Missouri slipped to 10th place in this week’s AP Poll following a tough loss at home against South Carolina. Missouri fell five spots from last week, and last week’s opponent, South Carolina, jumped six spots to 14th. The Tigers are one of six SEC teams in the top 14 this week.
Many Mizzou fans were surprised to see the Tigers fall only five spots, but I think 10th is about right. Missouri shouldn’t be penalized too harshly for losing in double overtime to a ranked SEC opponent. I personally think South Carolina should have jumped up another spot or two higher in the polls this week, because when starting quarterback Connor Shaw returns for his team’s entire game next week, SC will be tough to beat.
Despite losing the perfect record, Missouri is still 7-1 and ranked in the top ten in the country at the end of October. If I would have predicted that kind of a start at the beginning of the season, nobody would have believed me. So after putting the loss last night in context with the accomplishments of the whole season, it doesn’t seem so bad. Remember, there was a time when Tiger fans were unsure if Mizzou could beat Indiana on the road.
Next week’s game against Tennessee becomes monumentally important for the Tigers. Will they come out flat against the Volunteers and struggle their way to another loss? Or will Mizzou come out like their pants are on fire and avenge the loss from last weekend, making a statement? We just don’t know. I hope its the second scenario, but we will have to wait for Saturday night to see.