Tigers Look to Forget About Off-Field Incidents as They Take on Texas Tech

Considering last week’s defensive shutdown of Texas, combined with the recent struggles of the Red Raiders, it would seem obvious coming into this Saturday’s game that the two programs are headed in opposite directions, despite sharing 5-5 records. However, the Tigers have been forced to deal with a multitude of bad happenings throughout the week that has the team in a state of confusion and in shock leading into the senior day matchup.

First, it was the devastating news of Henry Josey’s season-ending injury that figured to alter Mizzou’s game plan. Josey, who began the year as a backup behind Kendial Lawrence, had emerged into one of the nation’s top running backs, and even earned himself consideration for the Doak Walker Award. While the rushing attack will undoubtedly take a hit, keep in mind that Lawrence, the team’s original starting running back, is capable of handling a starter’s workload. In addition, expect Lawrence to be highly motivated for the final few games of the season, as he will look to prove those who believe the running game will disintegrate without Josey wrong.

Then on Wednesday night, Coach Gary Pinkel was given a DWI and suspended for Saturday’s game. For a coach with such high moral standards, and an active member of anti-drunk driving groups, the news came as a shock to everyone across Tiger nation. For now, Defensive Coordinator Dave Steckel will serve as the temporary head coach in Pinkel’s absense, but the entire chemistry and balance of the team will be off kilter without their head man on the sidelines. Pinkel’s actions couldn’t have come at a worse time, as the last thing the Tigers wanted was a distraction like this, as they need at least one win to become bowl eligible, although winning both games would secure a spot in a much better bowl game.

There is a game to be played, however, and the Tigers must show up. On the other hand, there’s no telling if the Red Raider offense will show up or not. After scoring no fewer than 34 points in each of their first 7 games, Tech has scored a combined 33 points in their last three games. As the season progresses, it has increasingly seemed as though the victory over Oklahoma was simply a fluke. After all, the Red Raiders only squeaked past Nevada by one at home and struggled in putting away Kansas on the road. Besides their wins in Lawrence and Norman, Tech has dropped their other five conference contests by a combined 138 points.

But in looking at the matchup, the Red Raider offense looks to have the edge over the Tigers’, as their pass-heavy offense will look to exploit a weak Mizzou secondary. But similar to the team’s performance as a whole, the passing attack has sputtered as well so far in November. On this likely blustery and chilly afternoon, it will be interesting to see if quarterback Seth Doege and the rest of the offense can move the ball effectively on the Tigers.

Offensively for Mizzou, quarterback James Franklin and the rest of the unit should prosper against a Red Raider defense that has been torched in just about every game, even though they will not have the services of Josey. With the exception of the first two games of the season, when Tech played a pair of subpar opponents, they have given up at least 34 points in every contest.

If the Tigers can focus on these factors instead of their off the field issues, they should be able to put away the Red Raiders with ease. Expect the seniors to show a lot of passion in their final game at Faurot Field, as they will look to guide the team to another season of bowl eligibility.