Linebacker Michael Scherer likely played his last snap as a Missouri Tiger on Saturday.
Early in the first quarter against Middle Tennessee State, Scherer suffered an injury later confirmed as a torn right ACL and MCL, a source close to the senior linebacker said Monday night.
Coach Barry Odom did not have news on Scherer’s injury at his press conference Monday afternoon, but he said he would receive more information that evening.
Scherer, a redshirt senior, started on the Tigers’ defense for three consecutive seasons. He registered 266 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss in his time at Missouri.
His production will be missed, but the Tigers may miss his leadership even more. Without Scherer on Saturday, Missouri gave up 584 yards in a 51-45 loss to Middle Tennessee State, the most points the Tigers have given up in a nonconference home game since 1932.
“It was tough on us,” linebacker Cale Garrett said after the game. “He is a vocal leader and is the quarterback on our defense.”
When Scherer returned to the field later in the game donning street clothes with a crutch under each armpit, the reaction of his teammates signified the injury’s severity. Teammate after teammate came to console a visibly distraught Scherer. Many hugged him and offered him words of encouragement.
“Whenever you see someone go down like him, especially someone like him, you have to say something to him,” defensive end Charles Harris said. “He’s the motor behind our defense.”
When Scherer exited the game, Brandon Lee replaced him. Another player who might fill his spot in the lineup is Joey Burkett, who has started at points in 2016.
“[Scherer] has been a hell of a player and a tremendous leader,” Odom said after the game on Saturday. “He is an unbelievable kid.”
_Edited by Nancy Coleman | ncoleman@themaneater.com_