic late stops/onside kick "recoveries" to win all three games. Unless you think Mizzou can outgain Alabama by similar margins, this will be a game in which Missouri must absolutely, positively bring its best in terms of special teams, field position, finishing drives ... Little Things™.</p>
<h3>5. I see you, young guns</h3>
<p><img width="100%" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44257186/usa-today-8234265.0.jpg"></p>
<p align="center"><i><span>Jason Reese</span> (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)</i></p>
<p><span>Donavin Newsom</span> forces and recovers a fumble. <span>John Gibson</span> plays maybe his best game. Jason Reese snares a 100-mph fastball, then jerks upfield for a 12-yard gain. <span>Ish Witter</span> makes the patented <span>Henry Josey</span>/<span>Tony Temple</span> "see a crease in the zone and burst through it" move on a nice six-yard carry. <span>Anthony Sherrils</span> makes another perfect special teams tackle.</p>
<p>A lot of young guys made heady, athletic plays, and that's exciting for both the present and future tenses. Missouri is going to be asking a new batch of young players to step into larger roles next year. Guys like Newsom, Gibson, Mike Scherer, <span>Aarion Penton</span>, <span>Sean Culkin</span>, et cetera, have already played marquee minutes, but others like Reese, Witter, and Sherrils will be fighting for lots more playing time in the spring, and they've begun to look the part.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2014/12/1/7314143/missouri-arkansas-football-bud-sasser-markus-goldenBill Connelly2014-12-01T05:00:02-06:002014-12-01T05:00:02-06:00Watercooler: Championships > respect
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<p>Monday's Watercooler strongly encourages you to vote for Marcus Murphy as he's in a neck and neck race with some PAC 12 schmoe.</p> <h4>
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<span> Vote for <span>Marcus Murphy</span>!</span>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HornungAward?src=hash">#HornungAward</a> Finalist Marcus Murphy is the only player in the FBS to score a Rush, Rec, KR and PR TD this season <a href="http://t.co/Roo7Kn8WTo">pic.twitter.com/Roo7Kn8WTo</a></p>
— Paul Hornung Award (@hornungaward) <a href="https://twitter.com/hornungaward/status/537622332362080257">November 26, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="http://louisvillesports.org/paul-hornung/award-poll/" target="_blank">Louisville Sports Commission - Louisville Knows Sports " Vote for Your Favorite Player</a></p>
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<p><span>The mission of the Paul Hornung Award is to recognize and reward versatile, high-level performers in major college football (Football Bowl Subdivision team member); to help preserve the legacy of one of Louisville’s native sons and sports icons; and to promote Louisville as a great sports town.</span></p>
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Gary Pinkel and respect</h4>
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<p><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/tigerextra/as-the-outside-world-is-slowly-realizing-pinkel-s-tigers/article_d2fc8c39-75d3-55eb-902b-a93ae9400b33.html" target="_blank">As the outside world is slowly realizing, Pinkel’s Tigers have plenty of teeth - Joe Walljasper</a></p>
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<p>So I do not exclude myself from the question: How have so many people so badly misjudged the team that will play Alabama on Saturday for the championship of the nation’s best conference? I don’t just mean skepticism after the 34-0 loss to the Bulldogs, when the bandwagon was understandably empty, but week after week and victory after victory, right up until Friday, when Missouri (10-2, 7-1) was a home underdog to Arkansas.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/campus-corner/article4209519.html" target="_blank">Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel pads his pocketbook with bonuses | Tod Palmer</a></p>
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<p>Pinkel earned at least $200,000 in bonuses when Missouri reached 10 wins and earned a berth in the SEC Championship Game. Depending on ticket revenue for the 2014 season, which presumably spiked with MU’s second sellout of the season for the Battle Line Rivalry win against the Razorbacks, that figure could climb higher.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.insidestl.com/insideSTLcom/STLSports/MizzouTigers/tabid/140/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/15559/Tiger-Prowl-Week-15-SEC-Championship-Game-Edition-Part-I.aspx" target="_blank">Tiger Prowl Week 15 (SEC CG Edition, Part I) > insideSTL.com</a></p>
<p>Gary Pinkel:</p>
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<p>"I think our players, obviously they know what's going on. They watch TV, they hear things. Certainly they're competitors and they have a lot of pride in who they are. I think they drew off of that a little bit, the underdog, maybe not getting the respect that you want to, [and] that's okay a little bit. But honestly, we don't talk about that at all from the standpoint of my coaches with our players. We focus on ourselves and playing well… But our players are certainly aware of what's happening and what's out there."</p>
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<span>Markus Golden</span>, the savage</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu_football/offense-comes-alive-golden-gets-takeaway-to-send-tigers-to/article_ed6a7600-8706-5568-a88a-5203a21d3864.html#image_1" target="_blank">Offense comes alive, Golden gets takeaway to send Tigers to 2nd straight East title - David Morrison</a></p>
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<p>"If they don’t respect us now, they’ll never respect us," said Golden, who had two tackles for loss. "Now it’s about our team. It’s about these teammates, about our coaches and about winning the championship for us. We’re done with respect. We want the championship."</p>
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Bama will be ready</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/behind_the_stripes/the-institution-and-the-challenger-alabama-and-missouri-in-the/article_fd02e686-78e3-11e4-ba1d-37e259845794.html" target="_blank">The Institution and the Challenger: Alabama and Missouri in the SEC Championship - David Morrison</a></p>
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<p>Pinkel said he expects everyone who played against Arkansas to be available for the title game. That means right tackle <span>Taylor Chappell</span>, who sat out the second half with what Pinkel called a "hyperextended elbow" and running back <span>Russell Hansbrough</span>, who had a "slight ankle sprain."</p>
<p>Pinkel also said quarterback <span>Maty Mauk</span> had been dealing with a "tweak" in his right, throwing shoulder that had been bothering him until recently.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2014/11/alabama_not_familiar_yet_with.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Alabama not familiar yet with SEC Championship game opponent Missouri, but here are quick facts | AL.com</a></p>
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<p>"They're a great team," Alabama defensive lineman <span>A'Shawn Robinson</span> said. "They had a great win (against Arkansas). I watched them throughout (and) when we can, we watch any other SEC team. They're a really good SEC team and we're excited to be playing them."</p>
<p>"For the O-Line, (we know about) <span>Shane Ray</span>," Shepherd said. "He's the SEC sacks leader (with 12) and a great defensive lineman. That's all I know, right now."</p>
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<p><a href="http://mrcollegefootball.blog.ajc.com/2014/11/30/missouri-can-beat-alabama-in-the-sec-championship-game/" target="_blank">Missouri can beat Alabama in the SEC Championship game | Mr. College Football blog</a></p>
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<p>1) Missouri can beat Alabama: Let me say up front that I’m picking No. 1 Alabama (11-1) to beat Missouri (10-2) in the SEC Championship game on Saturday (4 p.m, CBS) at the Georgia Dome. But if you think it’s going to be a walk in the park for the Crimson Tide, then you haven’t been paying attention to the Tigers. Yes I know they lost to dreadful Indiana (4-8) . I know they lost 34-0 at home to Georgia. I know that the seven SEC teams Missouri did beat had a collective conference record of 17-39. But I also know that Missouri won at Texas A&M, won at Tennessee and beat Arkansas to lock down the SEC East. I know that Gary Pinkel, Nick Saban’s teammate at Kent State, is a top-notch coach. I also know that Alabama gave up 630 yards and 44 points to Auburn. Alabama wins, but it won’t be easy.</p>
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<p><a href="https://missouri.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=489&tid=207218006&mid=207218006&sid=898&style=2" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">PowerMizzou suggests Carlos and Khalil Davis ($$$) may be leaning to Mizzou</a></p>
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Mizzou Rankings and Bowl Game Scenarios</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/behind_the_stripes/mu-up-to-no-in-usa-today-poll-no-in/article_e9327cba-78c1-11e4-8384-b37eb9318cbc.html" target="_blank">MU up to No. 13 in USA Today poll, No. 14 in AP - David Morrison</a></p>
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<p>AP voters have Missouri ranked anywhere from No. 9 to No. 21, according to APPollStalker.com.</p>
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<p>The line may have changed since, but Mizzou likely be at least a two touchdown underdog vs Alabama this weekend in Atlanta. Mizzou was apparently a one point favorite last year vs Auburn but we all remember how that went. Much is being made about Mizzou being 0-3 vs the field and against the point spread and I'm not a gambler so I can't offer much more comment than to say Mizzou has been underdogs most of the season and prevailed regardless.</p>
<p><b>If Mizzou wins SECCG but doesn't go to the CFB Playoffs:</b> They are guaranteed to go to Fiesta, Cotton, or Peach Bowls</p>
<p>Cotton Bowl sounds unlikely due to Mizzou having been there last year. The Fiesta Bowl also unlikely because they'd probably pick Arizona, ASU or UCLA which are closer for fans.</p>
<p>That leaves the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia. Great for recruiting the Georgia/Florida area and a win with good fan turnout would likely reinforce recruiting gains Mizzou has made in the Southeast. The matchups would be a Big 10 school, either Ohio State, Wisconsin, or Michigan State.</p>
<p><b>If Mizzou loses SECCG:</b> The most likely option sounds like the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Again the opponents would come from the Big 10 and Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Minnesota or Nebraska seem like potential opponents. A win over a B1G school would offer some redemption for the Indiana game, improve bowl record and impress recruits in Florida where Mizzou is still establishing roots.</p>
<p><b>If Mizzou loses SECCG and is not picked by any of the above bowls:</b> Their bowl options consist of a "Group of Six" including Outback, Belk, Liberty, Taxslayer, Texas and Music City. The SEC and departing commissioner Mike Slive would likely endeavor to put Mizzou in the most favorable matchup and desirable location for Mizzou so something like the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida (hello recruiting!) against the bottom choices from the Big 10 (Minnesota or Nebraska).</p>
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Mizzou Hoops</h4>
<p>You know who has to be pretty happy with all the focus on football? Kim Anderson.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu_basketball/maui-trip-exposes-missouri-s-weaknesses/article_d243c0f4-158a-54e2-bc51-416f2f4faec5.html" target="_blank">Maui trip exposes Missouri's weaknesses - Steve Walentik</a></p>
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<p>Anderson didn’t think Williams’ injury was serious, but the Tigers would certainly struggle — even more than they have already — if he is forced to miss any time. The 6-foot-9 sophomore forward has made more starts in black and gold than any other player and is averaging 9.2 points and 4.3 rebounds. He looked like the only player ready to match Purdue’s aggressiveness in the first half on Tuesday while scoring 10 of MU’s 20 first-half points.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu/mu-women-hold-off-wisconsin-milwaukee-s-surge/article_24688ecb-2eb7-51f4-b71c-d92e49a337c8.html" target="_blank">MU women hold off Wisconsin-Milwaukee's surge - Blake Toppmeyer</a></p>
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<p>"I was very concerned going into this game," Pingeton said after her team’s 68-55 victory at Mizzou Arena. "Looking around the scoreboard, seeing how many SEC teams and BCS schools have been upset by midmajors, I just wanted to make sure that didn’t happen to us."</p>
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Good Omens?</h4>
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<p>OT: My fortune cookie tonight. I kid you not. <a href="http://t.co/V3j6C8HUWm">pic.twitter.com/V3j6C8HUWm</a></p>
— <span>David Morrison</span> (@DavidCMorrison) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/539273143630585856">December 1, 2014</a>
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https://www.rockmnation.com/2014/12/1/7312549/missouri-football-markus-golden-gary-pinkel-alabamaOscar Gamble2014-11-30T13:35:25-06:002014-11-30T13:35:25-06:00Poll Watch: Movin' on up
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<p>Mizzou moves up, by varying degrees.</p> <p>Clinching the SEC East vaulted Missouri up four spots in the coaches poll and three spots in the AP poll, yet only one spot in the Massey composite.</p>
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<td></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"AP"]'>AP</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Coaches"]'>Coaches</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Massey composite"]'><a target="_new" href="http://www.masseyratings.com/cf/compare.htm">Massey composite</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1]">1</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Florida State"]'>Alabama</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Alabama"]'>Alabama</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Alabama"]'>Alabama</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2]">2</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Alabama"]'>Florida State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Florida State"]'>Florida State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oregon"]'>Oregon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3]">3</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oregon"]'>Oregon</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oregon"]'>Oregon</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Mississippi State"]'>TCU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,4]">4</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Mississippi State"]'>TCU</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Mississippi State"]'>TCU</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TCU"]'>Mississippi State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,5]">5</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Baylor"]'>Baylor</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TCU"]'>Baylor</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia"]'>Baylor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,6]">6</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TCU"]'>Ohio State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Baylor"]'>Ohio State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Florida State"]'>Georgia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,7]">7</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ohio State"]'>Michigan State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ohio State"]'>Michigan State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Baylor"]'>Ohio State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,8]">8</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia"]'>Arizona</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Michigan State"]'>Arizona</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ohio State"]'>Ole Miss</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,9]">9</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"UCLA"]'>Kansas State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia"]'>Kansas State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ole Miss"]'>Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,10]">10</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Michigan State"]'>Mississippi State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"UCLA"]'>Mississippi State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"UCLA"]'>Auburn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,11]">11</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Kansas State"]'>Wisconsin</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Kansas State"]'>Wisconsin</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Auburn"]'>Michigan State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,12]">12</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona"]'>Georgia Tech</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona"]'>Georgia Tech</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Michigan State"]'>Kansas State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,13]">13</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona State"]'>Ole Miss</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona State"]'><b>Missouri</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Kansas State"]'>UCLA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,14]">14</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Wisconsin"]'><b>Missouri</b></td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Wisconsin"]'>Ole Miss</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Wisconsin"]'>Wisconsin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,15]">15</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Auburn"]'>Georgia</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia Tech"]'>Georgia</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oklahoma"]'>Oklahoma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,16]">16</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia Tech"]'>UCLA</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Auburn"]'>Oklahoma</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona"]'><b>Missouri</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,17]">17</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Missouri"]'>Arizona State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Missouri"]'>UCLA</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Missouri"]'>Georgia Tech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,18]">18</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ole Miss"]'>Oklahoma</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oklahoma"]'>Arizona State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Marshall"]'>Arizona</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,19]">19</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Marshall"]'>Clemson</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Ole Miss"]'>Clemson</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Georgia Tech"]'>LSU</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,20]">20</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Oklahoma"]'>Auburn</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Marshall"]'>Louisville</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arizona State"]'>Arizona State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,21]">21</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Colorado State"]'>Louisville</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Colorado State"]'>Auburn</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"LSU"]'>Arkansas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,22]">22</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Minnesota"]'>Boise State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Minnesota"]'>Boise State</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Arkansas"]'>Clemson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,23]">23</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Clemson"]'>LSU</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Louisville"]'>Nebraska</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Louisville"]'>Louisville</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,24]">24</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Louisville"]'>Utah</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Clemson"]'>LSU</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Clemson"]'>USC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,25]">25</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Boise State"]'>Nebraska</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Boise State"]'>Minnesota</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Nebraska"]'>Nebraska</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5><em>For a composite Top 25, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/11/23/7270711/college-football-rankings-alabama-florida-state-tcu">SBNation.com</a></em></h5>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2014/11/30/7310357/poll-watch-missouri-football-coaches-apJack Peglow