Rock M Nation - Missouri defeats Connecticut, moves to 3-0 for third straight yearA Blog for Ol' Mizzouhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50319/rmn-fav.png2015-09-23T13:00:03-05:00http://www.rockmnation.com/rss/stream/90924722015-09-23T13:00:03-05:002015-09-23T13:00:03-05:00The offense only needs to improve so much
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ocA5pVJ1o9pcoXqygQAQSfRIIWc=/0x38:3854x2607/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47250242/Sherrils-DF-UConn.0.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Derrick Forsythe / Rock M Nation</figcaption>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Missouri 9, Connecticut 6</h3>
<p><i>Confused? <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2015/2/9/8001137/college-football-advanced-stats-glossary">Visit the Advanced Stats glossary here</a>.</i></p>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"><b>Basics</b></th> <th style="text-align: center;" width="25%"><b> Connecticut </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;" width="25%"><b> Missouri </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;" width="20%"><b>Nat'l Avg</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total Plays</td>
<td align="center">61</td>
<td align="center">65</td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close Rate (non-garbage time)</td>
<td colspan="2" align="center">100.0%</td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Avg Starting FP</b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 27.4 </b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 38.8 </b></td>
<td align="center"><i><b> 29.6 </b></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Possessions</td>
<td align="center">13</td>
<td align="center">12</td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scoring Opportunities*<br>
</td>
<td align="center">4</td>
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Points Per Opportunity</b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 1.75 </b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 1.17 </b></td>
<td align="center"><i><b> 4.82 </b></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leverage Rate**</td>
<td align="center">62.3%</td>
<td align="center">64.6%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 68.7% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Close S&P***</td>
<td align="center">0.462</td>
<td align="center">0.496</td>
<td align="center"><i> 0.587 </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 target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/glossary#eqpts">what's this?</a><b>)</b> </th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Connecticut </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Missouri </b></th> <th></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
<td align="center">20.0</td>
<td align="center">24.9</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rushing</td>
<td align="center">7.3</td>
<td align="center">8.1</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing</td>
<td align="center">12.7</td>
<td align="center">16.8</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"> <b>Success Rate (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/glossary#ncaa_success_rate">what's this?</a><b>)</b> </th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Connecticut </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> 32.8% </b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 32.3% </b></td>
<td align="center"><i><b> 41.8% </b></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rushing (close)</td>
<td align="center">26.7%</td>
<td align="center">30.3%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 42.8% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing (close)</td>
<td align="center">38.7%</td>
<td align="center">34.4%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 40.7% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="center">36.8%</td>
<td align="center">38.1%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 47.3% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="center">26.1%</td>
<td align="center">21.7%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 29.8% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"> <b>IsoPPP (</b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2014/1/27/5349762/five-factors-college-football-efficiency-explosiveness-isoppp">what's this?</a><b>)</b> </th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Connecticut </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> 1.00 </b></td>
<td align="center"><b> 1.19 </b></td>
<td align="center"><i><b> 1.26 </b></i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rushing (close)</td>
<td align="center">0.91</td>
<td align="center">0.81</td>
<td align="center"><i> 1.06 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing (close)</td>
<td align="center">1.06</td>
<td align="center">1.53</td>
<td align="center"><i> 1.49 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Standard Downs</td>
<td align="center">0.69</td>
<td align="center">1.09</td>
<td align="center"><i> 1.10 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Passing Downs</td>
<td align="center">1.72</td>
<td align="center">1.49</td>
<td align="center"><i> 1.81 </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> Connecticut </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 target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/glossary#aly">what's this?</a>)</td>
<td align="center">2.08</td>
<td align="center">1.87</td>
<td align="center"><i> 2.83 </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Std. Downs Sack Rt.</td>
<td align="center">11.1%</td>
<td align="center">0.0%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 4.7% </i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pass. Downs Sack Rt.</td>
<td align="center">7.7%</td>
<td align="center">6.3%</td>
<td align="center"><i> 6.6% </i></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th style="text-align: center;"><b>Turnovers</b></th> <th style="text-align: center;" width="25%"><b> Connecticut </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;" width="25%"><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 target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/varsity-numbers/2009/varsity-numbers-talks-turnovers">what's this?</a>)</td>
<td align="center">11.5</td>
<td align="center">8.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turnover Margin</td>
<td colspan="2" align="center">+0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Exp. TO Margin</td>
<td colspan="2" align="center">Missouri +0.95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TO Luck (Margin vs. Exp. Margin)</td>
<td colspan="2" align="center">Connecticut +0.95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>TO Points Margin</b></td>
<td colspan="2" align="center"><b> Missouri +2.9 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> Connecticut </b></th> <th style="text-align: center;"><b> Missouri </b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q1 S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.522</td>
<td align="center">0.397</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q2 S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.338</td>
<td align="center">0.473</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.562</td>
<td align="center">0.706</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q4 S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.469</td>
<td align="center">0.306</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1st Down S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.481</td>
<td align="center">0.557</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2nd Down S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.408</td>
<td align="center">0.625</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3rd Down S&P</td>
<td align="center">0.509</td>
<td align="center">0.384</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3"><b></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="3"><b>Projected Scoring Margin: Missouri by 7.8 </b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="3"><b>Actual Scoring Margin: Missouri by 3 </b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>I feel like we've pretty much covered everything that went into this game, good (defense) and bad (offense). Here are just a few more notes that I can wring out of the stats.</p>
<h4>Punting + defense = field position</h4>
<p><b></b>Missouri's offense is the least efficient in the country through three weeks (!), BUT what we've seen from everything else, the improvement doesn't have to be drastic for the Tigers to continue to win more than it loses. The defense is playing at a top-10 level, which basically renders opponents as inefficient as its own offense is. And Corey Fatony has turned into a significant weapon.</p>
<p>Fatony came to Columbia with quite a pedigree, and he's more than lived up to his hype. In terms of averages, Saturday was his worst day -- he averaged only 39.2 yards per punt, and two of his kicks trickled into the end zone. But unlike the game against ASU, Mizzou was very much in control of the field position situation. Considering how awful the offense was, that won the Tigers the game.</p>
<h4>1.17</h4>
<p><b></b>I've already covered this, but holy smokes ... it is really, really hard to average 1.17 points per scoring opportunity. That means you're basically just handing the ball back to your opponent every time you cross their 40. Granted, one of Mizzou's six "opportunities" came when the Tigers were kneeling the ball after Anthony Sherrils' interception. Still, that's five opportunities, one touchdown, one missed field goal, two turnovers on downs, and a punt. That's still 1.4 points per opp, and that's still five shades of gross.</p>
<h4>Targets and catches</h4>
<p><b></b>Mizzou is distributing the ball about as well as it has since Chase Daniel was quarterback. The problem is that nobody but Tyler Hunt is doing anything with the opportunity.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Passes to WRs</b>: 13-for-19 for 82 yards (4.3 per target). <i>J'Mon Moore 6-for-8 for 30 (3.8), Wesley Leftwich 2-for-4 for 12 (3.0), Nate Brown 2-for-4 for 10 (2.5), Ray Wingo 1-for-1 for 13, Eric Laurent 1-for-1 for 4, Emanuel Hall 1-for-1 for 4. </i>Wingo was the only WR to average more than 4 yards per target, and he was targeted once.</li>
<li> <b>Passes to TEs</b>: 3-for-6 for 22 yards (3.7 per target). <i>Sean Culkin 3-for-5 for 22 (4.4), Jason Reese 0-for-1</i>. Passes to Reese are now 1-for-4 for 5 yards.</li>
<li> <b>Passes to RBs</b>: 4-for-6 for 82 yards (13.7 per target). <i>Ish Witter 3-for-4 for 31 (7.8), Tyler Hunt 1-for-1 for 51, Chase Abbington 0-for-1</i>. Take out Hunt's catch and run, and the average sinks to 6.2 per target, but ... well, that's better than anybody else. BRAINSTORM: move the RBs to WR and the WRs to RB. Genius!</li>
</ul>
<h4>128th</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/pages/2015-missouri-advanced-statistical-profile?_ga=1.145033844.1144977323.1440187582" target="_blank">From Missouri's statistical profile at Study Hall</a>:</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4090102/rushing.0.png" width="100%"></p>
<p>There are 128 teams in FBS, by the way.</p>
<h4>Cry Havoc</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47250236/GettyImages-489135396.0.jpg" width="100%"></p>
<p><i>(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)</i></p>
<p>We'll end the post on a happier note. Here's another shot from the stat profile (which I'm incredibly proud of and you should definitely check out weekly).</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4090120/Havoc.0.png"></p>
<p>Mizzou loses Dave Steckel, Markus Golden, and Shane Ray and becomes <i>more</i> disruptive up front. Again ... man ... the offense just has to be below average. It doesn't even have to be good.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2015/9/23/9372827/missouri-uconn-football-score-stats-recapBill Connelly2015-09-23T10:00:06-05:002015-09-23T10:00:06-05:00Missing Russ
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WxzsY9xfMsIPIv4h8ehqDBxUxag=/0x86:4346x2983/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47241772/Moore-DF-UConn.0.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Derrick Forsythe / Rock M Nation</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There's a point during one of Missouri's pre-game hype videos where fans are treated to a snippet of Al Pacino's "inch-by-inch" speech from <i>Any Given Sunday</i>.</p>
<p>In said speech, Pacino's character, a football coach, talks about the importance of fighting for every inch on the football field and in life. (But we're not talking about life, so forget that part.) Toward the end of the monologue, he says, "We claw with our finger nails for that inch. Cause we know when we add up all those inches that's going to make the [naughty word] difference between winning and losing."</p>
<p>I found myself thinking about that line as Anthony Sherrills snagged a pass out of the air and secured Missouri's 9-6 victory over the Connecticut Huskies on Saturday. When Pacino talks, I get the mental picture of an ugly football game, one that's more about getting the job done than looking good doing it. And if anything personifies that line, it's this Missouri football team. They don't look good all the time, and sometimes they look downright bad. But they get the job done. And that's what counts, right? RIGHT?</p>
<p>Anyway, Missouri's offense struggled mightily Saturday, and I had the pleasure of being the optimist in the stands, telling myself countless times, "Don't worry, they'll score on the next drive." It only worked once, but <span>along with Clarence Green's blocked punt/safety, </span><span>that was enough to get the job done.</span></p>
<p><span>So as I launch into a review of the running backs and wide receivers from Saturday's victory, I'd like to add this:</span></p>
<p><i>Dear Special Teams and Defense,</i></p>
<p><i>Thank you for all the times you score points. Please do it more.</i></p>
<p><i>Love, Josh.</i></p>
<h3><b>Running Backs</b></h3>
<h4><b>Ish Witter</b></h4>
<p>Look, I don't think there's anyone who has anything <i>bad</i> to say about Ish Witter at this point. He is what he is: a change-of-pace back behind Russell Hansbrough. And with Hansbrough sidelined with a lingering ankle injury, Witter continued his leading-back duties to the tune of 54 yards rushing on 17 carries for a YPC of 3.2.</p>
<p>Not ideal.</p>
<p>Perhaps the main knock on Witter's play so far has been his inability to break tackles. And while those concerns weren't exactly assuaged (re: getting stuffed on the goal line), he did have a few runs that flashed the speed and open field skills that could be problematic for opposing defenses. He also caught a few passes out of the backfield, including one very timely reception during the offense's only scoring drive of the day. With Mauk scrambling to avoid some husky Huskies, Witter found a hole in the middle of the field, where Maty was able to slip him the ball. Overall, Witter didn't have a bad day, but giving him near 20 carries a game is a scary thought going into SEC play.</p>
<h4><b>Tyler Hunt</b></h4>
<p>Hunt had the highlight of the day with his spinning destruction of UConn linebacker Graham Stewart. When the big dog is running, you get out of the way. Otherwise, Hunt only had one carry for 2 yards. Other than the occasional pass, Hunt doesn't seem to be a go-to option for Josh Henson</p>
<h4><b>Chase Abbington</b></h4>
<p>Mr. Abbington, the subject of many "I don't see him on the depth chart?" questions on Twitter, was actually the first back off the bench when Witter needed a breather on the first drive.</p>
<p>He promptly dropped the first pass thrown to him.</p>
<p>The coaches seemed to trust Abbington enough to make him the second option behind Witter, even if the depth chart last week didn't reflect that. And he did crank out one 12-yard run that featured a few broken tackles. But Abbington, for whatever reason, still seems to be a step or two behind the Division 1 game at this point.</p>
<h4><b>Morgan Steward</b></h4>
<p>Two carries; 6 yards, and at least one fan who's still not convinced he's completely healthy.</p>
<h4><b>Conclusion:</b></h4>
<p>It's been beaten to death, but this team needs Russell Hansbrough back in the worst way. Not only is he the team's best option out of the backfield, but he makes his fellow backs much more valuable. Witter and Abbington seem to be the go-to options when he's not in. And unless those two makes big strides very quickly, the offense is going to struggle mightily as it continues to face tougher defenses.</p>
<h3><b>Wide Receivers</b></h3>
<h4><b>J'Mon Moore</b></h4>
<p>Moore had by far the most catches on the day, totaling six for 39 yards. But instead of testing the UConn cornerbacks, Moore was mostly relegated to quick screens on the outside. He didn't look bad; he made the best of the space he was given. But there's only so much he could do with the plays designed for him. The coaches were clearly hoping he could break a few plays open with his speed, which never happened.</p>
<h4><b>Nate Brown</b></h4>
<p>To this point, Brown had been the steady hand among the receivers. But it's safe to say he took a step back against Connecticut. After averaging near 60 yards per game the first two weeks, Brown only totaled two catches for 10 yards on Saturday. And it didn't look as if the quarterbacks were looking his way a whole lot.</p>
<p>This was a little confusing to me. It looked as if the offense was trying to neutralize Connecticut's defensive line with lots of quick outs and screen passes, but Brown didn't factor into plan. Then again, Brown didn't do himself any favors last week with some bad drops against Arkansas State. Maybe he lost some trust with Maty Mauk, and maybe he just had a tough time getting open; probably a little bit of both.</p>
<h4><b>Sean Culkin</b></h4>
<p>Culkin only had three catches for 22 yards, but he continues to impress me. He gets open consistently and makes timely catches on a regular basis. Is that a low bar to have for a receiver? Maybe, but at this point I trust him more than any other pass-catcher in this offense. Over the next few weeks, there needs to be a concerted effort to get Culkin the ball more often.</p>
<h4><b>Wesley Leftwich</b></h4>
<p>Leftwich was quiet for most of the day: he only totaled two catches for 12 yards. But Leftwich could have had a bigger day. He was targeted at least three times on deep routes where he was just overthrown. Out of all the receivers, he seemed to be the only one getting open downfield with any consistency. If Mauk or Lock could have connected with him at least one time, I would have had an easier time breathing during the last few minutes.</p>
<h4><b>The Rest</b></h4>
<p>Ray Wingo, Eric Laurent and Emanuel Hall all caught one pass each for 13, four and three yards respectively.</p>
<h4><b>Conclusion:</b></h4>
<p>The inexperienced receiving corps was short-handed after the scary car accident Friday that sidelined DeSean Blair and Keyon Dilosa. Still, it's almost never a good thing when two of your running backs are two of your three leading receivers. With the offensive line struggling, Henson seemed to want to get the ball out quickly and let the receivers make plays. As evidenced by the nine points on the scoreboard, it didn't work quite the way he would have hoped.</p>
<p>If I take anything away from this game, it's this: I find it telling that Missouri took very few deep shots against a Connecticut secondary that wasn't exactly considered the strength of its defense. If anything, I expected Mauk to air it out a few times and let Moore and Leftwich work against some younger corners. That might not have been possible with UConn's soft coverage and Mauk having to scramble for his life a few times. But even from the outset, that didn't seem to be the plan.</p>
<p>There seems to be a lack of trust in the receivers. Whether that's Henson, Mauk or both, the offense is going to be completely impotent if it can't count on its receivers while the running game struggles.</p>
<p>All that being said, nine points was enough to get the job done this week. On to Lexington! Now, if you don't mind me, I'll be on my knees praying to the old gods and the new that Hansbrough's ankle has officially healed.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/mizzou-football-2015/2015/9/23/9374695/tracking-the-offense-we-still-really-miss-russell-hansbroughJosh Matejka2015-09-23T08:30:02-05:002015-09-23T08:30:02-05:00#DLineZou's dominant performance vs UConn
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v4_LrwuhVKOCE1sLhzQK_HAaDFk=/0x135:4500x3135/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47241586/Harris-DF-UConn.0.0.JPG" />
</figure>
<p>The front line jumped into the spotlight with its most dominant outing of 2015.</p> <p>It's #DLineZou for a reason, folks.</p>
<p>Young and old, Missouri is stacked to the brim again with defensive line talent. The focus so far in the 2015 season had been on Kentrell Brothers and rest of the back seven, but an outstanding showing against Connecticut brought the D-line back to the front. Between six defensive linemen, the Tigers tallied 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and a forced fumble.</p>
<p>Let's look at part of the unit's big afternoon in Charles Harris, Walter Brady, and Josh Augusta.</p>
<h3>Charles Harris</h3>
<p>First, we'll start with Charles Harris, who is second in the nation in Tackles for loss (8.0). It was a simple day for Harris, finishing the afternoon with 2.0 TFL and a sack. This after a 4.5 TFL outing against Arkansas State.</p>
<h4>Play 1 -- 12:32 in 1Q</h4>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Harris Play 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k5lE5IJwup-P8xHU7TsGVh-koS4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4084572/Hariss_Play_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Rather than brute force or technique, the Tigers take advantage of a Huskies broken play here early in the first quarter. Mizzou is lined up in the 4-3, UConn in the single back set. Harris is lined up outside the Huskies tight end. The ball is snapped, and Bryant Shirreffs looks completely lost. He'll end up trying to take it himself, only to be brought down by Harris who chased him down from the edge. Easy play, but I'm sure the Tigers will take it.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Harris1Gif" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cR6TAXMJx2XrfpL30de8ppwkrBw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4084574/Harris1.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Play 2 -- 3:24 in 3Q</h4>
<p>His next play, a sack, wasn't a broken play, and allowed Harris to show some technique in getting to the UConn QB and applying pressure in the pocket.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Harris Play 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Iu23veg4MQP-snf5hGJP6bZSzC0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4084782/Harris_Play_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Harris is lined up across from the UConn tight end with Mizzou in a 4-3 set. The Huskies are in the shotgun with two receivers to the right. When the ball is snapped, Harris stunts through the "A" gap and is picked up by the offensive guard, while on the edge, Marcell Frazier is providing pressure that forces the QB to step up in the pocket. Harris spins off the guard and brings down the QB for his first and only sack of the day.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Harris2Gif" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9qLCIdzl4WKn9GlTLm0KmOg4oqk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4085740/Harris2.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<h3><span>Josh Augusta</span></h3>
<p>Next up, "The Juggernaut" himself: Josh Augusta. The big fella in the middle finished with 2.0 tackles for loss Saturday, bullying his way through the line to get the stop.</p>
<h4>Play 1 -- 6:52 in 1Q</h4>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Augusta Play 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8iohvjRfrnnA99UKIfLu7YunCkc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4086254/Augusta_Play_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Augusta is lined up to the left of the center with Mizzou in the 4-3. This play was just Augusta flexing his muscles and dominating the center to make the play. The ball is snapped, and Augusta bulldozes his way into the backfield, taking down the RB for a loss of one.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Augusta 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3ahgyBW3XO5DpkFfH3fnODpjrWI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4086274/Augusta_1.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Play 2 -- 14:22 in 4Q</h4>
<p>Another show of Augusta's raw strength at DT. UConn is set up inside its own 5 after an MU 4th-and-goal falls short.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Augusta Play 2 " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8UWsM7iKSoEzZt6aIhnPEi3a6dg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4086418/Augusta_Play_2.0.png">
</figure>
Mizzou stacks the box on first-and-10 with UConn's back to the wall. Huskies are in the I. After the ball is snapped, Augusta bursts through the line again, getting a hand on the Huskies RB just before he can get to the line. A second sooner, and Augusta might have brought him down in the end zone for a safety.</p>
<h3>Walter Brady</h3>
<p>The most pleasant surprise from Saturday's game was the emergence of Walter Brady, who picked up his first two career sacks.</p>
<h4>Play 1 -- 7:38 in 2Q</h4>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Brady Play 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e0Kt0u2vrOHIEBLnoBYSxhUXIA8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4086616/Brady_Play_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Mizzou has four down linemen, with UConn in a single-back set. Brady is lined up directly in front of the tight end. Ball is snapped, Tigers rush four, UConn goes with play-action with the QB rolling out right. Brady releases from the tight end and shows great pursuit outside the pocket to bring down the QB foe a big loss on first down.</p>
<p>This play happened right after the Huskies successful fake punt, so a momentum killer that would lead UConn to punt the ball back to Mizzou. (Yes, they end up with the ball after a special teams snafu by MU, but still.)</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Brady Gif 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a9zPYyxy59mTp5H-CwMJMFoq7mU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4086684/Brady_1_.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>Play 2 -- 1:19 in 2Q</h4>
<p>This was probably my favorite play of the day from a defensive lineman, and coming from a freshman like Brady, it makes it a little sweeter.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Brady Play 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OfMwKYC8AtkbvRt4R5GDdmj6WG0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4086726/Brady_Play_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Mizzou comes out on first down with four down lineman and three linebackers. UConn is in a single-back set. Brady is lined up on the edge. Ball is snapped, Brady comes off the edge, with the running back picking him up on a block. The QB's arm goes back a bit as if he's going to throw, causing Brady to jump to attempt to bat down any pass attempt. He goes over the RB and falls to the turf. The QB takes off, thinking about keeping it, while Brady hops off the ground and chases down the QB for a sack. A great way to end a career day for Brady.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BradyGif2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e4lu3BByTe2QfEtCkHpajieu9TY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4086764/Brady_2.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>*******</p>
<p>The Missouri offense has not been very good this year. The absence of Russell Hansbrough, the inconsistency of Maty Mauk, and the inexperience of the wide receivers have set the Tigers back early this year.</p>
<p>As Anthony Sherrils said after the UConn game, "When the offense is not on their 'A' game, the defense is always there to pick them up and get them back on the field." So far, the defense is working overtime.</p>
<p>If the defensive line plays every week like they did against UConn, Missouri can afford <i>some </i>offensive inefficiency, but if the Tigers can't find some answers to their problems into SEC play, even Barry Odom's defense can't lead Mizzou to success.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/mizzou-football-schemes-analysis-breakdown/2015/9/23/9366609/missouri-defensive-line-charles-harris-walter-brady-josh-augustaChris L Turner2015-09-22T11:03:38-05:002015-09-22T11:03:38-05:00Film Room: Drew Lock vs UConn
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<figcaption>Ed Zurga/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>True freshman QB Drew Lock has turned some heads, but is he ready to take the reigns of a struggling offense?</p> <p dir="ltr"><span>It’s no secret that the Missouri offense is struggling right now. Between an inability to get the run game going and an inconsistent at best passing game, there’s a lot that needs to improve. In some minds, one answer is to go forward with Drew Lock as the starting quarterback. But is Lock ready to be the guy? Let’s take a look at some things he does well, and what he needs to improve on.</span></p>
<h4><span><span>Drew Lock backside screen:</span></span></h4>
<p dir="ltr"><span><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" src="https://streamable.com/e/8i1g"></iframe></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Early on, Josh Henson and the staff seemed as if they were trying to keep things relatively simple for Lock. A staple of the early gameplan was a run with a screen on the backside. Here on the first play, we see that UConn blitzes their walked-out defender on the screen side. This makes it an easy numbers advantage for the offense, and Lock has the presence of mine to not mess with the run action for too long, and gets the screen pass out to J’Mon Moore immediately. With the corner blocked up, the hole defender blitzing and the safety backing off just before the snap, it’s an easy first down for the offense, but only because Lock knew to get the ball out quickly. Run-pass combo plays like this can be a big help to a stagnant offense.</span></p>
<h4>Drew Lock smash combo</h4>
<p dir="ltr"><span><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" src="https://streamable.com/e/n415"></iframe></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Here we see a Smash combo, something of a favorite playcall for Henson thus far. While the cornerback initially is focused on J’Mon Moore on the outside, he sinks back to cover <span>Clayton Echard</span>’s corner route coming behind him. Once this happens, Lock made the smart read and slings it to Moore underneath, for a solid gain.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>While Lock may have started strong, the end of his second-half drive didn’t go quite so well. The offense moved the ball downfield (thanks, in part, to a pass interference), but they were unable to get points on the board at the end of the drive.</span></p>
<h4>Drew Lock 4th quarter deep fade</h4>
<p dir="ltr"><span><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/ij3u?muted=1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Here, <span>Wesley Leftwich</span> was bursting open on a fade route, but the pass was underthrown and the defender was able to make a play on the ball. On his own admission, he was trying to be the hero a bit too much and make a big play happen, which caused him to force a couple throws in a row downfield in tight and double coverages.</span></p>
<h4><b>Drew Lock on 4th down:</b></h4>
<p dir="ltr"><span><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" src="https://streamable.com/e/xd5f"></iframe></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>On the fourth down play in particular, Lock decides not to try just getting the ball to the first down marker, but tries to throw a wheel route to <span>Nate Brown</span>, who is covered up along with safety help over the top. While you certainly have to love his desire to make the big plays that win you football games, his immaturity (his words) in not taking what the defense gives you is something that he’ll need to continue to work on in the future.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">In time, Lock looks as if he should develop into a high-quality quarterback, and he has certainly shown flashes of it this season. While I don't expect Pinkel to make the switch to Lock becoming the full-time starter any time soon, there's plenty of things Lock does well that should help him continue to be a difference-maker for this offense</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/mizzou-football-schemes-analysis-breakdown/2015/9/22/9369611/missouri-tigers-quarterback-drew-lock-vs-connecticut-huskieskacc562015-09-22T05:00:03-05:002015-09-22T05:00:03-05:00Don't feed the boo birds at the Zou
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H9ilcxF-4S-Ykxg7eBcRXihXTs8=/0x0:4187x2791/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47236234/usa-today-8811141.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here are today's Mizzou Links.</p> <h3>
<img style="-webkit-user-select: none" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3376996/6u3PzSW.0.png">What's On</h3>
<p>Bill C was on KTGR, as he his every Monday afternoon:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/224955827&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" height="100" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<h3>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3376996/6u3PzSW.0.png" style="-webkit-user-select: none;">Meet the Press</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/news/2015/9/21/MediaDay_Week4.aspx?path=football">MUtigers.com: @MizzouFootball Media Day - Week 4</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>On Hansbrough's injury status… I don't know, that's what I said right from the beginning. We'll find out in the next few days. It's hard to play running back when you're not 100%, so hopefully he'll be that way. We'll see. He hasn't run for over a week, since when you saw him run a couple of weeks ago.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css">
</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/behind_the_stripes/mu-notes-the-feeding-the-boo-birds-edition/article_26009838-60bc-11e5-ae4d-6f112c7f6163.html">MU Notes: The "Feeding the Boo Birds" edition - Columbia Daily Tribune | David Morrison</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We need to come out here and give the people something to cheer about," Mauk said. "They kind of got mad and did the booing thing, which I probably shouldn’t have said it how I said it after the game. "We got to give them something to cheer about and not something that they should be booing us about."</p>
<p>Then Drew Lock talked about how the boos made him kind of wary for the future.</p>
<p>"It made me feel for him a little bit," Lock said. "At the same time, I was thinking, ‘When he’s gone and I fully take the reins, what’s going to happen to me if I have a bad day?’ That’s just kind of how I thought about it."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/eye-on-the-tigers/live-coverage-pinkel-meets-the-press/article_fa15fe02-c639-53d0-82db-8b87c7588ac8.html" target="_blank">Live coverage: Pinkel meets the press : Dave Matter</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Pinkel said the staff used to count bubble screens as part of the running game because they were similar to sweeps but thrown overhand instead of tossed. "I had to make that up because people said we weren't running the ball enough," he said.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3376996/6u3PzSW.0.png" style="-webkit-user-select: none;">On the Offense</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/behind_the_stripes/snap-decisions-no-room-to-run-no-luck-throwing-deep/article_2afdf26e-6020-11e5-83e6-6b23c71ba5bf.html">Snap Decisions: No room to run, no luck throwing deep and a surprise redshirt pull - Columbia Daily Tribune | David Morrison</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Second off, the short pass game. Missouri completed all 12 passes it threw at or behind the line for 77 yards. It completed 5-of-7 it threw less than 5 yards from the line for 71 yards. Add that together, and Missouri completed 17-of-19 passes for 148 yards when throwing less than 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.</p>
<p>What does that leave for intermediate to long throws? Only bad things, pretty much: 3-of-12 for 37 yards and an interception. I mean, you're not going to complete 70 percent of your throws when you're chucking 6 or more yards downfield...but you'd think they'd complete more than 25 percent.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2015/09/21/know-uks-foe-5-things-about-missouri/72594740/">Kentucky Football | Five things to know about the Missouri Tigers</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>* 2. About the offense: It hasn't been good. The Tigers rank 109th nationally in points per game (23.3), 116th in total yards per game (325) and 119th in rushing yards per game (107.7). And that's against mediocre competition. Quarterback Maty Mauk has completed just 52.5 percent of his passes, averaged 158 yards and thrown five touchdowns to four interceptions. He was benched in the Connecticut game – during which he drew boos from the home crowd – but Missouri's other option is true freshman Drew Lock. Mauk is at least a threat to run it (697 career rushing yards) and is 2-0 against Kentucky.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>A note about the above quote: Mauk wasn't benched - this is the <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/dannykanell/status/645278383010525184">second person</a> I've seen say he'd been benched when it was instead Gary Pinkel getting Drew Lock reps.</p>
<p><u>O line woes</u></p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Asked again about the possibility of moving McGovern back to guard, here is AJ Ricker's response: <a href="http://t.co/f27SNi8jAx">pic.twitter.com/f27SNi8jAx</a></p>
— Pete Scantlebury (@PeteScantlebury) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteScantlebury/status/646140334875873280">September 22, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don't have to read between the lines of Ricker's response. If Missouri was more confident in depth at left tackle, McGovern would be inside,</p>
— Pete Scantlebury (@PeteScantlebury) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteScantlebury/status/646140573133369344">September 22, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<h3>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3376996/6u3PzSW.0.png" style="-webkit-user-select: none;">Football Recruiting</h3>
<p>Mizzou running back commit Darius Anderson left a trail of bodies on this touchdown run:</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pshhh?src=hash">#Pshhh</a> <a href="http://t.co/7UR0HPPLAn">pic.twitter.com/7UR0HPPLAn</a></p>
— Jet. (@Jetsonn1x) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jetsonn1x/status/646136512115945472">September 22, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>You'll recall Darius Anderson pledged to Mizzou after a brief and strange "did he or didn't he?"</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.rockmnation.com/2015/8/18/9173797/darius-anderson-richmond-texas-missouri-commitment">2016 RB Darius Anderson chooses Missouri over Texas, Houston, Cal and Utah</a></p>
<h3>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3376996/6u3PzSW.0.png" style="-webkit-user-select: none;">Today in out-of-context Wes Clark tweets</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> </p>
— Wes Clark (@Im_back_15) <a href="https://twitter.com/Im_back_15/status/646180636508557312">September 22, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<h3>
<img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3376996/6u3PzSW.0.png" style="-webkit-user-select: none;">Mizzou Women's Hoops picks up second commit</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu_basketball/mu-women-s-hoops-team-picks-up-second-commitment-to/article_253c8e24-b186-51b9-81f0-99f352b97de8.html">MU women's hoops team picks up second commitment to 2016 class - Columbia Daily Tribune | Blake Toppmeyer</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Missouri women’s basketball team picked up its second commitment for its 2016 recruiting class when Jordan Chavis offered her pledge during a visit to campus Saturday.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.rockmnation.com/mizzou-news/2015/9/22/9369079/when-you-go-to-the-zou-dont-feed-the-boo-birdsOscar Gamble2015-09-21T21:09:18-05:002015-09-21T21:09:18-05:00ReWatch: UConn vs Mizzou<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F973BisUYAY?rel=0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Mizzou "wins" 9-6</p></p></div>
https://www.rockmnation.com/2015/9/21/9368315/rewatch-uconn-vs-mizzouOscar Gamble2015-09-21T18:30:04-05:002015-09-21T18:30:04-05:00The After Action Report: UConn
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<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Henson owes Odom a beer</p> <h3><span>Offense</span></h3>
<h2>Play-calling/Coaching</h2>
<p>It's hard to fault the play-calling when the offensive line can't open holes, the running backs can't find them when they're there, the quarterback can't find open receivers, and the receivers don't catch the ball when it's thrown to them. Ultimately, though, all of that falls on Henson as well. We all know the familiar reasons/excuses, but ultimately, a team with our talent should be able to generate more offense against a team that gave up 17 points to Army and 15 to Villanova. Maybe it's poor fundamentals, maybe it's trying to do too much from a playbook perspective, but it needs to be fixed in a hurry.</p>
<h2>Offensive Line</h2>
<p>One thing I did like, from a play-calling perspective, that I think might be a good fit for our OL, was more <a href="http://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-nfl-college-football-power-running-counter-running/">Power and Trey</a>, as opposed to Zone. One of the other challenges for McGovern moving outside, beside needing to pass block the defenses best pass rusher, is the need to reach and seal the end on zone runs. Rather than asking him to do that, on Power he's just asked to bury the defensive tackle, while either the pulling guard or H-back kicks out the defensive end. It's a better fit for his skill set, and we appeared to have more success with it.</p>
<h2>Running Backs</h2>
<p>Not much new to say here; Ish and Hunt pretty much are what the are. I have faith Ish will develop the vision and instincts to know when to cut back, when to bounce outside, and when to just drop his head and take what he can get, but I don't think it'll happen this year. He did, however, have back to back runs of 10 and 12 on the touchdown drive, so he's showing flashes of what he's capable of. And Hunt can't keep making plays like that, can he?</p>
<p>Abbington also had a 12-yard run where the OL opened a hole, and he showed vision and burst getting through it, so there's promise there as well.</p>
<p>All that said, we'll be happy to have Hansbrough back.</p>
<h2>Receivers</h2>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet">
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm glad <a href="http://www.rockmnation.com/mizzou-football-schemes-analysis-breakdown/2015/9/1/9231603/mizzou-offensive-analysis-the-plays">kacc56 already talked about vertical read routes</a>, because Maty's interception was at least 90% on Culkin. Culkin had good position and Mauk threw the ball well enough to get it there before the safety could come over to help. So what did Culkin do? He stopped his feet and waited for the ball. What did the corner do? He got his body between Culkin and the ball, came back to the ball and caught it at its highest point, which is what Culkin should have been doing. Mauk has many well publicized faults, but he didn't get any help on that one, and I don't think he deserves much, if any, of the blame.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Culkin is a heck of an open-field blocker on screens. One more thing he probably doesn't get nearly enough credit for, and which the rest of the receivers need to get better at. It's hard to teach young receivers to love blocking, but <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/9/8/9276279/braxton-miller-spin-move-ezekiel-elliott-block-ohio-state-virginia-tech">go rewatch that video of Braxton Miller's spin move</a>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/9/7/9274219/braxton-millers-first-catch-as-a-receiver-was-one-to-remember">you'll see 3 great open-field blocks</a>. It's a hallmark of great teams.</p>
<h2>Quarterbacks</h2>
<p>Much like the RBs, I think Maty is what he is. I suspected we may miss Yost as a QB coach, and given Mauk's development, or lack thereof, there's really only two people that could be to blame. If Lock similarly fails to develop (which he certainly has room to do), that'll be the second datum. Hard to say anything too bad about the guy that scored our only touchdown, and gets some credit for Hunt's ridiculous run for finding him open on a checkdown.</p>
<p>Speaking of Lock, I don't know if the offense looks <i>better</i> with him in the game, but it definitely looks smoother. The team gets up the line quicker, the ball gets snapped quicker, the ball comes out quicker, and the receivers are actually catching the ball. There could be a number of reasons for this:</p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li>The coaches have Lock running a smaller subset of the playbook so he's thinking less.</li>
<li>Lock is sufficiently inexperienced that he doesn't know what he doesn't know, and is just out there having fun. The coaches have eluded to something similar with trying to develop Mauk without taking away his natural play-making ability.</li>
<li>Lock's skillset (great accuracy/touch/timing on short passes, but not a threat to run) is a natural complement Maty (a running threat with a big arm, but not great accuracy/touch/timing) who the defense has spent all week getting ready for.</li>
</ul>
<p>I have a sneaking suspicion, though, that at some point, for one of the reasons mentioned, Lock is going to score a TD in his limited snaps when Maty can't, and then the sharks will really start circling. Would Lock be as good running the whole playbook, managing a game rather than a series, against a defense that has all week to prepare just for him? We may not have to wait two years to find out.</p>
<h3>Defense</h3>
<h2>Play-calling/Coaching</h2>
<p>Something that confirmed much of what we suspected was what the defense did when UConn came out in there 21 personnel (2 backs + 1 TE): we walked the Sam backer up into an Under front to show a 5 man front. I don't know if this is an every-down look, but it validates what we had been hearing, and may be a harbinger of things to come as we get into conference play against teams that play more Old Man Football.</p>
<p>For some reason, after playing mostly press-man in the first half, and before going back to it late in the game, the defense started playing a softer zone when UConn came out in the shotgun hurry-up after the half, no doubt trying to replicate some of SEMO and ASU's success. That doesn't necessarily bother me (it was Steck's bread ‘n' butter) it was just interesting to see.</p>
<p>It's hard to quantify "attitude" but this defense has it. Every time the ball is snapped it looks like the guy with the ball just kicked a hornet's nest and has 11 very angry hornets <i>flying</i> after him.</p>
<h2>Defensive Backs</h2>
<p>With one exception on a bomb (where the receiver did functionally what Culkin should have done on the interception) the DBs have held up admirably in man coverage. I don't know if we can keep doing it regularly against conference opponents, but it's nice to know we have that in our toolbox.</p>
<h2>Linebackers</h2>
<p>We continue to show more 3 linebacker sets than we've been used to, and they keep working. Much like the man coverage (and particularly the Sam LB in man coverage), I'll be interested to see how much we lean on that in conference play.</p>
<h2>Defensive Line</h2>
<p>So much for the DL being a question mark, I suppose.</p>
<h3>Special Teams</h3>
<p>A blocked punt and a blocked extra point are pretty cool, but yaknow what else would be cool? Not DOINKing one off the upright or letting a punt bounce off your leg to give the other team a huge first down. Just sayin'.</p>
<h3>Logistica Miscellanea</h3>
<p>I should have worn the SPF 100. Even if you have SPF 30 on, if someone offers you 100, you take it.</p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/mizzou-football-2015/2015/9/21/9367471/the-after-action-report-uconn-huskies-missouri-tigersDamnatio Memoriae2015-09-21T12:09:25-05:002015-09-21T12:09:25-05:00When it all needs fixing, how do you fix anything?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3OqLWhGDSQEVYaHC-j49cFX6WcY=/0x0:4897x3265/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47232698/Hunt2-DF-UConn.0.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Derrick Forsythe / Rock M Nation</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>When everything needs fixing, how do you fix anything?</h3>
<p><a href="https://missouri.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1804563" target="_blank">PowerMizzou: What's the Plan?</a><br><a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/an-offense-with-no-identity-tops-mu-s-list-of/article_1fdb5185-aa2d-55f5-ad85-6468f1ae3d2b.html" target="_blank">The Trib: An offense with no identity tops MU's list of concerns</a></p>
<p>The strongest theme emerging from Saturday's win over UConn seems to have formed in regard to Missouri's offensive difficulties. And that quite obviously makes sense. It's early, and these numbers can change a lot, but <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ncaa2015" target="_blank">right now Missouri's defense ranks fourth in the country in Def. S&P+ ... and the offense ranks 113th in Off. S&P+</a>. The defense ranks ahead of Alabama's; the offense ranks behind South Alabama's (and way, way behind Kansas').</p>
<p>Joe Walljasper's Trib column, linked above, is certainly accurate in its assessment that Missouri has no idea what it wants to be right now. But when you can't get any push whatsoever with your line, when your running backs can't take advantage of the small creases they've got, when your receivers can't find open space, and when your quarterback can't throw them open ... well ... it's hard to craft too much of an identity around that. In fact, that crafts your identity for you.</p>
<p>So how did we get here? We knew Missouri's offense was going to be far less than elite because of the passing game; there's just no way to rush experience. Double-dipping in the turnover department -- losing all three starters for two consecutive years (while also losing a potential starter in Levi Copelin before the 2014 season) -- left the Tigers with about the greenest receiving corps imaginable, and the hope was that the Tigers could lean on a sturdy run game, led by Hansbrough and a well-seasoned line.</p>
<p>Only, Hansbrough's out. And the line has stunk.</p>
<p>Now ... let me qualify that. Pass protection has been fine and was better than fine on Saturday. Mizzou's struggles in the passing game on Saturday came down to <a href="http://missouri.forums.rivals.com/threads/the-post-script-uconn.22793/" target="_blank">Maty Mauk and Drew Lock struggling to find open receivers</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>J’Mon Moore said yesterday that they weren’t expecting UConn to take away the short middle of the field like they did. He said they were expecting more four-deep coverage, which conceivably would open up the field for shorter crossing routes and throws over the short-to-intermediate middle. So, maybe yesterday’s passing struggles (again, the line in pass protection was fine) can be chalked up to that, to forcing Mauk to have to make tight throws deep down the middle and strong throws on out-routes to the sideline (two things he has struggled with this season).</p>
<p>But it doesn’t change the fact that YAC in Missouri’s passing game is almost non-existent this season. I don’t know if it’s because of accuracy and quick-decision issues with Mauk; if it’s because of play design; if it’s because Missouri just doesn’t have that quick-twitch type of receiver that only needs the ball, wherever he is on the field, to make things happen.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Any time Mauk froze in the pocket -- what has become "too slowly going through his progressions" -- The Beef and I immediately began to try to survey the field as well. Everywhere you looked, receivers had defensive backs on their backside. There was nowhere to go with the ball, and as we've learned through the years, Mauk isn't the type to throw the ball into open space assuming a receiver will eventually find that space. He needs to see a guy open. He saw no one open. <a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/blogs/behind_the_stripes/game-rewind-missouri-connecticut/article_3b6e5806-5fa7-11e5-8a64-df761d96ccc3.html?_dc=264672823250.29373" target="_blank">Of course, that didn't stop him from throwing once</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Ten of Mauk's 19 career interceptions have come in the first quarter of games. A bunch of them have looked very similar to this. On a 2nd-and-5 from the Tigers' 36, Missouri went tempo and Mauk had plenty of time in the pocket. He stood, stood, scampered back a few steps, stood some more, stood some more, looked at Sean Culkin, looked at Culkin some more, then threw a wobbly ball from the near hash to the far sideline. He thought outside linebacker Graham Stewart was in coverage on Culkin, and Stewart was in recover mode, trying to get back outside. Mauk, however, did not see cornerback Jhavon Williams standing right behind Culkin. Williams broke on the ball and picked it off (it looked like Culkin, too, was surprised. He didn't put up much of a fight), returning it 17 yards to the Tigers' 35. Culkin said he just didn't think Williams was in coverage on Culkin. Well, he was. And he set the Huskies up for their only score of the day. Color commentator Kelly Stouffer said "That's a throw a fourth-year junior just can't make." Pretty much, yeah.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><span>Then, when Drew Lock was in on Missouri's final drive, the Tigers could have used Mauk -- Lock tried and failed to throw guys open when there room in front of him to run and pick up a first down. (I did love </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/mizzou-notes-car-crash-involving-players-left-pinkel-scared-to/article_ab99ff15-6683-5e38-8f7f-78da85b64dea.html">his "a little bit of immaturity coming out in me"</a><span> quote, by the way. It's only a matter of time before he's awesome.)</span></p>
<p>So yes, the pass blocking has been fine, which made the timing of this tweet pretty awkward:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's amazing how few options you've got when your offensive line is horrendous.</p>
— Rock 〽️ Nation (@rockmnation) <a href="https://twitter.com/rockmnation/status/645290194506137600">September 19, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>This one was mine. I typed it out sometime early in the second quarter, after an Ish Witter run went nowhere, with the line getting less than no push, for about the sixth straight time. I opened Twitter a little while later to check for responses, and thanks to signal being what it is during games, I believe it didn't actually post until then ... when the main issues were Lock/Mauk trying and failing to throw and complete passes more than five yards downfield.</p>
<p>We saw the passing issues coming, but Mizzou's run failure caught us off-guard. Part of that is because of injury, but part is also because a lack of development in the backfield and an inexcusable lack of push up front.</p>
<p>We thought Ish Witter would have improved a lot more than he has. With how he played late in the year and how he looked in the spring, it really seemed like he was on pace to pull a Hansbrough and turn into a legitimate contributor in his sophomore year. And if he wasn't, then either Trevon Walters or Chase Abbington or a healthy Morgan Steward or a freshman like Marquise Doherty or Ryan Williams would take his place and thrive. But Walters is hurt, Abbington was still playing himself into shape in fall camp, and while Steward and others swear he's at 100% now, he doesn't really look it. (Yes, I left one running back unnamed here. I'll come back to him.)</p>
<p>So Witter has had to become the main guy, and he's not there yet. He has struggled to take full advantage of the blocks he's gotten -- we have been spoiled when it comes to the one-crease-and-go burst that players like Tony Temple, Kendial Lawrence, Henry Josey, Marcus Murphy, and Hansbrough) have given Mizzou in recent years. But either Witter's burst is not where it needs to be yet, or he's not seeing the creases (when they exist) quickly enough. He's a young guy, and he's still got time to thrive, but he's being asked to do more than he can do right now. I struggle to get too frustrated with him.</p>
<p>The line, on the other hand? That thing up front with four senior starters that was supposed to provide steadiness and creases for whoever's behind them? I'm allowing myself to get frustrated with them. Last year, this unit struggled in September, then gelled. We can hope for the same thing this year, and it might come to fruition, but with this level of experience, there's simply no excuse for the fact that UConn's defensive line almost never got pushed backwards. We can talk about the loss of Mitch Morse, and to be sure, Connor McGovern has struggled to live up to Morse's standards at LT, but the entire five-man line has failed to live up to what felt like pretty reasonable expectations. And we just have to hope it improves like last year.</p>
<h3>It starts with the finish</h3>
<p>I don't know what Missouri's offense can become this year. In theory, Hansbrough's return from injury, whenever that actually takes place, could serve as a catalyst. At the very least, he could turn three-yard gains into five-yard gains. Combine that with improvement up front (which could still theoretically happen), and you have some semblance of the ground game you expected. That opens up play-action opportunities that don't currently exist. Beat Kentucky and South Carolina in the coming weeks, <i>then</i> start to look good, and we can all forget that this September's offense is far worse than last September's offense (which we can agree was pretty sketchy).</p>
<p>But whether the whole product improves or not, Mizzou doesn't have to wait till Hansbrough's return to improve in one specific area: finishing. Even late in the year, Mizzou's 2014 offense wasn't amazing, but the Tigers took advantage of the chances they got. Mizzou averaged a solid 4.6 points per scoring opportunity (first downs inside the opponent's 40) last season, 45th in the country; this year, the Tigers are averaging an absolutely ghastly 3.3 points per opportunity, 120th. Simply being mediocre at turning chances into points would have put the ASU game away before the fourth quarter and would have at the very least put Mizzou a full touchdown ahead of UConn down the stretch.</p>
<p>Screw that, the game would have been over. Mizzou finished seven of its last eight drives in UConn territory. The Tigers had five scoring opportunities. With last year's scoring averages, that results in an easy 23-6 win -- still frustrating but nowhere close to bad. Instead, they scored one touchdown, missed a 40-yard field goal, turned the ball over on downs twice, and went backwards and punted once. Yuck. Yuck, yuck, yuck.</p>
<h3>If healthy, Tyler Hunt has earned more touches</h3>
<p>When your team has completely lacked in effective play-makers, it's hard to ignore the guy who, in two catches, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu_football/notebook-mu-players-recover-from-scary-car-accident/article_193d06f6-1d1e-5f37-a56d-5288a15bfaa8.html">has almost led the team in receiving yards</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Counting his 78-yard touchdown pass from Drew Lock in the opener, Hunt, the Westran grad and former walk-on, is second on the team with 129 receiving yards on only two catches.</p>
<p>"I feel like I deserve more time out there. I’ve put in a lot of work here," Hunt said. "I’m one of the strongest and fastest guys on the team. I want to prove I can play at this level, and I’ve shown I can on these plays. We’ll just see what happens next."</p>
<p>Hunt ran only once for 2 yards as the Tigers struggled to 85 yards on 34 carries — a 2.5-yard average. Starting running back Russell Hansbrough sat out with a sprained right ankle and center Evan Boehm aggravated his right ankle injury from the season opener but stayed in the game Saturday.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As we've written/read many times, personnel decisions are handled during the week. This guy's going to get this many series/snaps, and this guy's going to get this many. Your Saturday production, combined with your practice performance, dictates how frequently you see the field. That Tyler Hunt has been limited with a groin issue has probably limited both his performance in practice and the reps he's been allotted.</p>
<p>But ... damn. DAMN</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qKyApEgaAh0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>When your offense is lacking in any sort of confidence or swagger, you might want to give the ball to that guy a few times, just to see what happens. He's done nothing with his handoffs, and he certainly doesn't have any sort of one-crease-and-go burst that Ish Witter doesn't have. And yes, on one of his two catches, he was wide open enough for you or me to gain 50 yards on the play. Still ... you might want to let him prove he can't carry this offense for short amounts of time. In the total lack of other answers, it doesn't appear there's any harm in giving him a shot.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>So how does Mizzou dig out of this? By playing better. I wish I had a more dramatic answer. I wish I could shout "Start Lock and Hunt and five new linemen!" and have it be anything more than cathartic. But it wouldn't be. Mizzou's offense will improve when the guys atop the depth chart play better. And when a certain running back in the #32 jersey gets healthy.</p>
<p>Sure, the play-calling could be a little more helpful in the short-term. I expected (hoped) to see more option -- both of the zone read and speed varieties -- than we have to date, and there's no question that Mizzou's second fourth-down play call in the fourth quarter on Saturday (the one that resulted in Ish Witter getting stoned for no gain) didn't play to Mizzou's strengths. But at some point, you have to simply be better than the man you're playing against. Mizzou's offensive players haven't been. And those opponents are about to start getting better.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YpTeUm5eq3c" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.rockmnation.com/mizzou-football-2015/2015/9/21/9359511/missouri-offense-maty-mauk-gary-pinkel-josh-hensonBill Connelly