Missouri has lost both of their games this season by double digits, but they have shown flashes of potential all over the field. If the stars align, and the Tigers clean up their game, they could shock No.17 LSU
Hosting LSU and trying to come out victorious isn’t easy for anyone, especially Mizzou. In fact, the last time Mizzou played LSU, they were crushed 42-7. This year, Missouri will play host to their fellow Tigers following LSU’s flawless championship run.
However, between the draft, transfers, out outs due to COVID, etc., LSU lost 31 players from that elite team.
This was showcased in LSU’s season opening loss to Mississippi State, a game where KJ Costello threw for over 600 yards on Ed Orgeron’s defense.
The Tigahs were able to bounce back this past week with a 41-7 shellacking of Vanderbilt, but obviously they aren’t the same team they were last season.
LSU’s pass defense was shredded in week one, and Vanderbilt had some success on the ground against them in week two. They have holes, and that’s where Missouri must attack.
So, here is what has to go right for Mizzou to pull off an improbable upset.
Find the hot hand at QB
It was very evident early on against Tennessee that Robinson was struggling. To start the second quarter, head coach Eli Drinkwitz handed the offense to Connor Bazelak, who looked very good.
Drink has to find out who the hot hand is very early on. Mizzou will not be able to afford wasted possessions. Once either of the QBs finds any kind of rhythm, stick with him.
Given Costello’s performance against LSU, Bazelak’s superior arm talent should have him behind center in Baton Rouge.
Catch the ball
Missouri had two chances against Tennessee that were soiled by drops. Jalen Knox dropped what would’ve been a first down catch inside the 5-yard line. Mizzou had to settle for a field goal. Later on, Dominic Gicento torched the Volunteer defense and Bazelak dropped the ball right into his hands.
With nothing but green in front of him, Gicento drops the ball.
Missouri can not afford to miss out on easy opportunities against a top 20 team. Jalen Knox needs to make plays from the slot, Hazelton needs to show off his deep threat abilities, and Keke Chism needs to do something, as he has been locked up for two straight weeks.
Start hot, feed Rountree
Larry Rountree has been fantastic through two weeks, but Missouri gets in early holes and is forced to throw the ball. They need to start hot so they can utilize Rountree throughout the whole game.
Neither of Missouri’s quarterbacks are prepared to lead this team to an upset win without a run game backing them up.
Rountree is averaging nearly five yards per carry this year, and he needs to get going early if the Tigers stand a chance.
P.S.
DEFENSIVE LINE, PLEASE SHOW UP