Missouri Football: Could the Tigers have started the season undefeated?

The Missouri Tigers have only lost two games this season. Could Mizzou have been undefeated heading into Saturday’s game at Alabama?

Earlier this week, Alabama head coach Nick Saban offered an interesting quote: “Mizzou could very easily be 5-0.” The Tigers started strong, winning their first three games of the season, including a fairly solid “revenge” game at Purdue, even though it was also decided at the end.

In their fourth week, the Tigers struggled against Georgia in the first half, but tried to keep the Bulldogs in check over the second half. Mizzou lost by two touchdowns, but the game was much closer than the final score.

Against Georgia, officials called two game-changing penalties that cost the Tigers dearly, when a receiver for the Bulldogs seemed to drop the ball behind him as he crossed the goal line for a cheap touchdown, and negated a Tigers’ touchdown. Had those two calls been reversed, Missouri potentially wins the game, and sits at 4-0 going into their bye week.

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Coming out of their bye week, Mizzou traveled to South Carolina, where another game filled with a calamity of errors ensued. The Tigers missed at least four opportunities to score touchdowns, settling for field goals. While I agree, three points are better than a punt or a turnover, this team has the talent to execute touchdowns.

In both of the Tigers’ losses, the games were close. Missouri has to get better at not beating itself, and not allowing officials to decide the outcome of close games. Alabama will not be as forgiving.

All-in-all, as I’ve said time and again, Missouri has a talented football team. Tigers’ quarterback Drew Lock has a promising future in the NFL, and I think he has the football IQ to succeed at the next level.

Mizzou’s running backs are a threat to any team in the conference once they find the open field, but also fight for yards to find the open field. The Tigers also have more reliable receivers than in recent years, as the younger guys have developed and are more comfortable in their skill set.

The Tigers have earned one “ugly” win, and two “pretty” losses so far this season. Those two losses very easily could have been wins, but for some of the outside factors Mizzou struggled against.

While the flattery from Saban is nice, it doesn’t amount to a hill of beans if Missouri fails to execute and win the close games. The Tigers have to minimize their mistakes and play to win. Indeed, 5-0 was attainable.