Truman's Tales
Fansided

Mizzou football: 5 key players moving forward in October

By Thomas Huitt-Johnson

COLUMBIA, MO - SEPTEMBER 21: Kelly Bryant #7 of the Missouri Tigers runs between T.J. Brunson #6 of the South Carolina Gamecocks and Ernest Jones #53 of the South Carolina Gamecocks at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - SEPTEMBER 21: Kelly Bryant #7 of the Missouri Tigers runs between T.J. Brunson #6 of the South Carolina Gamecocks and Ernest Jones #53 of the South Carolina Gamecocks at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 07: Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam #81 of the Missouri Tigers slips into the end zone for a touchdown against safety Josh Norwood #4 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 07: Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam #81 of the Missouri Tigers slips into the end zone for a touchdown against safety Josh Norwood #4 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Albert Okwuegbunam

The junior tight end has been unstoppable in the red zone.

Albert Okwuegbunam has four TDs this season, and probably could have more. During October, he’ll want to hook up with his quarterback more than he has been able to.

The tight end hasn’t gotten a lot of looks, but he’s been open. He only has 10 catches on the season, but four of those did go for six points. If he can get his hands on a few more footballs, it likely means the Tigers are getting into the end zone or getting first downs.

One of Albert O’s biggest plays this season was against South Carolina, where he caught a third down pass short of the markers, but showed off his future NFL presence by rumbling his way for a first down.

He’s tough to guard, and opposing defenses need to see more of him next month.

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 14: Linebacker Cale Garrett #47 of the Missouri Tigers intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Aaron Alston #85 of the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks and returns it for a touchdown during the first half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 14: Linebacker Cale Garrett #47 of the Missouri Tigers intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Aaron Alston #85 of the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks and returns it for a touchdown during the first half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Cale Garrett

The SEC Defensive Player of the Week has been awesome for the first month of the season.

Cale Garrett has 34 tackles, on pace to top his production from last year. He has a sack, an interception and two touchdowns.

His football IQ is off the charts, and it has showed. He helped move the Tigers defense all the way up to sixth in the nation in total defense.

Garrett has taken the new defensive formation and hasn’t missed a beat. Playing alongside the only other linebacker on the first unit in Nick Bolton, the the pair continue to make stops. Each have multiple turnovers and have scored a total of three touchdowns on the season.

Let’s hope that continues.

The rushing defense has been great. Mizzou hasn’t allowed a total of 100 yards on the ground the past three weeks. If that keeps happening, it will be tough to move the football on Garrett and Co.

Home/Football