Missouri Football: Tigers need simple game plan for Alabama
There aren’t many teams that can come up with a master plan to beat Alabama. Few have tried and succeeded, and this year, Missouri is not one of them.
Historically, the Missouri Tigers have won two games played against Alabama, but that last win was a long time ago. This game is not an easy match-up for any team.
The best plan for Mizzou is to leave the game with as few injuries as possible. On Saturday, wide receivers Emanuel Hall and Nate Brown are not expected to play.
On Tuesday afternoon, Dave Matter, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, via via Twitter, said Barry Odom expects those players who missed Saturday’s game at South Carolina to return to action this week. He also believes receiver Richaud Floyd may return to the field, as well.
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Certainly, the addition of healthy bodies will be a welcome sight for Mizzou, but as much as it pains me to say, this game isn’t a “must win” in the sense that South Carolina was. Realistically, a win over Georgia could have been Mizzou’s capstone win of the season.
While the possibility of a Tigers win on Saturday is a mere dream, it’s still quite alright to pull for an upset; however, expectations should be tempered, given the state of the team’s defensive secondary and seeming inability to cover the open backfield.
Misosuri’s defensive front has played well through at least three quarters of a game, but the secondary has offered very little to stalwart the defensive front’s efforts. Simply stated, the defensive unit as a whole, is unable to play a full four quarters.
The defensive front has done well pressing quarterbacks and limiting opposing offenses on the ground, but its biggest test will come in Tuscaloosa. Alabama fields, by many opinions, a team that could likely compete in the NFL.
On offense, the Tigers have a three-headed monster of running backs in Damarea Crockett, Larry Rountree, and Tyler Badie. How Missouri works them into the game plan remains to be seen, but it’s possible that the Tigers’ plan won’t change much.
Next. Is Barry Odom on the hot seat?. dark
The main goal Missouri should set on Saturday is to “get out alive.” The Tigers may try to be competitive in the beginning, but as happens with most teams who play Bama, the Tigers will be another casualty. On the bright side, Mizzou is in good company.