Whether it comes across as making excuses, I leave it to people here, but I believe it’s too soon to go with the narrative that Lock just piles up stats against non power 5 competition and doesn’t get it done in the clutch. One stat that stands out and creates a different perspective is the stark difference in his numbers when he has had his key playmaker, Hall, in the lineup and when he hasn’t:
Record with Hall in the lineup: 9-4 (including Georgia game when Hall was not 100%)
63% 3848 yards, 44 TDS 8 int.
Without Hall: 2-6 55% 2260 yards 16 TDS 11 Ints.
Obviously looking at Lock’s career one can be critical about the lack of 4th quarter crunch time performances. But there was evidence of him trending in the right direction with his clutch drive at Arkansas to end the season last year and at Purdue this year. But then the injuries hit not only to Hall but, for most part Lock had to deal with a brutal part of the schedule with 3 of his top Four guys out. Lining up with true freshman, even talented ones like Knox and Scott, against some of the top secondaries in the country, is not a formula for success for any QB. If I was a pro scout. I would want to see how Lock finishes up, hopefully with his experienced guys back. I think Missouri fans should look at it the same way before they write the final chapter on his career.
Honestly, I would have to think Locks confidence is shaken and the fact that a lot of fans have already written him off can’t help. I really hope he can break through with a big performance, hopefully Saturday. He’s going to need some help from the guys on the outside for it to happen.
Record with Hall in the lineup: 9-4 (including Georgia game when Hall was not 100%)
63% 3848 yards, 44 TDS 8 int.
Without Hall: 2-6 55% 2260 yards 16 TDS 11 Ints.
Obviously looking at Lock’s career one can be critical about the lack of 4th quarter crunch time performances. But there was evidence of him trending in the right direction with his clutch drive at Arkansas to end the season last year and at Purdue this year. But then the injuries hit not only to Hall but, for most part Lock had to deal with a brutal part of the schedule with 3 of his top Four guys out. Lining up with true freshman, even talented ones like Knox and Scott, against some of the top secondaries in the country, is not a formula for success for any QB. If I was a pro scout. I would want to see how Lock finishes up, hopefully with his experienced guys back. I think Missouri fans should look at it the same way before they write the final chapter on his career.
Honestly, I would have to think Locks confidence is shaken and the fact that a lot of fans have already written him off can’t help. I really hope he can break through with a big performance, hopefully Saturday. He’s going to need some help from the guys on the outside for it to happen.
