We only have two SEC games to compare the playcalling of Missouri offensive coordinator Kirby Moore. Against South Carolina, in six of the 10 Tigers’ drives, they started with a designed run play for either Ahmad Hardy or Jamal Roberts. In six of the 11 drives against Alabama, the Tigers started with runs, and the last two, after the failed fake punt, when Mizzou had to move quickly, started with passes.
Before placing all the blame on offensive coordinator Kirby Moore, Mizzou could never get into the rhythm of its offense. I compared the numbers in Mizzou’s two SEC games and the numbers are similar.
Listen to the breakdown. You’ll be shocked, and you’ll agree it wasn’t Moore’s playcalling that was the issue.
Missouri’s running game had a chance to set the tone early against Alabama, but couldn’t keep the momentum going. Ahmad Hardy opened strong with a pair of solid runs on the Tigers’ first touchdown drive, then picked up a first down with a nine-yard carry on their third possession. That should’ve opened things up for Beau Pribula and the passing game, but instead, Missouri stalled. Pribula missed a few throws, got sacked, and Hardy’s carries started going nowhere. Jamal Roberts provided a late spark in the half with a 39-yard burst, but Hardy’s fumble and Alabama’s defensive adjustments made sure the Tigers couldn’t build on it.
In the second half, Hardy’s 11-yard run after an Alabama turnover helped set up a touchdown, but that was about the last bright spot on the ground. The Tigers were forced into passing situations after a failed fake punt turned into a short field and a 10-point deficit. Hardy finished with only 12 carries, not for lack of effort, but because the offensive line just couldn’t get the same push it did against the likes of Central Arkansas and UMass. This was a reminder of what happens when Mizzou’s offense faces a top-tier SEC front.
Turnovers are also becoming a real issue for Pribula. After defenses have had a few games of film on him, his numbers over the last four games tell the story: six touchdowns, five interceptions, and a handful of costly fumbles. Now, Missouri heads to Auburn for its first road game of the season. Auburn might be winless in SEC play, but they’ve played everyone close. Given Missouri’s struggles against ranked competition—Eli Drinkwitz is 0-8 against teams ranked 12th or higher and just 3-8 against ranked SEC teams since 2022.