Missouri Tigers

Missouri's running game has been anchored by Jamal Roberts, who has stepped up in the absence of All-America running back Ahmad Hardy. Hardy has yet to play this season while recovering from a gunshot wound sustained as a bystander earlier this year. Roberts has delivered several big performances, including 125 yards and a 64-yard touchdown at Kansas, 128 yards and a score against Troy, 211 yards and three touchdowns versus Florida, and a career-best 222 yards and two scores on 34 carries against Texas A&M. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has praised Roberts' physical running style, and the offensive line has improved its run blocking as the season has progressed. When Hardy returns, Missouri could have a formidable one-two punch in the backfield.

Quarterback Austin Simmons, a transfer from Ole Miss, has shown the ability to stretch the field vertically, a dimension Missouri lacked last season. He threw four touchdown passes in his debut against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and has had strong games against Kansas and Florida. However, Simmons has also been careless with the football at times, including a fumble in the opener and an interception against Texas A&M that ended a streak of 139 pass attempts without a pick. His decision-making under pressure will be critical as the Tigers face tougher SEC defenses. Simmons' rapport with receivers Cayden Lee and Donovan Olugbode has been a bright spot, but he needs to avoid forcing throws into coverage.

Missouri's defense, which returned zero starters from last year's unit, has gradually improved after some shaky early performances. The Tigers struggled to get off the field on early downs against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Troy, but they have since tightened up. Against Florida, Missouri held a high-powered Gators offense to just 17 points and 325 total yards, well below their season average. The following week, the defense limited Texas A&M to six points and forced two interceptions. Transfers like Robert Woodyard Jr. and Chris Graves Jr. have settled in, and the front seven has become more disruptive. However, the pass rush remains a concern, especially with edge rushers Darris Smith and Langden Kitchen dealing with injuries.

Placekicker Blake Craig has been reliable on field goals, including two 50-plus yarders against Texas A&M, but the kicking game has had issues with blocked attempts and protection. In the Border War at Kansas, two field goals were blocked, one returned 88 yards for a touchdown. Punter Brunno Reus has been a weapon, averaging 46.8 yards per punt against Troy and pinning five inside the 20. Return man DaMarion Fowlkes took a punt back 68 yards for a touchdown against Troy, marking Missouri's first punt return score since 2022. The coverage units have been mostly solid, but the blocked kicks remain a troubling trend that could cost the Tigers in close games.

At 5-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play, Missouri is very much in the mix for a New Year's Six bowl or better. The lone loss came at Mississippi State in a game where the Tigers led in the fourth quarter before surrendering a late touchdown. Since then, Missouri has reeled off impressive wins over Florida and Texas A&M, both of which were ranked at the time. The remaining schedule is challenging, with road trips to Ole Miss and other SEC foes, but the Tigers have shown they can compete with anyone. If Simmons cuts down on turnovers and the defense continues to improve, Missouri could be a dark horse in the SEC race.