Missouri Tigers football is entering a new chapter in the backfield this season, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting one. Last year, Cody Schrader was the backbone of Missouri’s running game, excelling in both power and speed. His versatility made him a reliable option in various situations, but with his departure, the Tigers face the challenge of replacing his all-around impact. Rather than finding a one-for-one replacement, Missouri appears to be opting for a smart two-back approach, utilizing the unique strengths of Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll Jr.
The New Duo: Noel and Carroll
Nate Noel brings an explosive element to the Tigers’ offense. Last season at App State, he showcased his speed, agility, and ability to make big plays, both as a runner and a receiver. His quickness in hitting the holes and ability to stretch the field will keep defenses on their toes, providing Missouri with a dynamic weapon in space.
On the other hand, Marcus Carroll Jr. comes from Georgia State with a reputation for being a tough, physical runner. He excels at gaining yards after contact and is particularly effective in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Carroll’s ability to wear down defenses complements Noel’s speed, giving Missouri a balanced attack.
Filling Cody Schrader’s Shoes
Cody Schrader was a rare back who could handle both the power and speed roles effectively, making him invaluable for Missouri. While it’s difficult to replace such a player with just one individual, the combination of Noel and Carroll should cover all the bases. Carroll can take on the physical, between-the-tackles running, while Noel can bring the explosiveness that Schrader also provided.
The Big Picture
By deploying a two-back approach, Missouri isn’t just trying to fill the void left by Schrader—they’re optimizing their offensive strategy. This approach allows the Tigers to leverage the specific talents of both Noel and Carroll, ensuring that they maintain a versatile and unpredictable ground game. Fans should be excited about this new chapter, as the dynamic duo of Noel and Carroll has the potential to be even more dangerous than having a single all-around back.
Missouri’s coaching staff is making a calculated decision, not just to replace but to enhance the effectiveness of their run game by playing to the strengths of both backs. This thoughtful strategy should alleviate any concerns about the running game this season and keep Missouri competitive in a tough conference.
