Truman's Tales
Fansided

Mizzou’s new look defense shines in first game, despite loss of several pieces

Though the Tigers were sad to lose over half of their starting defensive players to the NFL draft after a historic season last year, the message hasn’t changed for the defense — and neither have the numbers.

By Charley Duffin

Mizzou cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. celebrates after incredible pick 6, his first career touchdown.
Mizzou cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. celebrates after incredible pick 6, his first career touchdown. / Denny Medley-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Missouri Tigers had one of their most impressive seasons ever in 2023, winning 12 games, including a Cotton Bowl victory against Ohio State, and showing dominance on both sides of the ball. The defense was particularly outstanding, ranking among the top 10 in Power 5 schools in both sacks and tackles for loss, with several players recording multiple interceptions.

It's hard to imagine a team full of young players with little experience living up to the high expectations set for them. Yet, that's exactly what the Tigers' defense accomplished in Week 1 last Thursday night.

The defensive line performed exceptionally well against a veteran Murray State offensive line, forcing 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. One standout player, Khalil Jacobs, a junior transfer from South Alabama, contributed with a sack, a tackle for loss, and several other tackles throughout the game.

The defense forced two turnovers—a fumble recovery and an early interception, which was returned for a Mizzou touchdown by highly touted junior Toriano Pride Jr. The former Clemson defensive back made an athletic play, jumping the route of wide receiver J'Kalon Carter, staying in bounds, and dodging two defenders on his way to a 25-yard interception return touchdown.

The confidence that Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz, his staff, and the fans have in these players speaks volumes about why they were able to perform at such a high level. The hope is that they can maintain this standard throughout the rest of the season and, if all goes well, carry it into the newly expanded playoffs.

Following an impressive showing in last week's shutout win against the Racers, Coach Drinkwitz commented on the talent and potential of the defense, offering a glimpse into what this unit could accomplish throughout the season.

“We feel really good about both the depth and the quality of talent among the front seven [defensively],” Drinkwitz declared in a press conference. “I think that rotation will continue, because we just don’t see a drop-off in talent.”

Seeing a coaching staff this confident in a defense made up of new faces is incredibly encouraging for both the fanbase and the players themselves. The defense is deep, with a long list of guys Coach Drinkwitz knows he can rely on to help bring Mizzou back to the top this season.

Home/Football