We are just one day away from the start of the Missouri Tigers football season against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Escaping this game with a win and a healthy team are paramount.
Keys to A Healthy Victory
– For starters (no pun intended,) coach Eli Drinkwitz needs to make a decision early in the second half regarding starting quarterback, Brady Cook. If the Tigers get out in front early, as is expected, should Drinkwitz consider resting Cook at some point in the second half? Conventional wisdom says no.; let Cook continue to build confidence. Confidence that was clear in last year’s Armed Forces Bowl game. Despite a few mistakes, he was efficient. Finishing the game shows everyone that Brady Cook is the starter. The other side of the coin says no. If he is your starter, and conversations are had offline assuring him as such, the team should be comfortable bringing in Jack Abraham for some snaps and getting him acclimated to the team in live-game action. Barring injury it is unlikely Sam Horn or Tyler Macon see much action aside from play alternation, not full time play-calling against Louisiana Tech.
– Minimize Luther Burden between the tackles near the line. Once he is in open space after the catch, let him do his thing, but slants and inside passing should be kept at a minimum. Quick outs, sideline patterns, deep routes and posts are the safest plays. Luther has been hit his entire career, and will continue to be, but this is a new level of contact. Even though Louisiana Tech is not a powerhouse program, they are still a Division I team. There is no need risking your biggest prize this early in the season, in what should be a relatively easy game to win.
– Run the ball and rotate the running backs. Similar to the QB position, you do not need all hands on deck to win this game. While Louisiana Tech should not be taken for granted, this is not Alabama. Exiting the game healthy, especially at the skill positions is key to the Tigers’ success this season. The non-conference, ‘layup’ games must be handled with care. Tyler Badie’s departure means Elijah Young is ready to fly, but over-usage is not a requirement to beat the Bulldogs.
Game details:
Date: Thursday, September 1, 2022
Game time: 7:00 pm CST
Venue: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium
How to watch: https://www.fubo.tv/stream/college-football/?irad=399332& irmp=374356
More here: https://trumanstales.com/2022/08/11/important-home-opener-mizzou/