The Tigers fell to 2-2 this week, but shouldn't lose any of their pride. If anything they should be chomping at the bit to face the Sooners next year.
The Tigers came out and shocked the nation by taking the lead 7-0, the first lead to be held by an opponent in Norman since 2007 (when the Tigers visited, then under Chase Daniel). Missouri played extremely well, and with passion. Perhaps our guest writer Tyson Hunt was right about one thing - these Tigers don't know anything about how you "have to lose in Norman." The Tigers quickly scored again and held a 14 to 3 lead late in the first quarter. That lead was enough to wake up the startled Sooners.
Jones led his team to four straight unanswered touchdowns to take a 31 to 14 lead. Despite Jones' two interceptions, he finished the day with 448 passing yards and 3 TD's. Mizzou played much better than most in the nation expected, it's just extremely difficult to stop a team like Oklahoma. Very few offenses of a similar style can hang with the Sooners, and it would take a defense like that of LSU or Alabama to shut it down. (SEC beatdown in the National Title, anyone?)
But the Tigers weren't ready to quit after trailing by three scores. Running back Josey took an option pitch 48 yards into the end zone, showcasing his exceptional speed and acceleration. Josey, an instrumental part of Mizzou's near-comeback in the desert two weeks ago, finished the day with 133 yards. It will be exciting for Tiger fans to watch this explosive player develop. Franklin looked remarkably poised and led his team well considering the hostility of the environment, especially on Mizzou's first scoring drive. However he finished the day with just 16 completions in 33 attempts, but for a respectable 291 yards. He did put up an impressive 103 rushing yards and 2 TD's on the ground, but it was not enough to earn a W. After Josey's TD burst, the Sooners marched down the field and scored again. The Tigers showed heart, coming up with another TD late in the fourth, but it was too little too late. The Sooners prevailed 38-28.
An interesting factor to consider in this game, one that will undoubtedly leave a sour taste in the mouths of Tiger fans, is two missed field goals by Grant Ressel. Ressel missed a 40+ yarder two weeks ago that would have edged Missouri past the Sun Devils, and missed two 40+ yarders against Oklahoma. This is very uncharacteristic of Ressel, a very talented kicker who obviously needs to regain his confidence. Two field goals would have cut this 10 point game to 4, and could have led to very inspired play by the Tiger D following Josey's score. A 4 point game also would have put Missouri into position for an on-side kick following the late score. It's unlikely, but not impossible. Those extra 6 points could have made this a different game.
But the loss can't be blamed on the kicker. While Missouri did play exceptionally well, there are a few factors that need to be addressed if they hope for success in the future, factors that directly contributed to their loss in Norman:
1. Add Wrinkles - The offensive minds of Missouri needed to get a little more creative to score on this Sooners defense. The commentators on FX said it perfectly after one easily snuffed out run by Franklin: "They went to the well one too many times with that play." Unfortunately Mizzou kept going back to the well, and were turned away again and again. Franklin may have put up 103 yards on the ground, but he was stopped just as many times, as the Sooners could easily see it coming. The zone read and QB sneak were entirely too popular. As Franklin develops as a passer, hopefully Pinkel can throw in more offensive wrinkles to keep defenses on their heels.
2. Franklin (Understandably) Needs More Experience - Franklin was very impressive as far as his poise and leadership. But a basic element of his play needs improvement for additional Tiger success: making plays when rolling out of the pocket. Maybe it was the exceptional ability of OU defensive backs to cover receivers, but every time Franklin rolled out of the pocket or was flushed out by the pass rush, he looked lost, and ended up throwing the ball away. Tiger fans, don't jump my case, this is an improvement. Franklin had zero turnovers, and is being smart with the football. In game one he would have looked to run when forced out of the pocket, and he has already learned to keep his eyes downfield instead. He has already learned to throw the ball away instead of forcing passes. But in order to beat a team like the Sooners, he needs to be able to make plays happen on the move.
3. Involve Egnew - For some reason, pre-season all-American tight end Michael Egnew didn't have a touch until the fourth quarter last Saturday. During the reign of Chase Daniel, Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman, exceptional 6' 6" tight ends, were frequently used weapons that contributed to many wins. If the Tigers expect to win against talented teams like Oklahoma, they need to employ their own talent much more effectively.
The Tigers are a lot tougher than their 2-2 record would suggest, but still have a ways to go before they can win once every, say, 10 years against OU instead of every 20.
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