The 1983 NC State basketball model of “Survive and Advance,” applied to the Missouri Tigers this past weekend at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t clean, and at the same time it was a 23-17 double OT victory in the Tigers’ first SEC road game of the season.
After Mizzou coach Drinkwitz opened his press conference Tuesday with the positives, he was just as willing to talk about the negatives of last Saturday.
“Our team needs to work this week to improve, get better,” Drinkwitz said. “We have to play with better pad level, we’ve got to play with better footwork on the offensive line and our second step. We have to be more accurate in our throws. We have to be better in pass protection, at the running back position, our defense has to take better tracking angles and we can't commit penalties that lead to extended drives.”
2.78 average yards on the ground correlated to 24 carries and 58 total yards for Missouri’s lead back, Ahmad Hardy. The defensive line of Auburn, attacking the opening drive, sometimes left Mizzou in a place of second and forever, specifically on the first drive of the game.
“I would say we just need to be better,” Mizzou offensive lineman Keegan Trost said. “We need to play more physical, make sure we're all on the same page…winning our one on one matchups starts with me.”
On the other side of the ball, Mizzou equally caused havoc for Jackson Arnold and Co, including linebacker Josiah Trotter and defensive end Zion Young. Auburn’s final play of the game on 4th & 8, was defined by Trotter’s leap over Auburn running back Jeremaih Cobb, sacking Arnold and clinching a win for Mizzou.
"It kind of just happened, honestly," Trotter explained Tuesday. "I just saw the QB behind him and was just like, 'F it, I'm just going to jump.'"
Trotter also reflected on his decision to transfer to Missouri, emphasizing the defensive scheme and the coaching under former linebacker coach D.J. Smith as key factors.
“When I was in the portal, I wanted a place where I could win championships and keep growing as a player,” he said. “Coach Smith and this scheme have helped me develop as a run defender and pass rusher. I’ve grown in all areas of my game.”
The Tigers’ defense has been central to Missouri’s 6–1 start and ascent to No. 15 in the AP Poll. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz said earlier this week that the team needs improvement up front — particularly in pass protection — but praised the defense for its consistency in critical moments.
Saturday’s matchup at Vanderbilt is more than another SEC test. It’s a symbol of the sport’s shifting balance, as both Mizzou and Vandy — programs once written off as middle-tier — find themselves in the national spotlight.