One of the best ways to ensure an upset doesn't occur is for the more talented team to start fast and not let the underdog hang around. Missouri certainly didn't do that. The Tigers looked sleepy to start, especially on offense. Now, they have a fight on their hands.
The biggest issue so far has been the offensive line. Mizzou is only averaging 2.4 yards per carry, and Kelly Bryant has had defenders in his face on several of his dropbacks. Vandy allowed more than 600 yards on the ground in its last two games combined. Mizzou should be able to run for more than 43 yards in a half.
The defense has been solid for most of the game, but a few big plays have killed them. That's in part due to the offense giving Vandy a lot of opportunities, and Vandy switching to a more mobile QB in Mo Hasan. For whatever reason, Mizzou has been really good at stopping opposing running backs this season but starts to struggle when there's a running threat at QB, too. It's pretty clear Vandy isn't going to throw the ball downfield much, so if I'm Mizzou I make the two high safeties essentially spies for both Hasan and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. They're the two players you can't let beat you, especially Vaughn.
I'm sure the halftime message is rather fiery from Odom and his staff. This possession to open the second half is suddenly huge.
The biggest issue so far has been the offensive line. Mizzou is only averaging 2.4 yards per carry, and Kelly Bryant has had defenders in his face on several of his dropbacks. Vandy allowed more than 600 yards on the ground in its last two games combined. Mizzou should be able to run for more than 43 yards in a half.
The defense has been solid for most of the game, but a few big plays have killed them. That's in part due to the offense giving Vandy a lot of opportunities, and Vandy switching to a more mobile QB in Mo Hasan. For whatever reason, Mizzou has been really good at stopping opposing running backs this season but starts to struggle when there's a running threat at QB, too. It's pretty clear Vandy isn't going to throw the ball downfield much, so if I'm Mizzou I make the two high safeties essentially spies for both Hasan and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. They're the two players you can't let beat you, especially Vaughn.
I'm sure the halftime message is rather fiery from Odom and his staff. This possession to open the second half is suddenly huge.
