Column: Analyzing the Missouri football season to date
Published Oct. 5, 2010
While the eyes of Texas might finally be dozing off, following two consecutive losses, the day is still bright here in Missouri as the Tigers welcome Colorado to town Saturday.
Now that the nonconference schedule is over, let’s take a look at how Missouri has performed.
Derrick Washington’s “permanent suspension” on Sept. 1 not only sent shock waves throughout the Tiger fan base, but also presented an opportunity for Washington’s backups to step up and contribute. What we have seen since is a three-man rotation of junior De’Vion Moore, freshman Henry Josey and sophomore Kendial Lawrence.
Missouri has averaged 154 rushing yards per game thus far. That’s 11 yards higher than the average through four games a year ago with Washington. Rotating players in every series affords Missouri the opportunity to rest each player and utilize the slight variations in their running style. Josey and Lawrence will beat you with speed, while Moore packs a little more power.
Despite Missouri’s pass-rush ratio being higher than most teams in the country (MU has attempted 161 passes and 124 rushes), establishing a running game is vital to the ability for receivers to find openings. Last year, the Tigers averaged 167.9 rushing yards in their eight victories, compared to a paltry 61.6-yard average in their five losses.
The three-man rotation experiment has worked thus far. But facing bigger linemen in conference play poses many more obstacles. While I like speed over strength, if the Tigers’ offensive line fails to provide any openings on MU’s trademark tailback delay, then it’s game over.
Another key to success is junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s awareness. A major problem Gabbert exhibited throughout last season was leaving the pocket too early and finding himself in trouble. Awareness is one of the hardest attributes to develop, and it only comes through game experience. Gabbert hasn’t reached the elite level some were expecting of him this year, but he has limited his own damage. Missouri has allowed only four sacks this season, though one occurred in the Illionis game when Gabbert backpedaled for 14 yards before being hit.
Gabbert needs to stay in the pocket longer; not only is it easier to throw accurately, but it also develops a trust behind the quarterback and his linemen. If the quarterback is bailing out every play, it says that he doesn’t think the line is giving him enough time to complete the play. While it’s demanding to play quarterback in the spread offense, Gabbert limits himself to one side of the field every time he scrambles outside the pocket.
No matter how many points the offense scores, it all goes for naught if the defense can’t hold. It was no secret last year that Missouri’s defense was porous, to say the least.
This year, Missouri’s defense has vastly improved in forcing turnovers. The Tigers have recovered five fumbles and caught eight interceptions, matching their total number of interceptions from all of last year.
Defensive coordinator Dave Steckel has added more pressure to his packages this year, and it’s showed thus far. Of course, more pressure means fewer players in coverage, but the MU defensive backs have tightened their coverage, especially Carl Gettis.
As the competition gets tougher, so will executing efficiently. Sustained success in these three areas is vital for the Tigers to compete for another Big 12 North title.