The Missouri Tigers earned their third win of the season against UConn, making their magic number three. That is, three wins to bowl eligibility.
Looking at the aftermath of some of today’s earlier games, the Tigers’ schedule makes me feel a little more optimistic. That’s not to say that Missouri has become better than its remaining opponents, but it seems to be playing better. More on that, later.
Tonight, Missouri won in consecutive weeks, which, interestingly, ended UConn’s two-game win streak. Overall, the Tigers looked good against the Huskies.
Defensively, Missouri did what it was supposed to do. In the first half, the Tigers limited the Huskies to five points. In the second half, the defense allowed UConn one touchdown.
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Most of us would agree, that the defense’s play was against a poor offense, but the Tigers executed, and that’s all we can ask of them. On the other hand, Connecticut’s offense was touted as being very good on passing downs, which is Missouri’s weakest area of defense.
On offense, Missouri was on fire, scoring points through the air and on the ground. Of note, quarterback Drew Lock tied with West Virginia quarterback Will Grier for most touchdown passes in the country, at 28.
Drew Lock now tied with Will Grier for the most TD passes in the country at 28.
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) October 29, 2017
So now that Missouri has its third win of the season, which team remaining on the Tigers’ schedule can Mizzou overpower? If the defensive front is able to create plays like it did tonight, and the offense plays as well as it has the last two games, then the odds of the Tigers collecting three more wins goes up.
Next: Mizzou can salvage its season
If I were a betting man, which, admittedly, I’m usually not good at, I’d say Missouri has its best chances to win against Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas. Mizzou might be able to upset Florida next weekend, but coming off their embarrassing loss, I’m not touching the Gators.