Opponent Film Review: Missouri's Defense
The South Carolina Gamecocks will have yet another chance to try and redeem a crushing loss from this past season when they take on the Missouri Tigers on Saturday afternoon. In 2022, the Tigers had their way with Spencer Rattler and the Gamecocks offense, holding to just ten points and 203 yards of total offense. What will South Carolina face on Saturday when they attempt to avenge their debacle from last year?
Selective Aggression
In 2022, one of the hallmarks of the Missouri Tigers' defense was their willingness to be aggressive in sending extra blitzers to get to the opposing team's quarterback. The Tigers' defense hasn't been blitzing nearly as often this Fall, but they will still take their chances, particularly on first down. Blake Baker, Missouri's defensive coordinator, also does an excellent job of disguising the Tigers' blitz patterns, particularly in Missouri's 3-2-6 formation.
Lack Of Overwhelming Firepower
While Missouri's defense has some notable playmakers at different levels, such as edge rusher Johnny Walker Jr., linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper, and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., the Tigers don't possess any defender that can wreck the Gamecocks offensive gameplan by themselves. If South Carolina can give Rattler time to throw the ball and allow their skill weapons to get themselves into some one-on-one opportunities, then the Gamecocks can connect on some big plays against the Tigers.
Adaptable Coverage Scheme
After running a bunch of single-high safety man-press coverage looks in 2022, Missouri is a bit more diverse in what they've been calling in 2023. In my opinion, the Tigers will trust their secondary to win their individual battles against the Gamecock receivers but they have shown a minor tendency of calling more zone coverage schemes if their opponent has some success running the football. In essence, the flow of the game will partly dictate how Baker lets his defensive backs play, and if Mario Anderson Jr. can help get South Carolina's ground game once again, it could be a game-changer in terms of how Spencer Rattler can attack Missouri's defense.
This unit has struggled mightily when playing away from Williams-Brice Stadium this weekend. While Faurot Field might not carry the reputation of a Sanford Stadium or Neyland Stadium, Mizzou fans will be showing up in droves due to their team's current momentum. The Gamecocks will have to find a way to overcome that challenge or risk letting the season fall by the wayside.
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