The win came off the backs of an incredible defensive performance, alongside a strong run game and showing from quarterback Brady Cook.
Through shutdown defense and an impressive victory in the trenches, the Missouri Tigers pulled away from South Dakota early, never giving an opportunity for the Coyotes to recover. Coming into the game there were questions surrounding this season for the Tigers, with hope that this game could address them. What answers can we pull from this game and what will we see moving forward?
The Tiger’s Defense Pounced
After fierce play up-front and a lockdown secondary allowed just 196 total yards against South Dakota, the takeaway here is clear, the Tigers defense was incredible. It is that simple. South Dakota’s bright spots on offense could be counted on a single hand. A big part of that was the phenomenal play of junior defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. who finished the game with six total tackles, including four solo tackles, 0.5 sacks and a tackle for a loss.
Linebacker Dameon Wilson and defensive linebacker Johnny Walker Jr. tackle a South Dakota player on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Columbia. South Dakota would not earn a point until the second quarter with a 40 yard field goal.
The Tigers allowed just six yards through the first two South Dakota drives setting the tone for the rest of the game. Stuffing the run early and often became a trend for Missouri’s defense, allowing just 16 rushing yards through the first half. The dominance displayed by the Tigers run defense didn’t end in the first half, as South Dakota finished the game with only 38 yards on the ground. This wasn’t due to a lack of trying by the Coyotes, who ran the ball 35 total times for an average of just 1.09 yards per carry. To put that in perspective, the least efficient running team in the country last year was Boston College, who averaged 2.1 yards per carry. Missouri’s defense controlled the line of scrimmage and stopped the Coyotes running backs before they could get started the entire night.
The passing game was not easy for South Dakota early as former four star quarterback Aidan Bouman only racked up 46 total passing yards through the first 30 minutes. Missouri’s secondary softened in the second half, allowing South Dakota a still impressive 110 yards passing. The Coyotes scored their only touchdown of the night on a play that saw South Dakota leak an uncovered Running Back out of the backfield for a score. Besides that play, any yards gained by South Dakota through the air did not come easy. The Coyotes’ receivers were forced to make tough catches all game long, looking for any chance at moving the ball. There were flags and simple mistakes in the secondary that will need to be cleared before SEC play, but the Tigers secondary performed admirably.
Through the first half the Tigers defense held the Coyotes to a measly 62 yards and 5 first downs in the first half. The Tigers allowed just 194 yards the entire game. The Tigers managed to hold the Coyotes to just three points through the first three quarters. To open the third quarter the Coyotes mounted a 17 play drive that took over eight minutes off of the clock, resulting in 41 yards allowed and 0 points surrendered. If not for a Harrison Mevis’ missed field goal and a Sam Horn interception that gave the Coyotes great starting field position, it is very possible that the Tigers defense would have denied South Dakota a touchdown. It remains to be seen how the defense stacks up against high-level FBS schools, but for now it’s safe to say the Tigers defense looks good.
The Running Back Duo Is The Right Move
Missouri ranked only 64th in rushing yards per game last year, but watching this game you never would’ve guessed it. From the very first play it was evident that this game would be won by the Tigers at the line of scrimmage. The first three plays of the game ended with the ball in the hands of Cody Schrader as the Tigers seemingly wanted to get him involved quickly. The Tigers offensive line dominated South Dakota despite the Coyotes strong linebackers, Stephen Hillis and Parker Fryar.
Nathaniel Peat and Cody Schrader played interchangeably in this game. Regardless of who was on the field, when the ball touched the hands of either running back the possibility of an explosive play was there. Peat was the first of the two on the scoreboard during the Tigers third possession of the game. Schrader added his own touchdown later in the game increasing the Tigers lead on a drive that defined not only his game, but the entire running game as a whole. From the start both running backs played tough, shrugging-off would-be tacklers regardless of whether the ball was up the middle or bounced to the outside.
A referee signals a touchdown after Missouri earns their second touchdown of the night on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Columbia. Missouri would later beat South Dakota 35-10.
Missouir’s running back system, if executed as it was in this game, will be key to SEC play. Allowing both running backs to be healthier and fresher will pay dividends against top schools in the country. Schrader finished the game with 148 yards and a touchdown on the ground, while averaging over 8 yards per carry. Nathaniel Peat finished with a more modest 52 yards and a touchdown on the ground, but added 34 yards through the air to add onto his stat line.
Brady Cook Shines in Opening Game
The biggest question coming into this game was undeniably determining a primary quarterback. The battle between three-star returning quarterback Brady Cook and four-star recruit Sam Horn was on the forefront of everybody’s mind coming into this game.
Cook, coming off of a 13 start season, fought to retain his position as the starting quarterback for the Tigers, and he did not disappoint. While the game-play between new offensive coordinator Kirby Moore’s offense and South Dakota’s defense made for an intermediate to short passing game for Cook, he was efficient. It wasn’t until the second quarter that Cook finally threw his first incompletion which fell through the hands of Theo Wease Jr.
Wide receiver Mekhi Miller smiles after the first touchdown of the game on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Columbia. The touchdown was also the first of his professional career.
Cook started 9-9 with 70 yards and a touchdown in his first two drives. Cook then passed to Mekhi Miller for the Tigers first touchdown of the game. Cook developed to his secondary read as he said in his postgame interview, lofting the ball over a sitting linebacker right to Miller for the first score of the season. Cook’s connection with Luther Burden was apparent as they linked up six times on seven targets, totalling 81 yards in the first half alone, including a 30 yard dart from Cook in the second quarter. With 1:25 left in the second quarter, the audience got the first chance to see how Cook could play in an under two minute offense. Cook exceeded all expectations, going 83 yards in 52 seconds with just six plays. Cook finally scampered to the endzone for a 15 yard touchdown to cap off the impressive drive.
Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz stated in his post game interview that the quarterback decision won’t be made until the team watches tape. However, Cook certainly made an impression following his performance Thursday.
Edited by Chase Gemes | cgemes@themaneater.com
Copy Edited by Sterling Sewell | ssewell@themaneater.com