Tiger Training Camp: Missouri finishes strong before two-day break
The Tigers took to Faurot Field under a cloudless blue sky this morning to practice for the last time before classes begin.
Working in shoulder pads and shorts, the team went through some drills before resting Sunday and Monday.
The season opener against Illinois is now two weeks away, and coach Gary Pinkel said next week will be crucial in preparation.
“On Monday we will get into game week mode,” Pinkel said. “The days are ticking away. Everything is tightening down a bit."
Senior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon liked what he saw from the Tiger defense in the practice.
“It was one of those practices where you need to come out and be efficient with your speed because it wasn’t that physical, we only had the top part of our pads on,” Weatherspoon said. “We had some breakdowns here and there but, at the same time, I think we got a pretty good workout at this practice.”
The two-day respite will be a welcome one, Weatherspoon said.
“It’ll definitely be welcome to me,” Weatherspoon said. “We’ve been working hard every day. It’s been tough, we’ve been going at it every day.”
After performing six-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills, the Tigers ended the practice with the two-minute drill.
Sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert worked with the first-team offense and efficiently guided it to the endzone.
Gabbert had five completions in six attempts as he spread the ball around judiciously. Five different receivers caught passes on the drive, which culminated with Gabbert hitting senior wide receiver Danario Alexander in the end zone for the touchdown.
“Overall we had a really good practice,” Gabbert said. “It was up-tempo. We got some completions and did really well in the two-minute drill.”
Sophomore quarterback Jimmy Costello led the second-team offense to a score as well, while freshman QB Blaine Dalton was intercepted with the third-team offense.
The Tigers hit the practice field again Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
