Rapid Reaction: Mizzou debuts talented freshmen as Tigers handle SEMO

Here are some quick thoughts on Missouri’s 34-3 win against in-state FCS opponent Southeast Missouri:

What it means: Gary Pinkel is high on his 2015 recruiting class. Eight true freshmen debuted for the Tigers, including backup QB Drew Lock, who looked great during his three series (more on that below). DT Terry Beckner Jr. (four tackles), WR Thomas Richard and LB Terez Hall also impressed.

What I liked: Missouri’s defensive front. The linebackers and secondary were exceptional, as expected, but the new #DLineZou performed really well. DE Charles Harris has Shane Ray-like speed, DT Josh Augusta showed improved stamina and DE Walter Brady was a constant disrupting force. Craig Kuligowski has his unit ready for 2015.

What I didn’t like: Maty Mauk’s inability to get the offense out from deep in their zone. The second half, especially, was a punt fest from SEMO. Most of those punts, though, landed within the 10-yard line and the Tigers, led by Mauk, had trouble advancing the ball much past there. The Tigers looked a little better from deep in their zone when Lock took his two drives in the fourth quarter, including one that resulted in his first career touchdown, but teams with a solid punter may be able to neutralize Mizzou.

Who’s the man: Kentrell Brothers. Dear Lord, that man was everywhere today. Brothers had six tackles in the first quarter, 12 in the first half and finished the day with 16. Brothers and fellow LB Michael Scherer have said they have a competition to see who will get the most tackles in a game. Brothers easily won this contest.

Key play: Mauk’s 27-yard touchdown pass to J’Mon Moore during Missouri’s first drive. I’ve argued repeatedly that Moore will be Mizzou’s most important receiver in 2015, and his impressive ability to get the ball at its high point showed during this great catch. The Tigers would stretch the field with other receivers like Nate Brown, but Moore’s grab helped set the tone while showing he’s ready to be Mizzou’s top target.

Maty Mauk to J'Mon Moore TOUCHDOWN! pic.twitter.com/Eb3hx8Q5W6

— ROCK M NATION (@RockMNation) September 5, 2015

What’s next: The Tigers are fortunate in how their schedule plays out given how Gary Pinkel wants to develop this team. They started with an FCS opponent, then play on the road next week at Arkansas State before returning to Columbia against their first Power 5 opponent, UConn. Each game will get a little tougher, but both are sure-wins, so Pinkel should be able to continue playing his newcomers while solidifying his rotation, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Mike Shaw

Mike Shaw is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Missouri, Texas A&M and Arkansas. Follow Mike on Twitter @michaelvshaw