Mississippi State football travels north to Columbia this Saturday to take on the Missouri Tigers. To learn about the Tigers ahead of the matchup, I chatted with Sammy Stava of Rock M Nation. What do we need to know about this Mizzou squad, and how could the game play out?
Q&A with Rock M Nation's Sammy Stava: Breaking down the Missouri Tigers
Q: With Beau Pribula injured and original backup Sam Horn done for the year, Matt Zollers has had to step in. What have you seen from the freshman so far?
It’s only been two games in, but in a small sample size it’s been a mixed bag with Matt Zollers taking over. In the loss to Vanderbilt he looked like he had the talent and composure as a true freshman and gave Missouri a chance to win on the road. In the loss to Texas A&M he was just simply overmatched against the Aggies defense and just looked inexperienced as a true freshman. There’s no denying that Zollers has the talent to contribute at a high-level, but he just needs more experience and confidence under his belt. I think he has the potential to bounce back and play well on Saturday vs Mississippi State.
Q: Missouri's offense is already heavily built around the run, and that's likely even more true with a freshman QB in. What has made the run game so strong, and is limiting this offense truly as simple as finding a way to limit the run game (obviously easier said than done)?
There’s a lot of depth at the running back position as Mizzou can say they have one of the best, if not the best RB tandems in the SEC with Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts. Though after a 5-0 start, the running back production has decreased ever since playing the tougher teams in the league. And yes, if Mississippi State can limit Missouri’s running game, the Bulldogs will have a chance to win especially with Mizzou relying on a true freshman QB.
Q: The Tiger defense has been strong all season. What has made them effective, and if you had to attack them, how would you go about it?
Missouri’s defense is the strength of their entire team, and they can be effective by putting pressure on the opposing QB. Georgia transfer Damon Wilson leads the defensive line unit and is showing why he has the five-star talent. West Virginia transfer Josiah Trotter is emerging as a star linebacker as a sophomore. How Mississippi State can attack this Mizzou defense is through the air as Missouri’s secondary has been questionable this season. Blake Shapen can potentially have a big day as the most experienced QB.
Q: Most everyone is familiar with Ahmad Hardy, and Mississippi State fans certainly know Kevin Coleman well. What other offensive players should we know about? What about defenders?
At the tight end position, junior Brett Norfleet has all the makings of being a star TE but health has been an issue. He missed last game vs Texas A&M with a shoulder injury and is questionable on Saturday. If he can go, that will give Zollers a reliable option in the passing game. On defense, safety Jalen Catalon can make big plays as he has plenty of SEC experience with previous trips to Arkansas and Texas.
Q: How do you see the game playing out on Saturday?
Mississippi State is much improved, but I like Missouri to win this one. Mizzou should be eager to bounce back after losing two straight, and it’s Senior Night at home for Eli Drinkwitz’s program. Should be a competitive game, but I like the Tigers to win 24-16 led by their defense.