
The first post-loss edition of Tiger Talk focused on the defensive side of the ball.
With a trip to UMass on the horizon for Mizzou football, head coach Eli Drinkwitz, linebackers coach DJ Smith and linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. joined Mike Kelly on this week’s edition of “Tiger Talk”.
Here are some of the highlights.
Eli Drinkwitz | Head coach
- We need to tell ourselves the truth if we want to grow moving forward
- Essentially none of what the team had been preaching showed up against Texas A&M
- Can’t dwell on the past
- Nothing worse than the result of 100-hour weeks being huge losses like Saturday’s
- Getting knocked down is inevitable. Getting up is your choice
- This is the most parity I’ve seen in the SEC during my time in the conference (two seasons at Auburn, five at Mizzou). Other coaches will tell you that NIL and the transfer portal has increased the competitiveness this season
- The offense hasn’t been consistent enough on first and second down to be in a positive position on third down
- Especially with so many shifts and motions pre-snap, Mizzou was trying to create something on offense too hard instead of just letting the players play
- It’s not about establishing the run or establishing the pass. It’s about establishing touchdowns
- Appreciative of Marquis Johnson playing despite his ankle injury, which limits his greatest asset — speed. If he was 100%, he would’ve returned that kickoff in the second half against Texas A&M for a touchdown instead of it going 63 yards
- At defensive back, need to find consistency with rotations. Nic DeLoach has earned the opportunity to start opposite of Dreyden Norwood. Everyone should be feeling a little bit of pressure every day to get better.
DJ Smith | Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach
- Need to start with the basics in terms of what we need to clean up schematically. Need to check yourself, have a low ego and high output (Writer’s note: this is something Flagg talked about earlier in the day at Mizzou’s weekly press conference. Was very apologetic for, in his words, trying to make a play versus trusting the defense that was called.)
- Chuck Hicks has fostered maturity within the linebacker room, especially with the younger guys. Has become a buffer from player to coach to player to player.
Corey Flagg Jr. | Linebacker
- Faith in Christ has been a great guide. Went to church twice a week growing up. Father works day in and day out, consistent in his faith, the forefront of the household.
- Looked for a place to call home when transferring from Miami (FL). Good customer service at HyVee made me feel at home. Also told Mike Kelly over the summer that he believed Mizzou could win a national title this year and wanted to help push the team to the finish line.
- Respect the hell out of Brady Cook. He’s the leader of this team.
- Has found a good fishing spot in Columbia. It’s man-made, but won’t tell where.
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