Missouri has played fine. On defense, especially considering the number of players missing and the fact that its defensive coordinator isn't there, it has looked impressive. But the fact that this game is on the verge of being over at halftime says a bit more about South Carolina, in my opinion. The Gamecocks look very uninspired. They haven't even felt like a threat to score. Missouri could very easily be winning 24 or 28 to nothing.
That said, there were plenty of positive things in that first half for Missouri. Nick Bolton is still an absolute beast. As long as he's on the field, it might not matter who else is out for the defense. Bolton already has nine tackles, including two for loss. He's been the best player on the field. Martez Manuel has made a couple plays as a blitzer. The defensive line has really impressed me considering the number of players missing there. The one thing South Carolina has done well in recent weeks is run the football. The Gamecocks have just 29 yards on 20 carries so far. Kevin Harris, who had over 200 yards on the ground and five touchdowns against Ole Miss, has been held to 33 yards on 12 totes. Props to Akial Byers, Darius Robinson, Isaiah McGuire and company for that. McGuire continues to really impress me this season.
On offense, Missouri has been far from perfect, but it's been good enough against a shorthanded South Carolina defense. The same description could apply to Connor Bazelak as an individual. He's made a few nice throws, and when nothing is there downfield, he's taken the checkdowns for the most part. His one interception wasn't actually a bad read, just an underthrown ball. He is definitely not quite playing like he did against LSU, but it's worth keeping in mind he's a true freshman. Tauskie Dove, heck of a catch on that touchdown. Love seeing Tyler Badie get more touches, especially as a receiver. That's something Eli Drinkwitz said needed to change after he only had three touches against Florida, so props to the staff for making it happen. Finally, good for Larry Rountree III. It hasn't been the easiest half for him, but he scored a touchdown and officially passed Zack Abron to become Missouri's all-time leading rusher by a non-quarterback. He's a hard-working kid who deserves that mark.
Mathematically, of course, this is premature. But this game feels like it's about over to me. If Missouri scores a touchdown on the first possession of the second half, it's definitely over. I just don't see South Carolina being able to score three touchdowns the rest of the way, especially without Shi Smith.
That said, there were plenty of positive things in that first half for Missouri. Nick Bolton is still an absolute beast. As long as he's on the field, it might not matter who else is out for the defense. Bolton already has nine tackles, including two for loss. He's been the best player on the field. Martez Manuel has made a couple plays as a blitzer. The defensive line has really impressed me considering the number of players missing there. The one thing South Carolina has done well in recent weeks is run the football. The Gamecocks have just 29 yards on 20 carries so far. Kevin Harris, who had over 200 yards on the ground and five touchdowns against Ole Miss, has been held to 33 yards on 12 totes. Props to Akial Byers, Darius Robinson, Isaiah McGuire and company for that. McGuire continues to really impress me this season.
On offense, Missouri has been far from perfect, but it's been good enough against a shorthanded South Carolina defense. The same description could apply to Connor Bazelak as an individual. He's made a few nice throws, and when nothing is there downfield, he's taken the checkdowns for the most part. His one interception wasn't actually a bad read, just an underthrown ball. He is definitely not quite playing like he did against LSU, but it's worth keeping in mind he's a true freshman. Tauskie Dove, heck of a catch on that touchdown. Love seeing Tyler Badie get more touches, especially as a receiver. That's something Eli Drinkwitz said needed to change after he only had three touches against Florida, so props to the staff for making it happen. Finally, good for Larry Rountree III. It hasn't been the easiest half for him, but he scored a touchdown and officially passed Zack Abron to become Missouri's all-time leading rusher by a non-quarterback. He's a hard-working kid who deserves that mark.
Mathematically, of course, this is premature. But this game feels like it's about over to me. If Missouri scores a touchdown on the first possession of the second half, it's definitely over. I just don't see South Carolina being able to score three touchdowns the rest of the way, especially without Shi Smith.
