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3 keys to a Mizzou victory over Oklahoma on Saturday

By Zach Sweet

Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Pyne (6) hands off to running back Marcus Carroll (9) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Pyne (6) hands off to running back Marcus Carroll (9) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images / Will McLelland-Imagn Images
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The Missouri Tigers (6-2, 2-2 SEC) will have a chance for a major bounce-back game Saturday against Oklahoma (5-4, 1-4 SEC).

Fresh off a bye week, Mizzou hopes to have quarterback Brady Cook back to full health. Cook exited the 34-0 loss to Alabama with an apparent hand injury, just a week after sustaining a lower-body injury against Auburn.

Hampered by injuries and road struggles so far this season, the Tigers have a prime opportunity to rebound as the Sooners visit for a night game at Faurot Field.

To secure the victory, Mizzou must focus on these three key areas.

1. Get the ball in Luther Burden's hands

Mizzou boasts one of the most talented players in college football, but they have struggled to get him the ball. Luther Burden is coming off his worst performance since his freshman year, during Week 2 against Kansas State. In their most recent game against Alabama, the star receiver had just 3 receptions for 3 yards. That level of production won’t cut it if Mizzou wants to stay competitive. Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore must find ways to get Burden involved, even if backup quarterback Drew Pyne is playing. If Burden can make an impact early, it will give Mizzou its best chance at securing a win on Saturday.

2. Run the ball efficiently

This next key to victory is straightforward, as it has been the deciding factor in Mizzou’s wins and losses this season: the running game. The Tigers have averaged 171.6 rushing yards per game but have fallen short of that mark in the past two weeks. They managed just 81 yards against Auburn, and it took 40 rush attempts to reach 167 yards at Alabama. Nate Noel has been battling lower-body injuries and back tightness for weeks. If Mizzou can establish the ground game, it will simplify the offense and provide a better opportunity for whichever quarterback takes the field.

3. Can't settle for field goals

Mizzou has struggled all season to punch the ball into the end zone. Even when the offense moves the ball effectively, the Tigers often settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. This issue dates back to last season, marked by their inability to score consistently in the red zone. While they have scored on 26 of 29 red zone trips, only 18 resulted in touchdowns—an efficiency rate of 62%. That won't be enough to compete in this conference. To defeat Oklahoma, Mizzou must convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns rather than settling for field goals.

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