Missouri Tigers Vs. Kentucky Wildcats Preview
The Missouri Tigers leaped several places from the basement into third place in the Southeastern East Conference after consecutive conference wins over Vanderbilt and 25th-ranked South Carolina.
The Tigers need to be careful not to overlook Kentucky. The Wildcats come to Columbia, Missouri on Saturday, November 5th, and will face a Tigers team full of momentum. Mizzou is healthier than they have been all year, and for the first time this year, riding a winning streak. One that carries a lot of importance as their last two victories were against conference opponents.
The Missouri Tigers will look to build on quarterback, Brady Cook’s confidence. Cook posted his best game in a pressure situation, last Saturday against the South Carolina Gamecocks. His poise and lack of mistakes stood out as the difference in the game. The Missouri Tigers’ defense has carried the team most of the season, but in The Mayor’s Cup, finally, Mizzou won on the strength of their offense.
Brady Cook was not the only player that shined offensively. Cody Schrader finished with 81 rushing yards on 22 attempts and added 32 receiving yards on 2 receptions. With the game on the line, the Missouri Tigers turned to Schrader, carrying the ball on ten consecutive downs, putting the game away, and giving Eli Drinkwitz that signature win he has been so desperately seeking.
Wide receiver, Dominic Lovett had another stellar game, hauling in a career-best 10 catches for 148 yards, which included several big plays. Lovett was instrumental in moving the chains, and ensuring drives did not stall on third down.
Mizzou’s fast start on the road against the Gamecocks is exactly what they need this Saturday against the Kentucky Wildcats. Missouri lost three heartbreaking games in a row to Auburn, Georgia, and Florida. A common thread in those games was Mizzou’s inability to finish, and slow starts. The Tigers got a taste of what it is like to lead from start to finish against SEC competition, in games with Vanderbilt and South Carolina. They will look to do the same against Kentucky.
How the Missouri Tigers can beat the Kentucky Wildcats
· A run-heavy offense
· Convert on 50% or better of third-down attempts
· Win the special team’s battle
· Do not turn the ball over
If the Missouri Tigers can hit on at least three of the four bullet points above, I expect a lopsided score in favor of Mizzou.
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