Missouri had plenty of issues to correct after its sub-par effort at Wyoming in a season-opening loss to the Cowboys.

It was an uneven effort for QB Kelly Bryant, who had a pair of turnovers, but also passed for 420 yards.

“I think he will improve,” coach Barry Odom said on the SEC media teleconference.

The Tigers play West Virginia this week after the Mountaineers beat James Madison 20-13. WR Tevin Bush had four catches for 74 yards and a TD and is a key weapon Odom is aware of for Missouri to stop.

Odom also noted the ongoing transition for LB Nick Bolton, who appeared to struggle in his first college start.

Here’s what else Odom told reporters:

  • On Nick Bolton: He played some meaningful snaps last year, which helps. This was the first time we counted on him for every snap… We need to make sure he understands what goes into preparing for his increased full (season), the attention to detail it takes to play winning football.
  • On Kelly Bryant: He accounted for a lot of yards… He turned the ball over twice, both untimely and one returned for a touchdown. One was in a situation where we had to score… He threw for 420 yards, led our team to a two-minute drive, put us in a situation to win it.. it was the first time he’s played in a year… I think he will improve.
  • Did he have to knock off the rust? This was the first time for a bunch of guys… he has a lot of room to grow and he will end up having a really good year.
  • On West Virginia WR Bush: He is a talented player, they find creative ways to get the ball, I would imagine we will get a heavier dose of that — he’s earned it… he had a really good game one, we have to be on high alert with him.
  • On the running game: We didn’t run the ball well enough and we didn’t stop it well enough. that’s something we have to work on… if you don’t it’s going to make for a long year. We have ideas on getting that fixed.
  • On defensive line play vs Wyoming: Run defense, we weren’t anywhere close to were we want to be, and that’s not just on the DL… they moved the pocket well on us, there wasn’t much pass rush opportunity, I’m hoping we can get into those situations this week
  • On West Virginia coach Neal Brown: Great scheme, always finds ways to get his playmakers the ball… lots of movement, lots of window dressing… I’ve always been impressed with the game plan he puts together.