The No. 14-ranked Missouri Tigers took on the No. 8-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the Tigers’ second ranked game of the season. Despite late efforts from the Tigers, the Tide prevailed as the game ended with a final score of 27-24. Here are some of the key takeaways from the matchup.
Third down struggles
One of Missouri’s biggest shortcomings was its inability to convert on third and fourth down. The Tigers were 1-for-10 on third down –– its only conversion coming in the second quarter. To make matters worse, both of Missouri’s turnovers were interceptions on third downs.
On their first four attempts at converting on third down in this game, the Crimson Tide did so, going 4-for-4 to begin the game. After those first two drives, however, Missouri adjusted and turned Alabama’s success into failure. The Tigers then went 2-for-11 on third downs for the remainder of the game, causing Alabama to score on just three of their nine drives in that time.
Defense shines despite scoreline
Missouri’s defense excelled in this matchup versus the Tide. The Tigers forced a season low in passing yards for Alabama, with just 200 yards from junior quarterback Ty Simpson. Missouri also added a good amount of pressure to Simpson, with 10 quarterback hurries, including four sacks. Two sacks came from junior defensive end Damon Wilson II.
Tigers lose possession battle
Alabama dominated the time of possession in this game, as they had the ball for 17 more minutes than the Tigers. The Crimson Tide ran 75 plays in this game, compared to the Tigers’ 56 plays.
Rushing attack leaves questions about play-calling
Three ball carriers for Missouri went for at least 50 yards, including sophomore running back Ahmad Hardy, sophomore running back Jamal Roberts and graduate quarterback Beau Pribula. Hardy had his season low in rushing yards with just 52, however he still averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Hardy got only 12 carries in the game, which is his lowest on the year. His second lowest came in Week one against Central Arkansas.
Off day for Pribula
Missouri struggled to move the ball through the air as Pribula experienced season worsts. Pribula had his second lowest number of completions in a game at 16 and recorded his season low in passing yards with 167. He also got his season high in interceptions at two, which led to a season low in QBR at 116.5.
Missouri resumes play Saturday, Oct. 18, when they take on Auburn in their first away game of the season.
Edited by Colin Simmons l [email protected]
Copy edited by Ava Mohror | [email protected]
Edited by Alex Gribb | [email protected]
