Looking ahead to Mizzou

[uofkFTW18]

I think the Mizzou game could be similar to what we saw last night: a low-scoring slug fest.

I don't think Mizzou's defense is as good as Florida's, but it isn't much worse. Good secondary, good pass rushers, speed at every position, etc. Given how our offense performed against Florida, I'm not very confident that we're going to do much better Saturday night.

The good thing for us is that our defense has played very well, and their offense has struggled(they scored a grand total of 9 points AT HOME against Connecticut, and 2 of those points were caused by a safety). The one thing I worry about is Maty Mauk's ability to scramble. We saw Will Grier scramble and makes plays with his feet often when he was under pressure or when nobody was open, and I think Mauk is more elusive than he is.

What I'm NOT worried about, though, is Mauk's ability to throw, because he's never impressed me much from that perspective; on top of that, Mizzou is very young at WR. If we give up a ton of yards through the air I'll be surprised.

I really think UK will need a big special teams play(whether it be a big return, blocked punt, forced fumble on a punt or kickoff, etc.) to set us up for an easier touchdown unless our offense improves significantly. I think Mizzou's defense is going to give us the same kind of problems that Florida's did.

Fortunately for us, this game isn't out of reach. We were still only one big play away from beating Florida even with the way our offense was playing, so we have a chance Saturday night. It'll certainly be close one way or the other.

 

[Chad Rock]

I think the Mizzou game could be similar to what we saw last night: a low-scoring slug fest.

I don't think Mizzou's defense is as good as Florida's, but it isn't much worse. Good secondary, good pass rushers, speed at every position, etc. Given how our offense performed against Florida, I'm not very confident that we're going to do much better Saturday night.

The good thing for us is that our defense has played very well, and their offense has struggled(they scored a grand total of 9 points AT HOME against Connecticut, and 2 of those points were caused by a safety). The one thing I worry about is Maty Mauk's ability to scramble. We saw Will Grier scramble and makes plays with his feet often when he was under pressure or when nobody was open, and I think Mauk is more elusive than he is.

What I'm NOT worried about, though, is Mauk's ability to throw, because he's never impressed me much from that perspective; on top of that, Mizzou is very young at WR. If we give up a ton of yards through the air I'll be surprised.

I really think UK will need a big special teams play(whether it be a big return, blocked punt, forced fumble on a punt or kickoff, etc.) to set us up for an easier touchdown unless our offense improves significantly. I think Mizzou's defense is going to give us the same kind of problems that Florida's did.

Fortunately for us, this game isn't out of reach. We were still only one big play away from beating Florida even with the way our offense was playing, so we have a chance Saturday night. It'll certainly be close one way or the other.

Beating Mizzou would be yet another step this young team can take...I think it can be done with some adjustments and good prep. I think we may see some personnel changes on offense this week simply because it was very sub par last night. 3-1 and beating the previous two year SEC East champs...very doable.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

I think the Mizzou game could be similar to what we saw last night: a low-scoring slug fest.

I don't think Mizzou's defense is as good as Florida's, but it isn't much worse. Good secondary, good pass rushers, speed at every position, etc. Given how our offense performed against Florida, I'm not very confident that we're going to do much better Saturday night.

The good thing for us is that our defense has played very well, and their offense has struggled(they scored a grand total of 9 points AT HOME against Connecticut, and 2 of those points were caused by a safety). The one thing I worry about is Maty Mauk's ability to scramble. We saw Will Grier scramble and makes plays with his feet often when he was under pressure or when nobody was open, and I think Mauk is more elusive than he is.

What I'm NOT worried about, though, is Mauk's ability to throw, because he's never impressed me much from that perspective; on top of that, Mizzou is very young at WR. If we give up a ton of yards through the air I'll be surprised.

I really think UK will need a big special teams play(whether it be a big return, blocked punt, forced fumble on a punt or kickoff, etc.) to set us up for an easier touchdown unless our offense improves significantly. I think Mizzou's defense is going to give us the same kind of problems that Florida's did.

Fortunately for us, this game isn't out of reach. We were still only one big play away from beating Florida even with the way our offense was playing, so we have a chance Saturday night. It'll certainly be close one way or the other.

Mauk is a loose cannon with the ball, it looks like he just throws it up, into crowds anywhere, they must not have anything behind him for him to keep starting. The one thing he is, very mobile and very effective runner. I don't know how fast he actually is, but he looks fast and elusive on those scrambles, almost like a WR, him pulling it down and scrambling is more of a threat than him throwing it. Have to rush him under control and collapse the pocket on him and not allow him to spin out or find a lane to run through. Defensively they looked pretty good, but Mauk looks to have regressed bigtime,or just has too much confidence in his ability to throw into tight windows.

 

[uofkFTW18]

Mauk is a loose cannon with the ball, it looks like he just throws it up, into crowds anywhere, they must not have anything behind him for him to keep starting. The one thing he is, very mobile and very effective runner. I don't know how fast he actually is, but he looks fast and elusive on those scrambles, almost like a WR, him pulling it down and scrambling is more of a threat than him throwing it. Have to rush him under control and collapse the pocket on him and not allow him to spin out or find a lane to run through. Defensively they looked pretty good, but Mauk looks to have regressed bigtime,or just has too much confidence in his ability to throw into tight windows.

Agreed completely. Mauk honestly reminds me of Patrick Towles in some ways.

At one point during the UConn game, Mauk's backup came in(don't know why, Mauk ended up coming back in later so I assume it was due to an injury) and actually looked alright throwing the ball. Even the commentators were talking about how he was making quick, decisive throws compared to Mauk, who looked a little hesitant and confused.

 

[Blue Decade]

I think the Mizzou game could be similar to what we saw last night: a low-scoring slug fest.

I don't think Mizzou's defense is as good as Florida's, but it isn't much worse. Good secondary, good pass rushers, speed at every position, etc.

I agree. Next week will be a somewhat similar style game. Mizzou still has a fine defense, although not as strong as last year. Mizzou has not recruited like Florida, and doesn't have as many difference makers. Our fans who are dumping like hyenas on our offense today will learn something next week when they see that Mizzou's offense is worse. Painful as it may have been, yesterday's game was a teachable moment for a young Kentucky team that will get to a bowl. Next week's game may get into the 20s, and we will win it. If we beat Mizzou, we take a big step up in the SEC East.

 

[FreeSafety36]

Missouri isn't very good, but Gary Pinkel has shown that he's a very good coach. I hate to admit it, but I'm not looking forward to Saturday night.

 

[BleedBlue32]

I think Missouri is definitely a winnable game. I think after this loss and a week of preparation, we take 'em down in CWS next week.

 

[ukgrad2004]

As others have said, it is very winnable. I'm happy it's at night. We will definitely have a chance. The outcome of the Mizzou game will set the tone for the remainder of the season and tell me a lot about this team and staff.

 

[Dakota25]

Missouri is pretty good. Back to back east champions. I think UK will keep it close but I can't see them winning.

 

[NavyCat88]

I think the Mizzou game could be similar to what we saw last night: a low-scoring slug fest.

I don't think Mizzou's defense is as good as Florida's, but it isn't much worse....

I agree....Missouri's D is not as good as UF's, but the Tigers' HC is a hell of a lot better than UF's.

We will have to shake off the UF missed opportunity, focus & prepare and play very very well to win this game.

 

[WayneinSarasota]

Beating Mizzou would be yet another step this young team can take...I think it can be done with some adjustments and good prep. I think we may see some personnel changes on offense this week simply because it was very sub par last night. 3-1 and beating the previous two year SEC East champs...very doable.

 

[dcspurlock]

If we don't win it hurts our chances at a bowl big time. Knew before the season started that we'd need to win one of the UF/Mizzou games. If we can't beat Mizzou at home then MSU, Auburn, the rest of those teams we may not have much hope for. Might end up finishing with the same record as last year. Maybe worse seeing Vandy seems to be better than a year ago and are improving every game (unlike us).

 

[RV2]

One
game
at
a
time.

UK
football
fans
have
trouble
with
that
simple
concept.

 

[WildcatofNati]

One
game
at
a
time.

UK
football
fans
have
trouble
with
that
simple
concept.

Does it really matter if the fans are looking ahead, on a message board?

If coaches and players are doing it, it's a different story.

 

[fballcats76]

I would expect us to play like we did at their joint last year. Kentucky football always finds a way to lose.

 

[RV2]

Does it really matter if the fans are looking ahead, on a message board?

If coaches and players are doing it, it's a different story.

I have no problem with folks looking ahead. MOF, that's what I was trying to get at. The Florida game is one game and it's over. Time to move on to the next game which is a winnable home game against Mizzou. The problem I have is with folks fixating on the past. Previous post case in point.

 

[WildcatofNati]

I have no problem with folks looking ahead. MOF, that's what I was trying to get at. The Florida game is one game and it's over. Time to move on to the next game which is a winnable home game against Mizzou. The problem I have is with folks fixating on the past. Previous post case in point.

Then I agree with you.

 

[BigBluePhantom]

If we don't win it hurts our chances at a bowl big time. Knew before the season started that we'd need to win one of the UF/Mizzou games. If we can't beat Mizzou at home then MSU, Auburn, the rest of those teams we may not have much hope for. Might end up finishing with the same record as last year. Maybe worse seeing Vandy seems to be better than a year ago and are improving every game (unlike us).

Not sure how you came up with that formula. We basically have/had 4 games we should win and 3 we shouldn't. Based on that, we need/needed to win 2 of USCjr, UofF, Mizzou, Miss St, or UofL. We already won the 1st one and lost one. Now we have 3 more chances to win one more to be bowl eligible.

 

[WildcatofNati]

Not sure how you came up with that formula. We basically have/had 4 games we should win and 3 we shouldn't. Based on that, we need/needed to win 2 of USCjr, UofF, Mizzou, Miss St, or UofL. We already won the 1st one and lost one. Now we have 3 more chances to win one more to be bowl eligible.

Probably Auburn has played itself out of the category of games we shouldn't win. At this point, a home game against Auburn looks more winnable than a road game against Miss. St.

 

[appaws]

Mizzou and Pinkel seem to have mastered the art of always being better than they look on paper.

I think we have a shot, especially because it is at home....but I agree with some of the other posters about this game being a difficult slugfest like the last one.

 

[uofkFTW18]

Probably Auburn has played itself out of the category of games we shouldn't win. At this point, a home game against Auburn looks more winnable than a road game against Miss. St.

Agreed. I think we have a very good chance to beat Auburn at home. They aren't nearly as intimidating as everyone else thought they would be.

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

What I'm concerned about is watching Mizzou THOROUGHLY outcoach us yet again.

I mean, it was ridiculous watching how he outschemed us with his defense. I can see Mizzou winning again because they are way better coached. I've seen it happen the past two years.

Watching our clock management at the end of the UF game really has me concerned. I like Coach Stoops and feel we have coached our guys well on Defense, but....

I'll say it again, I believe Pinkel is the best coach in the SEC.

 

[TotesMcGotes]

My heart tells me that UK will find their motivation again after a tough defeat and will come out with a great game plan an execute and win a close one.

My mind tells me that mizzou is going to do what it always does and find a way to win on the road in the sec. Mizzou wins ugly a lot, but they win... I have a hard time picking against a team that shut us down on offense last year after watching our offense struggle against florida...

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

If we don't win it hurts our chances at a bowl big time. Knew before the season started that we'd need to win one of the UF/Mizzou games. If we can't beat Mizzou at home then MSU, Auburn, the rest of those teams we may not have much hope for. Might end up finishing with the same record as last year. Maybe worse seeing Vandy seems to be better than a year ago and are improving every game (unlike us).

AU is terrible, no matter how bad you think Towles is or has been playing Johnson is worse. Defensively they are the softest AU team I can ever remember seeing. I tried to link the gif of Ford on one of Fournette's runs but its above my technical ability, its on Yahoo if anyone wants to see it. He moves towards him and reaches out like he is trying to grab a flag, pretty funny. Fournette is a very good back, but they made him look like a combination of Hershel and Bo with a touch of AP thrown in. AU is damn lucky to not be 0-3 with a schedule that has included a FCS school who took them to overtime. If they don't have a huge improvement they will be fight Arkansas for 7th in west, who has been equally as disapointing.

 

[Smashcat]

Mizzou defensive stat that really caught my eye: no. 2 nationally in tackles for loss. Other ranked D stats are pretty serious too. Cats better be ready.

Freddie Maggard ‏@FredMaggard 4h4 hours ago Kentucky, USA
Missouri defensive national rankings: Total D #4, Scoring D #5 9.7 points per game, Tackles for Loss #2 with 34, 1st downs allowed #7.

 

[uofkFTW18]

Update with regards to Mizzou's injury situation:

Getting Hansbrough back would be really big for Mizzou. Their offense has struggled mightily and Hansbrough is a very capable back.

 

[UKWinsAgainYep]

Mizzou defensive stat that really caught my eye: no. 2 nationally in tackles for loss. Other ranked D stats are pretty serious too. Cats better be ready.

Freddie Maggard ‏@FredMaggard 4h4 hours ago Kentucky, USA
Missouri defensive national rankings: Total D #4, Scoring D #5 9.7 points per game, Tackles for Loss #2 with 34, 1st downs allowed #7.

Wow, those stats are not good for our situation.

We all know Towles will not be able to handle Mizzou's D. Mizzou will absolutely confuse Towles all day long. I hope we can run the ball or we are screwed.

 

[WildcatofNati]

Wow, those stats are not good for our situation.

We all know Towles will not be able to handle Mizzou's D. Mizzou will absolutely confuse Towles all day long. I hope we can run the ball or we are screwed.

Those stats were accumulated against a FSC team and two midmajors, and one of them went 2-10 last year. Missouri should have a good defense, but we'll see what happens on Saturday.

 

[footballfanatic77]

If we don't win it hurts our chances at a bowl big time. Knew before the season started that we'd need to win one of the UF/Mizzou games. If we can't beat Mizzou at home then MSU, Auburn, the rest of those teams we may not have much hope for. Might end up finishing with the same record as last year. Maybe worse seeing Vandy seems to be better than a year ago and are improving every game (unlike us).

Interesting...I believed before the season that UK would be a bowl season, but I didn't think UK would beat Mizzou. I thought UK would beat Florida instead of USC, but overall they are still at exactly the same win-loss I thought they would be at this point in the season.

 

[Dakota25]

UK isn't going to win but I think they will be competitive. If Missouri gets Hansbrough back then UK has just a slim chance.

 

[bigbaddawg99]

Wow, those stats are not good for our situation.

We all know Towles will not be able to handle Mizzou's D. Mizzou will absolutely confuse Towles all day long. I hope we can run the ball or we are screwed.

Until Mizzou actually plays someone, I'll reserve the right to question those rankings this early on. We'll see come Saturday.

 

[K_TIME]

Guys Mizzou beat UConn 9-6 last week....UK has as good a shot as Mizzou to win which is why the line is where it is at. UF is a downer but almost all would argue UK has played better in 3 weeks that has Mizzou so far this year.

THe overly dramatic "we stink and have no shot" is silly. This isn't Joker Phillips led team by a long shot anymore.

 

[fballcats76]

Well their starting running back will be starting against us. That changes their team for sure. I hope we don't lay another egg! This is a game we can win.

 

[BARBQGRILLER]

Beating Mizzou would be yet another step this young team can take...I think it can be done with some adjustments and good prep. I think we may see some personnel changes on offense this week simply because it was very sub par last night. 3-1 and beating the previous two year SEC East champs...very doable.

I agree .

 

[JHB4UK]

Guys Mizzou beat UConn 9-6 last week....

Last September they lost at home to Indiana. Indiana.

still won the SEC East, though. They will be the best coached team we face this season, won't beat themselves. Watched a little of the UConn game while tailgating, their QB situation is interesting. they benched Mauk in favor of a true freshmen who seemed to be an accurate thrower but very immobile to close out the game. Our D rushes the passer against him like they did Greir and we will eat them alive.

Very concerned about the offense like everyone else. all starts on the O line, from my perspective Big George AA was overwealmed against Florida, and in response we had a cavalcade of changes at RT and other spots to try and compensate. hard to play QB when you are more worried about the rush folks. Mizzou always has great D linemen, the tackles for loss stat mentioned above is true to form for them.

Dawson's gotta have some quick hitter runs/passes against their knifing penetrating style, burn them, and dont make our shaky O line try and block for a 5 step/7 step drop pass pattern that is developing 20+ yards downfield.

 

[brianpoe]

What I'm concerned about is watching Mizzou THOROUGHLY outcoach us yet again.

I mean, it was ridiculous watching how he outschemed us with his defense. I can see Mizzou winning again because they are way better coached. I've seen it happen the past two years.

Watching our clock management at the end of the UF game really has me concerned. I like Coach Stoops and feel we have coached our guys well on Defense, but....

I'll say it again, I believe Pinkel is the best coach in the SEC.

Wow, those stats are not good for our situation.

We all know Towles will not be able to handle Mizzou's D. Mizzou will absolutely confuse Towles all day long. I hope we can run the ball or we are screwed.

Good golly grow a pair would you? These last two threads you have been acting like you are scared to death.

"Towles will do terrible"

"Our coaches will be thoroughly out coached"

"Mizzou is soooo great"


Let me give you a bit of sunshine Francis.

Mizzou does have very good coaches and a quality defense but let's look closer..

They have beaten an OVC team with a losing record.

They have beaten a Sunbelt team with a losing record.

They beat an American Conference team that had 10 losses last year by 5 points, of which they only scored 9 themselves.


You may be right, PT may stink and our coaches may not prepare very well.

But it is only Tuesday and it is football, it is one thing to discuss, it is another to be frightened.

How about you surprise us all and tell us where you think we have advantages and what you would do to lessen our disadvantages?

 

[NavyCat88]

I agree .

Beating Mizzou would be yet another step this young team can take...I think it can be done with some adjustments and good prep. I think we may see some personnel changes on offense this week simply because it was very sub par last night. 3-1 and beating the previous two year SEC East champs...very doable.

I believe a victory over the two-time SEC east division champs would be more than a "step"....it would be huge for CMS/Staff/Team.....and recruiting. Missouri can't be confused with Bama or LSU in name recognition or pedigree, but they have a solid team with seasoned high-quality coaching AND recent success in conference that we would love to have in our resume.

If CMS & Staff can maintain the team's defensive intensity, shore up some deficiencies in O (especially line play) we have a reasonable shot at victory at home. Cats will have to dig down deep to win for sure....but with the recently arrived talent and some keen coaching, it can be done. GBB!

 

[MKrip]

Agreed completely. Mauk honestly reminds me of Patrick Towles in some ways.

At one point during the UConn game, Mauk's backup came in(don't know why, Mauk ended up coming back in later so I assume it was due to an injury) and actually looked alright throwing the ball. Even the commentators were talking about how he was making quick, decisive throws compared to Mauk, who looked a little hesitant and confused.

Mizzou fan here,

He actually came into the game twice against UConn. He's been getting at least one series a game so far this season and might get even more as time goes by. He looks to be a good pocket passer and they want him ready should they ever feel they really have to lean on him to win games or even start.

My guess as to why they put him in on that last crucial offensive series in the 4th quarter is that they know Mauk is prone to turning the ball over or taking huge sacks for loss or grounding penalties. They wanted to mount a methodical chain and clock moving drive that at the very least flips the field while limiting the chances for a devastating mistake.

Mauk is an all or nothing kind of player and we had a lead to preserve while UConn could hardly move the ball so Lock was seen as the safest bet to close out the game.

I think there's a good chance you'll see both QB's in the game against you on Saturday. In fact, some of us Mizzou fans believe you might see a third quarterback as well, Marvin Zanders, who is a rushing phenom in scrimmages and practice. They may use him in specific situations.

 

[uofkFTW18]

Mizzou fan here,

He actually came into the game twice against UConn. He's been getting at least one series a game so far this season and might get even more as time goes by. He looks to be a good pocket passer and they want him ready should they ever feel they really have to lean on him to win games or even start.

My guess as to why they put him in on that last crucial offensive series in the 4th quarter is that they know Mauk is prone to turning the ball over or taking huge sacks for loss or grounding penalties. They wanted to mount a methodical chain and clock moving drive that at the very least flips the field while limiting the chances for a devastating mistake.

Mauk is an all or nothing kind of player and we had a lead to preserve while UConn could hardly move the ball so Lock was seen as the safest bet to close out the game.

I think there's a good chance you'll see both QB's in the game against you on Saturday. In fact, some of us Mizzou fans believe you might see a third quarterback as well, Marvin Zanders, who is a rushing phenom in scrimmages and practice. They may use him in specific situations.

Good post. Thanks for the insight.

 

[WildcatofNati]

r

Good golly grow a pair would you? These last two threads you have been acting like you are scared to death.

"Towles will do terrible"

"Our coaches will be thoroughly out coached"

"Mizzou is soooo great"


Let me give you a bit of sunshine Francis.

Mizzou does have very good coaches and a quality defense but let's look closer..

They have beaten an OVC team with a losing record.

They have beaten a Sunbelt team with a losing record.

They beat an American Conference team that had 10 losses last year by 5 points, of which they only scored 9 themselves.


You may be right, PT may stink and our coaches may not prepare very well.

But it is only Tuesday and it is football, it is one thing to discuss, it is another to be frightened.

How about you surprise us all and tell us where you think we have advantages and what you would do to lessen our disadvantages?

Agreed. The other thing is that Missouri will have a good D-Line, but it's not going to be the same one from last year. Of their four best players last year on the line, two went to the NFL, one was lost in the off-season to a serious injury, and the other was kicked off the team. This is not the Florida defense; not even comparable to the Florida D-line and secondary, though probably better at linebacker.

I have a lot of respect for this team, and for the coach. They've had two really good years in the SEC; what a lot of people have apparently forgotten is that they've also had one very bad year in the SEC. It's not written in stone that every single Missouri team in future history is always going to be the Missouri of 2013/2014. I have little doubt, that we'll get a better performance from them than UConn did, so this will be a very tough game but there's also a reason that we were underdogs against Florida and not against Missouri. They've kicked our butts three straight years, but every single time over those three years they had a clearly better team (even in 2013; when they were mediocre, we were awful). This is the first year that, at a minimum, we're close to being as good, and it's at home.