Ahead of South Carolina's Saturday matchup with SEC East foe Missouri, managing editor Adam Orfinger got in touch with Peter Baugh, sports editor of Missouri's student news paper, The Maneater, to get his take on the game.
TDG: Missouri had reason to be optimistic through the first four games. What has contributed to the wheels falling off in October?
PB: There are a number of reasons Missouri has fallen apart. First off, the defense has not been good at all. A combination of bad tackling and an inefficient scheme has allowed teams to run all over the Tigers. When you're playing LSU and Florida, that's not going to get the job done. Drew Lock has been inconsistent at quarterback, and the wide receivers have really struggled. Injuries have made matters worse. Michael Scherer and Terry Beckner Jr. both went down with ACL tears, and they are two of the team's best overall players. The games against Middle Tennessee and Kentucky should have been winnable, but Missouri just didn't show up to play. Locktoberhas not been a successful month for the Tigers.
TDG: Bowl eligibility technically isn't out of the cards yet, but it feels as if the Tigers have nothing to play for. How do you expect the team to respond coming into a hostile environment against a team with a lot of momentum?
PB: Honestly, I do not think they will play well. They seem defeated, and they are going against a team that has a lot to play for. The Gamecocks will most likely make a bowl game if they win Saturday, so they'll be ready to play. Missouri has not won on the road this year, and I do not expect this game to be any different.
TDG: The Tigers struggled to put up points on the road against tough defenses in LSU and Florida. What will Missouri do to attack a stingy South Carolina defense?
PB: Damarea Crockett has emerged as a high quality running back. He is intelligent, athletic and fast. He is a difference maker, and is always capable of having a big game. The team has been running a fast paced offense all season, and I'm guessing they will try to continue that. I could also see second-string quarterback Marvin Zanders getting more playing time. He can run the ball well, and I could see him making an appearance if Lock struggles early.
TDG: Missouri ranks 88th in the nation in scoring defense despite playing three times outside the Power 5 this year. How can the Tigers stop a Gamecock offense that has taken care of the ball and seems to be rolling under new quarterback Jake Bentley?
PB: Tackling has been a big problem this season, and the linebacking core is beat up. If the Tigers don't miss too many tackles, they'll have a shot to stop the Gamecocks. The defensive line is talented, and I could see that unit giving the Gamecocks trouble. Aarion Penton is a quality cornerback, so he should provide good coverage.
TDG: Fill in the blanks. Missouri will win this game if _____________. South Carolina will win this game if _____________.
PB: Missouri will win this game if Drew Lock plays like he did in the first half of the Georgia game, the defense tackles and the Tigers finish drives in the red zone. South Carolina will win this game easily if Missouri plays like they have the last four games.