New Mexico State Defensive Players to Watch vs. Missouri Tigers
New Mexico State may be just 4-5 in 2022, but they boast one of the better defenses in the country. The Aggies rank 34th in the FBS according to total defense, which is a huge turnaround after ranking near last place in almost every defensive category last season. New head coach Jerry Kill has inspired new life in this NMSU program and they'll be riding a four-game win streak into Columbia, Mo. this weekend when they face Mizzou.
Last weekend, the Tigers put forth arguably their best offensive performance of the year, despite a blowout loss at the hands of No. 5 Tennessee. If they want to keep taking steps in the right direction, they'll have to put up even more points on Saturday against the Aggies.
These are New Mexico State's defensive players that Missouri will have to account for.
LB Chris Ojoh
2022 Stats: 78 tkls/ 5 sacks/ 2 pass deflections
Ojoh is the leader of this Aggie defense, both in tackles and in spirit. The senior is a prototypical linebacker and is a pretty good pass rusher to boot. Ojoh's notched five sacks on the year, which also leads NMSU and he'll pose a real challenge for the Tigers' offensive line.
He's got a sack in four of his last five games and had double-digit tackles in three of those. If there's one player that Missouri has to beat, it's Ojoh. If they can find ways to put him in uncomfortable positions, it should open things up everywhere.
LB Trevor Brohard
2022 Stats: 52 tkls/ 1 sack/ 1 pass deflection
While Ojoh takes the lead on this defense, Brohard is his partner in crime. He may not have as many sacks as his fellow linebacker, but he's as formidable in stopping the run as anyone on the Aggies' roster. He'll be another defender that Mizzou blockers have to get a body on, or else he could stifle the Tigers' offense.
The Tigers will likely be able to take advantage of Brohard in the passing game, getting him in matchups with faster Missouri skill players. It can't be stressed enough how important it is for the Missouri offensive line to have a good game. This is a team that the unit should dominate in the trenches. If not, there will be a lot of changes this off season.
DB Syrus Dumas
2022 Stats: 32 tkls/ 2 INTs/ 3 pass deflection
In the Aggies' secondary, Dumas has been a ball hawk all year long. The junior leads NMSU in both interceptions and passes deflected. He's as good in coverage as many of the defensive backs that Missouri's faced this year and Tigers quarterback Brady Cook will need to protect the ball when throwing in Dumas' direction.
The Tigers did utilize their full arsenal of receivers in their last game, though. So, perhaps that variety will be enough to keep Dumas and the Aggies secondary on their toes.
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