Each week, PowerMizzou.com publisher Gabe DeArmond answers questions from Tiger fans in the mailbag. This format allows for a more expansive answer than a message board post. If you missed this week's mailbag, keep an eye out next week or send your question to Gabe at powermizzou@gmail.com. On to this week's entries.
jrl3m8 asks:Â Had a friend schedule his wedding for Saturday (don't get me started) and was unable to watch most of the game. I saw Charles Harris had 3 sacks but was the overall play of the defensive line improved from Week 2 to Week 3? From your articles last week it sounded like they finally bought in to the new scheme but was curious if the walk matched the talk.
GD: The defensive line played by far its best game. Yes, there were the three sacks by Charles Harris and four overall, but more than that, Georgia ran for 101 yards on 40 carries. That's a damn good running game averaging 2.5 per carry. Nick Chubb had never run for fewer yards than he did on Saturday (63) in a game in which he had 12 carries or more (he had 19). Whether it was an attitude adjustment, a good matchup with UGA or something else, the line showed very good signs on Saturday.
mexicojoe asks:  1a) Ross is listed on the depth chart. How close is he to 100% healthy? 1b) Never did see any in game stats posted during the game Sat nite. Did I miss it or is this something simply not done? I know they post the first half stats on the big scoreboard once during 3Q, but I am referring to "live" stats.
GD: Barry Odom said he was surprised when Alex Ross couldn't play last week. I've got to imagine he is close to ready to go. If he doesn't play Saturday, you'll have to wonder if there's more going on than we know. As far as in-stadium stats, I have no idea because honestly, I never look. I have the stat website pulled up on my computer during games and posted and tweeted out up to date stats after each quarter. I know they've done it in the past, but not sure about this weekend or if it's changed permanently.
TnMizzou asks: Â What's up with the new Linebacker package?
GD: I assume you're talking about the one that brought Eric Beisel in as somewhat of a standup rush end? I saw it once when Georgia was down inside the ten-yard line (if I recall, it wasn't particularly effective on that specific play). I don't know what's up with it other than the coaches put it in and liked something about it in certain situations.
gaterlep asks: Â In your opinion, does Lock look like he could be a 1st rounder next year? How good could this offense be in 2018 if he stays, with all of the freshmen and sophomores already heavily contributing?
GD: I'd pump the brakes a little bit on that (and this from someone who said after Saturday's game that Drew Lock will be a superstar as an SEC quarterback). He looks very good so far. He also has had his share of hiccups, including three picks in six passes. He's played very well for a week-and-a-half. If he does this all year, I'll entertain the thought that next year will be his last in college. But I'm not ready to talk about it yet. And I think the last point is one that could be used to help keep him in school. Missouri has a ton of young guys on this offense. Many of them will be here two years from now and there will be two more recruiting classes added to it. I think 2018 could set up as a hell of a season if this staff can recruit for the next 18 months.
