Here are some quick thoughts on Missouri’s narrow 20-16 upset over BYU on Saturday in Kansas City.

What it means: Missouri needs just one more win to be bowl eligible.

What I liked:

  • The Tigers defense answered the call and made the Cougars work for every yard. BYU and Cougars QB Tanner Mangum didn’t convert a first down until the end of the first quarter.
  • Tigers PK Andrew Baggett stepped up when he was needed, which was for both field goals in the first half and the 2 PATs in the second half.
  • Despite the much-talked-about strike and the recent announcement that coach Gary Pinkel would be stepping down at the end of the season the Tigers were able to remain focused on the task at hand.

What I didn’t like:

  • The Tigers struggled in a big way on offense, especially in the first three quarters. Dropped passes, O-line failures, an interception — they had a very difficult time getting anything going.
  • In the first quarter, Missouri’s two trips to the red zone resulted in a field goal and a fumble lost. The Tigers came into this game ranked No. 83 in red zone offense, and it left the game with only a slight improvement here.
  • DB Cam Hilton and DB Kenya Dennis were both flagged for taunting in this game. The Tigers are 5-5, and this game was by no means a runaway win. Missouri players have no business taunting any opponents.

Who’s the man: QB Drew Lock struggled at times, but he still managed to hold the Missouri offense together, going 19 of 28 with 244 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.

Key play: On third-and-19 in the fourth quarter, Lock held onto the ball and ran it himself for 24 yards, setting up the Tigers for their second touchdown of the game.

What’s next: Missouri faces Tennessee at home next week, and the Tigers will have to find a way to win against the Vols if they want to play in a bowl game this season.