5 quick thoughts on Mizzou’s opening season loss to Alabama

There were no surprises under the lights of Faurot Field Saturday night as Alabama toppled Mizzou 38-19 to open the SEC football schedule for both teams. Alabama rolled to a 28-3 halftime lead and coasted to victory in front of about 11,000 fans.

Each week, following Mizzou football games, I will be giving my thoughts. Questions? Concerns? Input? Email me at info@starcademedia.com

5 Thoughts on Alabama 38 Mizzou 19

1. Mizzou fought hard and it’s a great sign. With mismatches abound, a new head coach, new system and quarterback uncertainty, the Tigers managed to play a (mostly) clean game. The defense continued to hit hard and battle. Linebacker Nick Bolton was especially impressive. Coach Drinkwitz made sure his team played until the final gun and it resulted in 16 fourth quarter points which should give the team confidence going forward.
2. Faurot Field was the most socially distanced stadium we’ve seen yet. We’ve seen other stadiums with giant bunches of fans in the middle of the stadium while corners and endzones are completely empty. Faurot looked like a symbol of socially distancing perfection that would make even CNN happy.
3. Alabama is the best team in the SEC. It may not be close. Quarterback Mac Jones is prepared and poised. The offensive line is massive and unmovable. Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith are the best receiving tandem in America. There is no shame in losing to this team (that will likely go undefeated) and the Tigers covered the spread to boot.
4. The quarterback situation will be closely monitored all season long. Shawn Robison showed necessary athleticism and is the more seasoned player. He completed 19 of 24 passes although took drive crushing sacks and seemed shaky running the option. Connor Bazelak appeared poised during his appearances and will certainly be a factor this season in some capacity.
5. For the first Saturday this Fall, things felt right. The SEC started its season and now it feels like we are actually having a college footballs season. Missouri is playing with house money all year in 2020. wins and losses do not matter near as much as any other year really. If you are a Missouri fan, you want to see a well-coached team that doesn’t quit, plays physical and sound and improves all season long. I think you’re going to see that.