Mississippi State Versus Missouri Report Card

Nov 5, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Aeris Williams (27) runs the ball against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Faurot Field. Mississippi State defeated Missouri 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State beat the Missouri Tigers in Columbia, MO 31-13. It was a sloppy contest throughout the first half due to a torrential downpour throughout the first half. The copious amount of rainfall helped keep the game close and allowed the Missouri Tigers to score their first touchdown in over a month. When the teams went to the locker room, the Bulldogs led the Missouri Tigers by a single point 14-13.

When the teams returned to the field, the rain had subsided. The Tigers chances of an upset also subsided as the Bulldogs were able to run their offense more effectively. It also allowed the Bulldogs to shore up their tackling and keep the Tigers from doing anything else offensively.

So now the Bulldogs will have a few extra days to prepare themselves for the Alabama Crimson Tide. But while they do that, let’s take a little time to look back and hand out grades for the Bulldogs in their win over Missouri last night.

Evaluating the performance of Mississippi State is a more complicated task than normal. The adverse weather conditions made the play sloppy at times, and it was a clear advantage for Missouri which wanted to run the ball instead of putting the ball in the hands of their freshman quarterback Drew Lock. But we can still learn some things from the performance in the game despite the weather and its affects.

So it’s time to look at the results and hand out those grades. Make sure you keep your eyes on your own paper.

Next: Offense's Grade