Missouri football fans have had a rollercoaster of emotions over the past few seasons. After a stellar 2023 season, the team faced significant departures. They lost key players to the NFL and graduation.
Despite these losses, the Tigers have managed to stay competitive. This is thanks in large part to their strategic use of the transfer portal. This article delves into how Missouri’s transfer portal additions have fared in the 2024 season. It also examines the areas where the team has excelled and where it has struggled.
With 17 new players brought in from the transfer portal, Missouri aimed to fill the gaps left by their departing stars. The Tigers’ efforts have been a mixed bag. Some positions saw a seamless transition while others faced challenges.
Notably, the running back and cornerback positions have been under the spotlight. This is due to the high-profile departures and the significant roles these positions play in the team’s overall performance.
Let’s break down the impact of these new additions and how they have influenced Missouri’s season.
Running Back Rotation: Striving for Consistency
Replacing the SEC’s leading rusher, Cody Schrader, was never going to be an easy task. Schrader’s 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns were pivotal to Missouri’s success last season.
To fill this void, the Tigers brought in Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll. However, Noel’s injuries have limited his participation. This led to a rotation that includes Jamal Roberts and freshman Kewan Lacy.
The Impact of Injuries
Noel’s limited availability has been a significant *what if* for Missouri this season. When healthy, Noel has shown flashes of Schrader-like brilliance. In a standout performance against South Carolina, Noel rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his potential. However, his reduced snap count has hindered the running game’s overall productivity.
Overall Production
Despite these challenges, Missouri’s running back rotation has managed to produce a respectable 137.9 rushing yards per game. While this is a drop from last season’s 1,946 yards, it’s a commendable effort given the circumstances. The Tigers’ ability to adapt and find contributions from multiple players speaks to their depth and resilience.
Cornerback Challenges: Filling Big Shoes
Replacing NFL draftees Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Kris Abrams-Draine was always going to be a tall order. Missouri turned to Clemson transfer Toriano Pride Jr. and in-house talent to step up.
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Redshirt freshman Nicholas DeLoach has emerged as a key player, often surpassing Pride in the depth chart. Dreyden Norwood, last season’s third corner, has taken on a more prominent role as CB1.
Performance Metrics
The new cornerback trio—Norwood, DeLoach, and Pride—has shown a noticeable regression compared to their predecessors.
Last season, Rakestraw, Abrams-Draine, and Norwood allowed 59 catches on 107 targets (53.3%) for 713 yards and five touchdowns. This season, through three fewer games, the new trio has allowed 46 catches on 78 targets (58.9%) for 762 yards and four touchdowns.
While a step back was expected, the numbers indicate a clear drop in defensive performance.
Room for Improvement
With three games left to play, there’s still an opportunity for the cornerbacks to improve their stats. The Tigers have faced tough competition, and the experience gained this season will be invaluable for future campaigns. The coaching staff’s ability to develop these players will be crucial in turning this position group into a strength once again.
Offensive Line: Building Cohesion
Continuity has been a hallmark of Missouri’s offensive line in recent years, with Javon Foster and Xavier Delgado anchoring the left side.
This season, the Tigers brought in Marcus Bryant and Cayden Green to bolster the line. Bryant, a first-team All-AAC player from SMU, and Green, a top-20 recruit from Oklahoma, have shown promise but also faced challenges.
Pressure and Protection
Per PFF, Bryant has allowed 19 pressures this season, while Green has been tagged for 10. Combined, they have given up 29 pressures, with five turning into sacks and five into hits.
Last season, Foster and Delgado allowed 30 pressures combined, with two sacks and four hits. The increased pressure has been a factor in Missouri’s midseason losses, highlighting the need for the line to gel and improve its cohesion.
Run Blocking Success
Despite these issues, the offensive line has excelled in run blocking, particularly on outside zone plays to the right side.
In the game against South Carolina, the Tigers ran outside zone to the right side multiple times with great success. This strategy has been a key part of their offensive game plan, and the line’s ability to execute it has been a bright spot.
Defensive Line and Linebackers: Battling Injuries
The defensive end and linebacker positions have been hit hard by injuries this season.
Missouri replaced first-round draft pick Darius Robinson and Nyles Gaddy with Zion Young, Darris Smith, and Eddie Kelly Jr. However, injuries to Smith and Joe Moore III have limited their impact. The linebacker corps has also been affected, with Khalil Jacobs’ season-ending injury further depleting the rotation.
Edge Rushers
Walker and Young, the top two edge rushers, have combined for nine sacks this season, down from the 17 sacks registered by Robinson and Walker last year.
The reduced pressure has been a factor in Missouri’s defensive struggles, as the Tigers rank 52nd in the FBS in team sacks this year. The absence of Smith and Moore has undoubtedly impacted the pass rush, and their return will be crucial for future success.
Linebacker Depth
Caleb Flagg has been a standout at middle linebacker, but the Tigers have struggled to replace the production of third-round draft pick Ty’Ron Hopper.
The injuries have forced Missouri to rely on a thin rotation, and the team has felt the impact in both pass coverage and run defense. The development of depth at this position will be a key focus for the coaching staff moving forward.
Conclusion: A Season of Adaptation
Missouri’s 2024 season has been one of adaptation and resilience. The Tigers have faced significant challenges, from replacing key players to battling injuries.
Despite these hurdles, the team has remained competitive and shown flashes of brilliance. The transfer portal additions have had mixed results, but they have provided valuable depth and potential for future growth.
As Missouri looks to close out the season strong, the focus will be on continuing to develop the new additions and building cohesion across all units.
The lessons learned this season will be invaluable for future campaigns, and the Tigers have laid a solid foundation for continued success. For more detailed analysis and updates on Missouri football, visit the Columbia Tribune.
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