The Missouri Tigers have had a solid 6-2 start to their season, solidifying their spot as a force to be reckoned with in the storied Southeastern Conference (SEC). Even though the Tigers have lost two close conference games to the powerhouse of Alabama, led by Ty Simpson, and the red-hot Vanderbilt, backed by Diego Pavia, their playoff hopes, although slim, are still alive. However, an ankle injury to the starting quarterback, Beau Pribula, has left some question marks for the future of the Tigers, now in the hands of true freshman quarterback Matt Zollers. No doubt the other key contributors of running back Ahmad Hardy, tight end Brett Northfleet, receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., and the Tigers’ offensive line will need to step up big-time to ensure the Tigers’ future success. On the defensive side, linebacker Josiah Trotter and defensive end Zion Young have had stellar performances so far this season, and they need to keep it up if the Tigers’ defense wants to assert its dominance.
Matching the team motto of STP (something to prove), the Tigers will have to prove they can beat top teams, and there is no better opportunity than this weekend. Despite the key injuries and close losses, the Tigers will host the nationally third-ranked Texas A&M Aggies. The Tigers are looking to upset the undefeated Aggies, who previously bested the Tigers at College Station 41-10.
As the college football playoff nears, the first poll has come out placing Mizzou at the 22nd spot. While this may seem low, if the Tigers gain momentum and win out, they will surely establish themselves as a near-lock for the competitive 12-team playoff.
Some Mizzou and college football fans at CHS have shared their thoughts on Mizzou’s future. Sophomore Dylan Voshage thinks the talented Mizzou squad can run the table in their last four games with key wins against Texas A&M and Oklahoma, making the college football playoffs. When asked about the new quarterback situation for the Tigers, Voshage stated, “Zollers was alright, and I think he will play decently in the future. I think we can rely on other star players like Hardy and Kevin Coleman Jr.” Senior Chapman Ogles thinks that while Mizzou has performed well this season, its playoff hopes have already been dashed. Ogles thinks the Tigers can rely on the “absolute dawg” of Ahmad Hardy to a solid 8-4 finish with a win in a bowl game.
Even though the Tigers are a little banged-up, they are a far cry from their mediocre 6-6 days and will definitely be a team to keep an eye on this season.
