5 takeaways from Week 2 of Mizzou camp
Not much of note happened on the field for the Missouri Tigers in Week 2 of fall camp.
Most of the news came off the field, for better and for worse. From arrests to renewed rivalries to Pokemon Go, plenty of stories came out of Mizzou’s training camp last week.
Here’s a look at the top five stories from the past week as the Tigers inch closer to their Sept. 3 opener at West Virginia.
The Tigers need some good news for a change
In Week 1 of camp, the Tigers lost DL Harold Brantley after he was declared academically ineligible and DL Walter Brady was dismissed from the team. They also lost OL Nate Crawford to retirement after a slow recovery from back surgery.
This week, RB Travon Walters was arrested for allegedly stealing and using a debit card.
The season can’t start soon enough for the Tigers, who can’t afford to keep losing players.
West Virginia’s week isn’t going much better
It’s been a tough week in Morgantown for the Mountaineers — Mizzou’s Week 1 opponent.
West Virginia lost its leading returning tackler to a season-ending injury. It was also reported on Sunday that a veteran offensive lineman was arrested for DUI.
WVU OL Adam Pankey arrested Sunday morning on DUI charges https://t.co/9j6rhXnxty
— Gazette-Mail Sports (@GazMailSports) August 14, 2016
Both teams are having tough luck this fall as they prepare for their season opener in less than three weeks.
Michael Scherer has a future in broadcasting
Senior LB Michael Scherer interviewed freshman QB Jack Lowary as part of a “Rookie Report” video series posted to the Mizzou football Twitter page.
The Tiger teammates talked music, crying during movies and a variety of other topics during the brief interview.
#MIZCamp Day 10 ??@Mike_Scherer38 introduces us to QB @JackLowary in the best #RookieReport ever#MIZ #ShowMe pic.twitter.com/PR0pkQg9Sc
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) August 12, 2016
The biggest takeaway from that segment? Scherer may have a future career as a sideline reporter, but he should probably stay away from karaoke bars.
A couple of key rivals could return to the schedule
This week, vice president candidate Tim Kaine, a Mizzou grad, said he wants to see Mizzou and Kansas play each other in football again.
The Border War was a big game every year when both teams were in the Big 12, but the rivalry has fallen apart following Mizzou’s departure to the SEC.
Additionally, first-year Illinois coach Lovie Smith said he would welcome the chance to play Mizzou. The Tigers play the Illini in basketball every year, but an annual gridiron matchup would likely be welcomed by fans and players from both schools.
Plus, the St. Louis (now Los Angeles) Rams’ old home isn’t being used for much these days and would be the perfect site for the game.
Ask QB Drew Lock for Pokemon Go tips
Apparently, the sophomore quarterback has been giving teammates tips about the hit mobile game.
Even coach Barry Odom’s son has approached Lock for advice.
Lock and his teammates recently visited another college campus in Columbia in search of Pokemon.
If his receivers are as good at “catching them all” as their quarterback is, the Tiger offense will be in good shape in 2016.