SEC Power Rankings: LSU – Alabama set up for another instant classic

Oct 24, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) during warm ups prior to the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The bye week came at the appropriate time for the Missouri Tigers, who have now lost three games in a row and four of their last five. The obvious issue in Columbia is a dreadful offense that has averaged just 14.9 points per game this season and hasn’t scored a touchdown since Oct. 3.

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Maty Mauk was suspended prior to Mizzou’s last victory, a 24-10 win over South Carolina, and true freshman Drew Lock stepped into the starting quarterback role and played well for the Tigers with 136 yards on 21-for-28 passing, with two touchdowns.

However, Lock has completed just 41 of 99 (41.4 percent) passes for 402 yards without a TD and two interceptions since. We don’t yet know if Mauk – who was reinstated last week – will return to the starting lineup, but he could provide a boost for the Tigers on offense. In four starts this season, Mauk has completed 57 of 110 passes (51.8 percent) for 654 passing yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions.

Of course, Mizzou’s offensive problems extend beyond the quarterback position. An early season ankle injury has made it very difficult for senior running back Russell Hansbrough to find a rhythm, and Hansbrough has only 202 rushing yards on 52 carries this season without a touchdown. Missouri has only managed 794 rushing yards (99.3 yards per game) on 243 carries – an average of 3.3 yards per attempt.

The Tigers do have hope for the rest of the season, however, because of a defense that has allowed just 12.5 points and 280.9. The Tigers have not allowed more than 21 points in a single game this season, and have not allowed more than ten points in back-to-back losses to Georgia (9-6) and Vanderbilt (10-3).

Mizzou faces a tough challenge next week against Mississippi State, but because of their stingy defense and because of the Thursday night kickoff, it’s a winnable one – and the Tigers probably need a victory to have a shot at a bowl game.

Next Game: Thursday November 5 vs. Mississippi State

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