That was ugly, folks. There's no dressing that up. UCONN isn't good. They won two games last year and have beaten Villanova and Army by a combined ten points. They're not good. Any other game this year, probably including Vandy, where Mizzou plays that half, the Tigers are down probably two touchdowns. They're lucky they're playing the team they are to be down only four points.
Russell Hansbrough is important to this team. He should not be THIS important to this team. They should be able to move the ball against Connecticut. They can't, as evidenced by the 114 total yards.
I've been insistent that there's not a discussion to be had as to Missouri's starting quarterback. And I still don't think there is a discussion to be had because I don't think there's probably any real thought to switching. But I'll say it: If I'm the head coach, I give Maty Mauk a series in the third quarter. If he doesn't do anything with it, I give Drew Lock a chance. Like I said, I'm pretty sure it's not going to happen. But I've started to believe it maybe/probably should and I don't think it should take losing this game for it to occur.
The defense was great. It gave up 95 yards. 13 came on a fake punt and 29 on one pass. Other than that, the Tigers have given up 53 yards. That's pretty darn good. Certainly good enough to be winning. But Missouri isn't. And that's directly attributable to bad special teams and worse offense.
I think Missouri still wins this game. Unless UCONN scores on its first drive and Missouri doesn't answer. Then I'll change my mind. But no matter what it's going to be closer and more difficult than we thought it would be or than it should be.
