Missouri has built a reputation of getting strong play from its defensive line since the Tigers joined the SEC.

But recently, Missouri has excelled on third and fourth down situations. The Tigers are second in the SEC in stopping fourth down attempts, as opponents have converted just 30 percent of the time. Meanwhile, Missouri is sixth in the SEC in allowing third down conversions, as opponents are converting at a 34 percent clip.

Defensive line coach Brick Haley recently discussed the improvement with the Mizzou Network, and said he’s pleased with the progress.

“I think it’s all about practice and the fundamentals you take into practice every day. I think the biggest thing is those guys are listening, and starting to pick up on things and do things a little bit better,” Haley said. “It’s about grit, and it’s about toughness and it’s about finishing, that’s the thing you got to do. You want to get to fourth down and you want to finish it. If it’s fourth down, then let’s get off the field on fourth down. If it’s third down, then let’s get off the field. But we want to take the mentality that we want to get off the field on third and fourth down.”

Haley said preparation and working for improvement from the last time out are key elements to the unit’s success.

“There’s no question it’s a pride thing,” he said. “You want to try to get off the field and do the things you need to do, but boy is it fun to see yourselves stop a guy on fourth down, and stop a guy on third down. Those are exciting moments and memories for those guys for the rest of their lives.”