What Went Wrong? Analyzing Missouri Tigers Heart-stopping OT Loss at Auburn

After beginning behind an early 14-0 deficit, the Missouri Tigers clawed their means again to even with Auburn at 14-14 by the top of regulation. The protection continued their sturdy efficiency, holding Auburn to a subject objective on their first possession of extra time. It actually seemed like Missouri was the higher staff and would cost into the top zone for victory, which they virtually did.

However then, disaster. As Nathaniel Peat prolonged the ball to cross the airplane of the objective line and safe a Tiger victory, the ball slipped. It bounced ahead, not out of bounds to the close by sideline, and was recovered in the long run zone by Auburn to finish the sport.

The ball, and the sport, slipped proper out of their grasp. Now at 2-2, Mizzou has loads to consider. Earlier than his pricey fumble, Peat had racked up 110 yards, and it seemed like Missouri was discovering success because the extra bodily staff. Sadly, missteps and missed alternatives proceed to carry the Tigers again, which is not excellent heading into the thick of their convention schedule.

Missouri hosts No. 1 Georgia subsequent Saturday, Oct. 1, and that might get ugly if the Tigers do not clear issues up. Then they’re going to face Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee, all ranked groups, in three of the subsequent 5 video games after that. After failing to beat an Auburn squad that performed their second and third-string quarterbacks within the recreation, how can Missouri bounce again in opposition to harder opponents?

For starters, they should rating extra factors. Had the protection not pitched a shutout for the final three quarters, the Tigers did not stand an opportunity at getting again on this recreation. 

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz continues to permit wide-out Luther Burden III, who’s arguably the very best offensive weapon on the roster, to be a non-factor in video games. Burden had one contact on the day, which was a three-yard punt return. Why is not Missouri making any obvious effort to get him the ball? Regardless of the case, it must be addressed.

Quarterback Brady Prepare dinner seemed common, ending with 179 yards passing and an interception, and that may simply be what sort of subject normal he’s. And not using a official passing assault although, Missouri’s run recreation simply will not work. Both means, one factor is obvious, Missouri’s playmakers want the ball, they usually have not gotten it practically sufficient. 

The Tigers additionally misplaced each the penalty (seven penalties for 45 yards) and turnover battle to Auburn, giving the ball up twice and posting no takeaways. It is robust to win a recreation with out successful both of these classes and it is clear that psychological errors are persevering with to plague this staff.

On the intense aspect, the Missouri protection did look SEC-ready (albeit in opposition to a backup quarterback for a rebuilding program) and had it not been for 3 fourth-down conversions, would possible have held Auburn to even fewer factors. They will need to be the driving drive for this squad going ahead in the event that they wish to have any influence on this yr’s convention image. 

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