Missouri Football: 3 quick takeaways from win over Ole Miss in Week 7

Missouri football hosted Ole Miss and took care of the Rebels in a Week 7 battle. What’d we learn from the Tigers’ big win?

Before the season, Missouri was looked at as a team that just added Kelly Bryant but didn’t have any true chance to contend for titles.

However, the Tigers, despite having a postseason ban this year, have looked like one of the most improved teams in the SEC and one that could push for that No. 1 spot in the East. They took care of yet another conference foe on Saturday night, beating Ole Miss 38-27.

What’d we learn from the Tigers’ fifth win of the season?

3. Defense had trouble with John Rhys Plumlee

The Rebels’ backup quarterback was able to run wild against the Tiger defense for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries and he passed for another 103 yards and two scores. He didn’t have as much success, at least accuracy-wise, through the air as he did with his legs, but it was clear that the Missouri defense couldn’t figure out how to slow the dual-threat passer.

2. Kelly Bryant living up to the hype

When Bryan came to Columbia, many were worried that he wasn’t capable of being an effective and consistent passer at the FBS level. He always showed flashes at Clemson, but he lost his starting job to a true freshman for a reason. It turns out it was because Trevor Lawrence was an all-world passer, but Clemson’s loss has turned out to be Missouri’s gain. He had over 340 all-purpose yards and a touchdown on Saturday in a winning effort and continues to be a monster in this offense.

1. This team could actually contend

Just imagine if there was no postseason ban for the Tigers. We would be looking at a 5-1 team that could easily be 6-0 if not for a meltdown against Wyoming to start the season and they’re 2-0 in a wide-open SEC East. This team could mess around and win the division title, shocking the rest of the SEC but it’s too bad we won’t be seeing them bowling this season.