Four takeaways from Missouri’s Border War victory

The 42-31 Border War win for Missouri moved the Tigers to 2-0 on the season and provided learning moments throughout. The run defense stood strong, the possession battle was won convincingly but penalty woes still need to be addressed. 

Run Defense Worries Silenced

A major concern coming into the game was how Missouri would hold up against Kansas’ run game after allowing 154 rush yards on 3.9 yards per attempt to Central Arkansas. Combine that with the Jayhawks’ rushing attack of quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Daniel Hishaw Jr., and it makes sense as the main worry for the defense. 

Not only did Corey Batoon’s defense alleviate this problem, they made it a non-factor. Kansas rushed for a total of 31 yards as a team and ended with 1.7 yards per rushing attempt.

“I thought we handled (Daniels) well in the run game,” head coach Eliah Drinkwitz said. “But honestly, there were too many holes (in the passing game), and he did a good job of picking those holes, so we’ll get it corrected.”

The Tigers’ pass rushers and run stoppers are to thank for this result. The defense had five tackles for loss and forced two fumbles. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Josiah Trotter stepped up and made five tackles––two of which were for losses.

Long Methodical Drives and Quick Stops

Missouri had a firm grip on the possession battle, winning 39:21-19:33. Kansas only had one drive last longer than four minutes; meanwhile, the Tigers had five. The strong rushing duo of sophomore Ahmad Hardy and redshirt sophomore Jamal Roberts weighed on the Jayhawks’ defense.

“I just figured with us having the time of possession advantage, 86 plays,” Drinkwitz said. “Those are body blows that are going to land on.”

Five of Missouri’s offensive possessions went longer than 70 yards, all of which ended in points on the board. The Tigers’ defense forced more three-and-outs despite the Jayhawks having a better average starting field position. 

Kansas held an average of five plays per drive and Missouri had an average of eight. The healthier balance of rushing and passing offense played a big factor in the Tigers’ narrow victory. 

Penalty Problems

The penalty yardage battle hasn’t gone Missouri’s way in both games this season. The total now stands at 14 penalties for 125 yards. 

The difference in penalties against the Jayhawks was six–two, playing a factor in a game where the Tigers controlled the stat sheet. The offensive line was at fault for the majority of Missouri’s penalty troubles, but that shouldn’t be worried about quite yet with three new starters and junior Cayden Green switching to left tackle this season.

Battle on Third and Fourth Down

After the Tigers’ sophomore starting kicker Blake Craig was placed on the IL for the remainder of the season with a torn left ACL, the offense found itself on the field for fourth downs more often. The offense attempted five fourth down conversions with an 80% success rate.

“My favorite [fourth-down conversion] was probably to Brett,” graduate quarterback Beau Pribula said. “Execution was mandatory.”

Missouri converted on 10-of-19 third downs compared to the Jayhawks’ 3-for-10 conversion rate. Being successful on these later downs was essential to the Tigers clawing back from a 21-6 deficit.

Missouri is now shifting its focus to Week 3 against Louisiana. The Ragin’ Cajuns will travel to Columbia for a 3 p.m. kickoff Saturday, Sept. 13. 

 

Edited by Killian Wright | [email protected]

Copy edited by Ava Mohror | [email protected] 

Edited by Chase Pray | [email protected]