Mizzou Football: A Fan’s Notes: Moving Into the SEC Gated Community

Discover intriguing notes, thought-provoking reflections, and intriguing observations from halfway across the country regarding a critical month that will shape the future of the Missouri Tigers football program

• By
  
  Dan Keegan
  
• on October 31, 2023 10:00 am

Elevating my assignment in this designated space entails offering astute analysis and unique observations from afar about the Missouri Tigers’ previous game. My goal is to provide contextual insights into how it impacts the team’s future prospects for the remainder of the season. I delve into various aspects, such as identifying breakout players, uncovering the hidden impact of Luther Burden’s seemingly lackluster performance, and monitoring the severity of potential injuries. However, this week, there was no game to reflect on.

Consequently, instead of analyzing a game, I will utilize this opportunity to reflect on Missouri’s accomplishments over the past two months, while also considering their potential under the leadership of Eliah Drinkwitz and Desiree Reed-Francois.

How can the Tigers build on their recent success? A crucial aspect of this question is whether Missouri can redefine their definition of a successful season. Previously, achieving double-digit wins was the benchmark from 2007-2014. Since then, a satisfactory season has simply meant securing a bowl appearance.

Kentucky football, led by Mark Stoops, has gained recognition for being the “gatekeepers” of the SEC East. While they may struggle against superior teams, they consistently dominate the weaker opponents. Missouri has the potential to step into that role and become the gatekeepers themselves. However, I believe the program can aspire for even more and establish a residence within the coveted gated community.

Realistically, with the absence of divisions in the SEC and the arrival of two powerful football programs, Missouri’s chances of reaching the title game in Atlanta are minimal. Nonetheless, this should not deter them, as there is still plenty to accomplish within the program without participating in a game early December. Although the Tigers may never replicate Georgia’s success over the past three years, there is no reason they can’t match what Ole Miss has achieved.

Outlined below is a rough list of realistic goals that Missouri can pursue to maintain their momentum in the new SEC and secure their place on the advantageous side of the gate:

1. Defeat either Tennessee or Georgia: Prior to the season, the Tigers were considered significant underdogs against three SEC teams. While they have already lost to LSU at home, the power gap between Missouri and Tennessee has narrowed. It is imperative that Missouri secures a victory against one of these opponents. To establish their presence in the gated community, they must demonstrate their worthiness.
2. Achieve success in a prominent bowl game: Although not obligatory, a triumphant performance in a high-profile bowl game would enhance the team’s reputation and generate positive energy. Showcasing their ability to outperform a peer from a different conference will solidify their position within the SEC hierarchy.
3. Maintain the core roster: This objective should be relatively straightforward to accomplish. With Eli Drinkwitz’s exceptional team culture and Missouri’s robust NIL infrastructure, preserving the key contributors on the roster is paramount for sustaining a winning team and cohesive environment.
4. Retain Kirby Moore: While it would be ideal to retain both coordinators, it is understandable if Blake Baker pursues a better coaching opportunity. Nonetheless, Kirby Moore has introduced innovative techniques to the Drinkwitz offense and has encouraged a departure from traditional methods. An additional season will allow Moore’s ideas to become ingrained in Drinkwitz’s playbook, providing stability for the offense. While a reset is not insurmountable, it is less than ideal.
5. Strengthen positions of need with Power Five transfers: Eli’s tenure at Missouri has been defined by astute recruitment of well-scouted transfers from Power Five conferences, especially on the defensive end. The results speak for themselves, with numerous impactful players joining the team. By leveraging insightful scouting and NIL resources, Missouri can continue to augment their roster with experienced veterans.
6. Complete the high school recruiting class: It is evident that Drinkwitz and his staff are adopting a hybrid approach, combining the transfer portal strategy with a deliberate reduction in the number of high school signees. Instead of a large recruiting class, they are focusing on securing high-profile blue-chip prospects with immense potential, complementing the established veteran additions. Although losing Ryan Wingo was disappointing, the class still boasts a high rating in terms of quality.
7. Foster in-state pipelines: Effective recruiting efforts can shape a program for generations to come. Establishing strong connections in St. Louis remains a top priority. The team must continue to focus on cementing relationships in both St. Louis and Kansas City. The talent required to make further strides is readily available within the state.

While many of these points may seem obvious (having talented players is crucial for winning games), they highlight the long-standing aspiration Missouri has held for an in-state pipeline. With Eli Drinkwitz’s shrewd roster construction, hand-picked coaching staff, and overall organizational alignment from the athletic director to the collective team, Missouri possesses a unique opportunity to ascend to the upper-middle class of the SEC. The realization of this potential begins on the field in November 2023.

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