The Missouri Tigers defense stops Kentucky Wildcats Glenn Faulkner during a running play in the second quarter at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri on November 1, 2014. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

The Missouri Tigers defense stops Kentucky Wildcats Glenn Faulkner during a running play in the second quarter at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri on November 1, 2014. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

If Missouri fans aren’t used to seeing their football team grind out victories, you’re not alone.  Head coach Gary Pinkel admits it feels different.  He’s happy with the 10 points allowed, but would like to see that 20 they scored more in the 30’s.  Pinkel is striving for perfection and consistency on offense, but knows the way they need to call games is different than in the past.

The Tigers focus more on running the ball, opting to throw shorter routes instead of taking cracks down field and managing the clock in the fourth quarter when holding a lead.  While the days of uptempo, quick strike may be gone this season, the results are still producing wins.  At 7-2 overall and 4-1 in SEC play, the Tigers end into the bye week controlling their own destiny.

With Florida’s win over Georgia, the Tigers are in sole possession of first place in the SEC East and with games coming up against Texas A & M (6th in the West), at Tennessee (6th in the East) and at home against Arkansas (7th in the West), Mizzou controls their own destiny.  While the offense may struggle, they get three of the best opponents you could hope for.  With a defense not showing any signs of slowing down, in fact looking better and better each week, this is as close to a sure trip to Atlanta as any SEC team can get.

Game notes:

With this win, Mizzou is now 22-7 in the month of November which includes four division championships since 2007.  The Tigers are in position for their fifth conference championship game appearance in eight years.

Marcus Murphy moved into second place on Mizzou’s all-time career all-purpose yardage list, passing Brad Smith.  He has 4,431 yards, well behind Jeremy Maclin’s school record of 5,609.

Shane Ray set the school’s single season sack record at 12 breaking the record held by Michael Sam and Aldon Smith.

Kentrell Brothers and Michael Scherer had career highs with 13 tackles.

Maty Mauk is 29 of his last 56 with four touchdowns and no picks.