The Tigers have started the year 4-0 after winning their first SEC Conference match up of the year vs South Carolina, 29-20. While a nine point win (that covered the spread) sounds great, it was not as great as the score shows.
The Gamecocks held the lead for the first three quarters and lost, simply by beating themselves. They totaled 14 penalties for nearly 100 yards that killed many important drives. Restarting of downs and moving backwards lead to poor decision making and no momentum to move the ball on the ground, in a tough, road, environment.
The Tigers outmatched the Gamecocks 285 yards to -9 yards rushing which became the overall factor in the Tigers rivalry match up.
#SouthCarolina finished the contest last night with -9 rushing yards.#Mizzou outran them slightly, totaling 285 yards 🤯
— TorresOnMizzou (@TorresOnMizzou) September 21, 2025
This team.#MIZ
Where Mizzou about lost this game was Sellers exposing their weak secondary.
Sellers, though initially looked as if he wouldn't be able to go, went 18/28 for 302 yards and a pair of scores. The tough Mizzou defensive line put pressure on him all game and only allowed 28 yards on the ground from the duel threat QB.
However, when Sellers was able to escape the pocket or work downfield, he was electric. Six out of the seven receivers averaged 14 or more yards a catch and three receivers had longs over 30.
The main highlight was his 49 yard deep bomb touchdown to Vandrevious Jacobs. The Mizzou secondary did not protect over the top well at all and got burnt multiple times from it.
They did defend star wide receiver Nyck Harbor, who only caught three passes all game, but with a tough conference schedule quickly approaching, they'll have to figure it out soon.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has already addressed the issue and indicated this is the top priority to get corrected. It will have to be with several star receivers slated against the Tigers going forward.
Alabama superstar Ryan Williams and impact player Germie Benard, the duo of Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr. at Auburn, duo of KC Concepcion and Mario Craver at Texas A&M, and elite quarterback play from Ty Simpson, Marcel Reed, and John Mateer, who's expected to return to action by the time the Sooners face Mizzou in early November.
If Drinkwitz can correct this glaring issue going forward, the Tigers might have the best defense in the entire country. If both sides of the ball are firing off at this level, Mizzou will very well be in playoff contention, with a strong chance to take home the conference crown.