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After each game we take a look at three things we learned, two we still don't know and make a prediction for the future. Here's the 3-2-1 report from a 28-24 season-ending win over Arkansas.
THREE THINGS WE LEARNED
1. THIS TEAM DIDN'T QUIT. This game hardly erases 4-and-8. The rest of the season still happened and it was still pretty bad. But most teams probably would have mailed this one in. At 24-7 at halftime, it appeared Mizzou was one of those teams that had done just that. But it hadn't. Charles Harris, Drew Lock and Terry Beckner spoke up at halftime and the Tigers woke up and came through on Eric Beisel's pre-game promise. Missouri didn't give up on its coach. A lot of people already have.
2. MISSOURI HAS THREE GOOD RUNNING BACKS. Natereace Strong needs to dance a little less and get upfield a little more, but he provided a lot in this game, especially after Ish Witter left with an injury. Strong scored two touchdowns, picked up a couple key first downs and drew praise from Barry Odom for his pass protection. Combined with Witter and Damarea Crockett next year, Missouri should feel pretty good about its offensive backfield in 2017.
3. THE NORTH END ZONE'S ARMOR HAS A CHINK IN IT. It doesn't erase Fifth Down or Kick-and-Catch or the kick off the left upright. But it's something. Aarion Penton's interception to cap a huge goal line stand and the fourth-and-20 sack both came with the Razorbacks headed into the most dreaded ten yards of turf in Columbia, Mo. So whatever the scoreboard is, Mizzou at least got one.
TWO QUESTIONS WE HAVE
1. IS MARCELL FRAZIER MISSOURI'S NEXT BIG THING AT DEFENSIVE END? Frazier came up with three sacks, including the one that clinched the game on fourth and goal from the 20-yard line. He had four tackles for a loss and spent a whole lot of time getting to know Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen. With a healthy Nate Howard on the other side, Frazier could have a really strong senior season. And he may have more prototypical NFL size than some of Missouri's previous success stories at the position.
2. WILL THE REAL DREW LOCK PLEASE STAND UP? When Lock is on, he makes throws that only a few college quarterbacks can make. When he's off, he's so far off it is difficult to fathom that it's the same quarterback. But today's second half--and really the last three games--gave Missouri fans a glimpse of what many thought Lock was coming out of high school...and what the Tigers hope he still will be.
ONE BOLD PREDICTION
Missouri gets back to a bowl game in 2017. The Tigers bring back ten offensive starters. They're likely to lose Charles Harris on defense, but some turnover on defense might not be the worst thing in the world, and they should be running a scheme they're comfortable with for more than five games. And if you can have an easy schedule in the SEC, Mizzou has it next year. The Tigers should win a minimum of six games next season and make it back to a bowl for the first time since 2014.
