Ad Disclosure
Eli Drinkwitz explains why Mizzou has had success in close games this season
Published:
It’s been a stressful, but successful start to the season for Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri.
Off to a 3-0 start, Missouri has already had 2 games decided by one score or less. Last season, the Tigers didn’t fare so well in close game situations, going 1-4 in games decided by a touchdown or less. It’s been different this year, and Drinkwitz credits the close games from last year.
“Last year we were in some single possession games that didn’t go our way, and at the end of the year we were able to find a way to do that,” Drinkwitz said during the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday. “Hopefully it’s that confidence and belief in each other that we’re going to find a way to win in the 4th quarter. So far we’ve been able to do that.”
Missouri won a too-close-for-comfort game in Week 2 against MTSU after a big defensive stop. Then the Tigers won on a record-breaking field goal against Kansas State the following week. While Drinkwitz would rather not be in these situations, he’s liked the way his team has managed close games this season.
“I thought in the Middle Tennessee game our defense went out and got a stop, our offense was able to keep the ball and take a knee, which was the objective of the offense in those 4 minute situations,” Drinkwitz said. “Obviously in this past game, defense went out and got a stop, offense got the ball back, was able to put us in position for special teams to win the game. So that’s a team that works together, believes in each other and we’ve got to continue to that every week and find ways to win.”
And the close games have taken a toll on Drinkwitz already. He joked that playing in close games has led to him losing some hair.
“I think you can see, I used to be a big visor guy because I thought I had good hair,” Drinkwitz said. “And now in a visor, I’ve got a clear bald spot in the back, and I’m one of the youngest head coaches in the SEC. So I don’t know, it’s not been good for my hair for sure.”
Missouri will look to start the season 4-0 this week as the Tigers take on Memphis.
