Initial Reactions to Mizzou's Loss to Texas A&M, End of Playoff Hopes

COLUMBIA, Mo. — No. 22 Missouri was initially on path to at least put itself in situation to upset No. 3 Texas A&M.

But a strip sack right before the end of the first half on true freshman quarterback Matt Zollers derailed those plans, quickly turning a 0-7 game into a 0-14 deficit for the Tigers.

Then in the second half, Missouri looked as if it would be able to forge a comeback, but a fake punt and explosive plays from Texas A&M sealed the victory for the Aggies.

Missouri football reporters Joey Van Zummeren and Michael Stamps gave their analysis from the loss and what it means for the Tigers' season at the link below.

The loss was Missouri's worst of the season, but was also a product of weaknesses that have been present all season for the Tigers. Between the lack of a passing game, poor pass protection, explosive plays on defense and errors on special teams, the Tigers have had too many flaws in order to earn any ranked wins.

The Texas A&M defense seemed to have an answer for everything in the pass game from the Missouri offense. So much to the point where the Aggies were able to call out Missouri's plays before the ball was even snapped, according to offensive tackle Cayden Green.

The Tigers still did manage to rush for an average of 6.1 yards per carry, gaining 207 yards on 34 carries. Ahmad Hardy only received 13 of those, gaining 109. Jamal Roberts also rushed for 110 yards, the second-highest mark of his career.

Meanwhile, the Missouri defense held up well for the most game. That side of the ball was the only reason why the Tigers remained within just two possessions at several points throughout the second half.

“I thought they kept us in it as long as they could," Drinkwitz said of the defense.

But the other two units failed the Missouri defense. Texas A&M was able to win the time of possession battle by holding the ball for 35:46, thanks to constant short drives from the Missouri offense. Five of the Tigers' offensive drives lasted fewer than three minutes.

The fake punt allowed by the special teams came after what would've been a three-and-out stop for the Missouri defense.

"The time of possession kind of put us in a bad spot, and a couple of bad spots — fake punt when we had the momentum, and really, that's kind of when the wheels fell off defensively," Drinkwitz said.

Missouri will remain at home next week, when it will host Mississippi State.

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