Missouri is trying to turn around a disappointing season, and the Tigers are using the bye week this week to work on specific areas.

“We’ve got to really improve in 3 key areas — penalties … our first quarter scoring … and turnovers,” coach Eli Drinkwitz said on the SEC coaches media teleconference.

Slow starts are related to some of those areas to improve.

“Turnovers have played a big issue in not ideal field position for our defense. … We’ve had multiple penalties on our first drives in the 2 SEC games that have derailed things. That cannot happen,” Drinkwitz said.

Meanwhile, RB Tyler Badie is second in the SEC in rushing yards per game at 105. He has 735 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.

“Our strength is our running back,” Drinkwitz said. “We’re trying to find as many ways to get Tyler Badie the ball. We have to improve our ability to create holes with our offensive line in favorable boxes and our quarterback has to take care of the ball.”