From Missouri Tigers On SI · · 3m
Drinkwitz sees fixes after Missouri beats Kansas
Missouri beat Kansas, but Eli Drinkwitz used Tuesday to point at the work still waiting on special teams, run game and coverage.
In brief
Missouri beat Kansas, but Eli Drinkwitz used Tuesday to point at the work still waiting on special teams, run game and coverage. Missouri has real momentum, but Drinkwitz wants the win treated as warning tape, not proof the Tigers have arrived. Originally reported by Missouri Tigers On SI.
A win with warnings
Missouri earned bragging rights by beating Kansas, but Eli Drinkwitz framed the film review as a correction list, not a victory lap.
“Obviously, a good win.”
Special teams stung
Two blocked field goals, four penalties and two personal fouls made special teams the sore spot of the win.
“That was as embarrassed as I've ever been about special teams.”
Drinkwitz took blame
He said the breakdowns were on him because the same protection issue showed up twice after warning signs in the previous game.
“I'm going to put it on me.”
Protection was rebuilt
Missouri reinstalled field goal protection and made personnel changes after Kansas attacked the same C-D gap area.
“We have reinstalled the protection”
Simmons trusted the pocket
Austin Simmons thrived because the offensive line kept him clean, giving him time to move through reads and attack tight windows.
“There's not a throw that he doesn't feel very comfortable making.”
The line unlocked him
Drinkwitz said Simmons sees the field well when rushers are not crowding his arms or feet. The Kansas game showed that version of him.
“He sees the defense really well.”
Leadership traveled fast
Only nine months in, Simmons has made himself part of the whole team, greeting teammates and firing up the defense.
“The dude understands he's a part of this team”
Noise did not shake him
Kansas fans targeted Trinidad Chambliss when Simmons entered, but Drinkwitz said the moment seemed to fuel the quarterback.
“He was never phased by the moment.”
Simpson flashed late
Donta Simpson missed July training after an illness, then worked back into shape and gave Missouri a pass-rush spark against Kansas.
“Proud of Donta.”
His role stayed focused
The staff kept Simpson’s workload tied to his best skill first: rushing the passer with twitch and speed, then adding run-game duties.
“One of the best things he does is rush the passer”
The jersey sent a message
After a poor UAPB game, Drinkwitz changed Simpson from No. 8 to No. 88 in practice to make clear that single digits had to be earned.
“Nobody's arrived yet”
Hardy remains out
Asked for an Ahmad Hardy update, Drinkwitz offered nothing new. Hardy is still in rehab mode.
“No, nothing. Still rehabbing.”
Troy brings a trap
Drinkwitz warned that Troy is 2-0, has a history of troubling Power Five teams and will come to Columbia with confidence.
“They have no doubt that they can play at this level”
Troy’s offense is tricky
Goose Crowder brings experience, while coordinator Adam Austin uses wide-split RPOs and slow mesh concepts that stress discipline.
“It'll be a very difficult game”
The run game lags
Missouri’s outside zone has not synced yet. Drinkwitz wants linemen and backs matching paths, timing and decisions faster.
“We're just not all five blocking on the same page”
Depth is still forming
Xai'Shaun Edwards scored and avoided negative plays, while Jamal Roberts gave Missouri a needed second-quarter spark.
“We got to continue to get another back involved.”
Hopkins earned praise
Daeden Hopkins’ work ethic, added weight, length and pass-rush effort have made Drinkwitz a believer since camp.
“I've been a big Daeden Hopkins fan.”
Secondary needs cleanup
Drinkwitz liked Jahlil Florence’s interception, but flagged tackling, man coverage lapses and online distractions as issues to erase.
“We got to have more consistency out of that position.”
The challenge rises
Missouri’s defensive backs will face more one-on-one chances against Troy, and Drinkwitz expects opponents to test every flaw on tape.
“It's going to get a lot more challenging”
What matters most
Missouri has real momentum, but Drinkwitz wants the win treated as warning tape, not proof the Tigers have arrived.
