Notebook: Changing it up on D
Barry Odom mentioned in his weekly media availability that there could be some changes to the Tigers’ defense this week. Personnel and formations were both being evaluated after Georgia marched up and down the field on Missouri. Odom’s defense showed off some of those new wrinkles against the Vandals with a decent amount of success.
Among the changes was Kaleb Prewett moving from outside linebacker to his more natural position at defensive back. He started at safety along with senior Anthony Sherrils. Former starter Ronnell Perkins didn’t play a defensive snap in the first half, but saw plenty of action over the second 30 minutes.
Along the defensive line there were formation changes. On obvious passing situations a defensive end, usually Chris Turner or Marcell Frazier, would move inside. That led to more early action for former four-star prospect and Columbia native Tre Williams. He finished with his best game as a Tiger collecting four tackles, one sack and two tackles-for-loss.
“I knew I was going to get that sack. This dude just kept jumping out so I knew I could get a jab move on his outside shoulder and spin back in. I learned that from Charles [Harris],” Williams told reporters after the game.
Additionally, on obvious passing downs Mizzou would bring Joshuah Bledsoe in to play linebacker and Cam Hilton to play nickel. Those moves combined led to more pressure and better coverage which resulted in Missouri’s best defensive effort of the season.
“Those guys stepped in and embraced their roles which is what we challenged them with earlier this week,” Odom said of new contributors.
Comparing the defensive production Missouri had against Idaho to the struggles they endured at Georgia isn’t exactly comparing apples to apples. So instead we’ll look back at the Tigers' game against Missouri State.
In the season opening win over the Bears, Missouri surrendered 492 yards and 43 points. It is the second most yards and third most points they’ve given up this season to date.
In Mizzou’s win over Idaho the Tigers gave up 278 yards and 21 points. By far the fewest yards and points Odom’s defense has given up this season.
A lot of new on defense for the Tigers this week and according to Odom there is still more to come.
“The great thing is we got to about a quarter of [the new defensive packages],” he explained. “So we got a lot of reps we didn’t show today which is nice.”
Big day for tight ends
The Mizzou offensive coaches talked in preseason camp about the tight ends having a bigger role in this season’s offense and so far it has happened. Last week there were touchdown passes to Jason Reese and Albert Okwuegbunam.
Today the group really hit their stride finishing with a combined five receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns. There could have been even more if not for a Drew Lock pass sailing over the hands of a wide open Jason Reese in the end zone.
“It is a read,” Okwuegbunam said of the routes that shredded Idaho. “But basically I know I have a shot at getting the ball based off of their tendencies so I was definitely prepared to catch it and that’s what I did.”
According to Lock the secret to the success of that tight end seam route is the players on the outside.
“If you want to leave someone in the middle of the field that’s going to single guys up on the outside,” explained the junior quarterback. “You don’t necessarily want Emanuel [Hall] and J’Mon [Moore] running one-on-one with anybody in the country. They were scared of that so they were playing over the top of the outside guys which opened up the middle of the field a lot for us.
Richaud Floyd and the punt return unit contribute big plays
There were no signs of the early season struggles by the punt return unit today. Sophomore Richaud Floyd took the first punt of the game to the house for a 85 yard touchdown.
Floyd’s second return was nearly another touchdown as he was tripped up by one of the last men between him and the end zone after a 33 yard gain.
“We put more emphasis on actually catching the ball and making something happen,” Floyd said after the game. “We needed some plays to get the offense started. Coach put me out there and said get the first first-down for the offense and that’s what we did.”
Odom credited Cornell Ford with the units improved play.
“[Ford] challenged them throughout the week,” explained Odom. “He said this one time I want to get the ball passed the 50. Let’s talk about getting a first down for our offense and they responded. Richaud did a great job on fielding it cleanly off the hop and then we had enough guys in position to get blocks.”
Three starters out against Idaho
Tucker McCann was out today due to a violation of a team rule. Odom said McCann would be back as the starting kicker against Connecticut.
On today’s radio broadcast it was reported Damarea Crockett separated his shoulder against Georgia. After the game Odom said Crockett would miss a significant amount of time.
DeMarkus Acy did not play today after starting the first six games of the season. There was no explanation as to why after the game.