Missouri Stands Strong in Defeat

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.    

Despite Loss, Tigers' Future is Bright

Well, it was close.

 

This was the kind of back-and-forth game that causes heartbreak for both sides throughout, but in the end it was the hearts of Tiger fans that were torn to pieces as Franklin's last pass in overtime fell into the corner of the end zone.  The Sun Devils endured with a 37-30 edge.  At the start of the 4th quarter, Arizona State held a 30-16 lead.  Franklin led the Mizzou offense down the field and scored twice to tie the game, and moved the ball again to set up a potential game-winning field goal from 48 yards out.  Pinkel's questionable decision to seemingly ice his own kicker, twice, (calling two timeouts just before the kick) undoubtedly outraged Mizzou fans.  But in the end the kick hooked left, and the captains headed onto the field for the overtime coin toss.  ASU went on offense first and hooked up for the score, and their defense held.  The Sun Devils won a heartbreaker in the desert.

- Questionable coaching leads to a missed FG that forced OT, ending what would have been a remarkable Tiger comeback.  The Sun Devils hang on 37-30.

Tiger fans are hurt.  They're confused.  Missouri's 22-game non-conference win streak is finally snapped.  But the outlook is not all bad.  Missouri recovers at home this week with what should be an easy victory over FCS opponent Western Illinois, and with the vastly improved play of QB Franklin, the offensive numbers should be more like what Tiger fans are used to.  Though the "1" in the loss column is a number Tiger fans haven't seen in the first four weeks of the season for a very long time.

- The Tiger's 22-game non-conference win streak is snapped.

The numbers were almost completely even, down the final score.  The Tigers had 24 first downs to ASU's 25, and outgained the Sun Devils just 501 to 492.  Both teams looked unimpressive on third down, each converting only 3 - though the Tigers faced 3rd down 15 times to ASU's 9.  Both teams also put up outrageous numbers in another category - penalty yards.  Missouri had 11 penalties for 114 yards, and ASU had 12 for 110.  With both teams giving up the length of the football field in penalties, flags undeniably contributed to the outcome of the game.  The Sun Devils have struggled with penalties and lost many close games because of it, but the same behavior is uncharacteristic of Missouri.  It allowed the Sun Devils to stay in the game despite their own foolish mistakes.  It was one such mistake - a muffed punt recovered by MU (right after ASU took a 14 point lead) - that led to Missouri's comeback.            

- After a muffed punt, ASU penalties kept a Mizzou touchdown drive alive, then stalled ASU's offense, leading to another MU score to tie the game.

While last week's game was a discouraging win for the Tigers, this game should be very encouraging despite the loss.  Franklin has matured as a player and a decision maker by leaps and bounds in the past 6 days.  He finished the day with 2 passing TD's, a rushing TD, and zero interceptions.  His leadership was impressive as he led the Tigers towards victory late in the 4th.  The field goal and the coaching decisions surrounding it were not under Franklin's control.  I was most impressed with how good Franklin looked good throwing the ball, missing his targets outright on very rare occasions.  More impressive still than his accuracy was his confidence.  He looked comfortable throwing the ball, and when scrambling kept his eyes down-field instead of immediately tucking and running.  The MU coaching staff had more faith in their sophomore QB as well, putting the game on his arm more often than his legs.  It will be interesting to see how this Missouri team fares in conference play under the leadership of this talented young man. 

- Franklin finished the night with 2 passing TD's, a rushing TD, and no interceptions.  His confidence throwing the ball was encouraging for Tiger fans.

After Mizzou's win over Miami Ohio, I criticized the Missouri defense when most praised them.  Arizona State's excellent quarterback play exposed the MU secondary yet again.  It is difficult to defend a successful passing attack led by a talented QB, but a little tighter coverage wouldn't hurt.  On ASU's first 3 drives they moved the ball very successfully through the air, resulting in 10 points (1 TD, 1 FG, 1 missed FG).  On their fourth drive of the game, they went over the top on the very first play and hooked up for a 60 yard TD pass.  Missouri's defense tightened up in the second half, but it was the superior speed of ASU's receivers, their ability to make plays in space, and the play of ASU's talented quarterback that allowed them to continue scoring points. ASU QB Osweiler finished the day with 353 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.  (ASU receiver Jamal Miles even finished the day with a passing TD on a trick play).  

- Early in the game ASU shredded the MU secondary with ease, but the MU defense tightened up after the half.  Still, much improvement will be needed to stop Big 12 offenses. 

Missouri fans may be heartbroken, but they have to be looking forward to the future.  Franklin has answered the question mark that hovered over his head this preseason.  Ultimately the loss to non-conference ASU doesn't impact the Tigers too much.  They will look to rebound strong in conference play, and with Franklin continuing to develop, there's always next year to look forward to.     

Sun Shines Brighter Than Tiger Stars

(Mizzou quarterback James Franklin awaits the call)

Roasting in the sun, downing water after water to no avail, I started to think I may not be able to make it through the first half of today's Missouri - Miami (Ohio) game.  I have to imagine the oppressive heat was partially responsible for the lackluster play on the field.

Both teams looked, well, terribly average.  Mizzou netted a meager 291 yards, and the Redhawks weren't far behind with 270, most of them through the air.  The Tigers managed a W with a 17-6 edge, but their play has not inspired the Tiger faithful - though it shouldn't necessarily discourage them entirely. (I said entirely). 

We'll begin with quarterback James Franklin, since all eyes are on him.  His performance was nothing other than what all of us expected - he can run the ball, and struggles with the pass.  The good news is he is a very strong runner who could actually do damage to defenses, rather than the type of quarterback who can occasionally scramble out of a broken-down play.  The problem is that you cannot win games that way, especially when opposing defenses know it's coming.  The few times Franklin did go to the air made me wonder if he wouldn't be better suited at a different position. - But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  Franklin was reportedly very hard on himself after his performance, but this pessimism is unnecessary.  He finished the day with a  rushing TD, a passing TD, and 1 interception.  On an uneventful 100 degree day, that's not bad at all for your first start in Division I College Football.

 (Franklin rushes in for the first TD of the game)

The zone read was a popular call by Pinkel and the coaching staff today, and allowed Franklin to showcase his running ability.  He instinctively hit holes, and leads with his pads a bit more often than his coaches would like him to, I'm sure.  (Franklin injured would probably sink the Tigers' season - does anyone know who the back-up is?)  The passing play looked similar to the offense under Gabbert's command, but with even less throws down-field, and a few expected first-game misfires.  The receivers got the ball in space, and tried to make plays.  Franklin's one TD pass came on a well-executed play in the redzone to receiver Marcus Lucas.  Moe led the day with six receptions for 56 yards, and had a few good moves, but does not look up to form. 

The offense's main problem was their inability to string together lasting drives.  Their 12 offensive drives averaged a dismal 21.6 yards, and only two drives were over 35 yards (a 42 yard drive and a game-long 76 yard drive ending in the first Missouri TD, run in by Franklin).  These are far from the numbers Tiger fans have become accustomed to with their Chase Daniel and Blaine Gabbert offenses.  Miami Ohio is a decent team - they won the Mid-American conference last year in an upset over Northern Illinois, and went on to win their bowl game (against weak Middle Tennessee State).  But a promising Mizzou team that is number 21 in the land should do a lot better than 291 yards and 17 points.  

  
The Missouri defense didn't look much better.  They allowed the Redhawks to move the ball on their first drive of the game, but a missed field goal kept the scored knotted up at 0.  They continued this bend-but-don’t-break trend late into the first half.  Miami drove the ball into the redzone and it looked like they were about to make it 7 - 10 at the half.  The defense committed two costly penalties in a row, allowing Miami to inch even closer to the Tiger goal-line.  Just as it looked like the Redhawks could make it a game, the struggling Tiger's secondary came up big with an athletic pick in the end zone.  With the exception of this play, it was the secondary that sagged the most in the unit.  Mizzou looked good against the run, particularly up the middle, but Miami quarterback Zac Dysert took advantage of a lazy-looking secondary.  It was Miami's failure to execute and score that kept the game in the Tiger's paws, not any action by the defense.

 (Mizzou corner E.J. Gaines gets the pick)         

All in all the play was discouraging, if for nothing but the fact that the numbers were nowhere near what Missouri has become accustomed to.  The only redeeming quality is that most of the lack of productivity can be written off as inexperience.  The offense wasn't dysfunctional, they simply were not in rhythm.  The defense didn't implode, they just need some sharpening.  I almost died sitting in the heat, I can only imagine what it did to the players on the field. 

So Mizzou fans, don't get too down on yourselves.  Every team needs to get better, and the Tigers are in perfect position to do that.  We all know they need to greatly improve on both sides of the ball to compete in the Big 12 - the coaches know it, and the players know it.  There's just one problem. 

In six days the Tigers face a strong Arizona State team in the desert.  This Sun-Devil team played weak Division I-AA UC Davis this week, so it's hard to tell how good they really looked.  But boy, they sure looked good.  Arizona State dominated UC Davis 48-14, producing exactly like Mizzou should have.  It's time for me to eat my words - Mizzou may not be one bit underrated.  If things don't pick up fast, 8-4 is optimistic. 

This Mizzou squad is not bad, they simply aren't strong.  They are a young team that is struggling to replace stars like Daniel, Gabbert, Maclin, and Alexander.  Pinkel has done great things to make Missouri competitive again, and in a way the Tigers lucked out with Gabbert's success.  It's time to settle down and figure out how to stay competitive year-in and year-out.  There is a lot of potential on this team, but with the changing landscape of College Football, (and the apparent fracturing of the Big-12), Missouri's future may be as uncertain as it's been in a decade. 

Preseason I would have picked Mizzou over ASU in a heartbeat for this Friday's matchup.  But after today I have to go with the Sun Devils, and I'm afraid to say it probably won't be close.   

        (All photos taken by Zach Lynn)