Barry Odom stresses the importance of playing for seniors: ‘I’ve got to send them out winners’
By Keith Farner
Published:
Missouri is in tough situation for its senior class as the Tigers try to end a four-game losing streak this week when Tennessee comes to Columbia. There’s also the NCAA cloud hanging out there.
On Saturday, the Tigers will honor 18 seniors as they try to remain undefeated on Senior Day under fourth-year coach Barry Odom. Odom said it’s important to “send them out winners” because college athletes remember their last game, but also especially remember their final home game.
“Every one in the room understands that some day they’re going to be in that spot,” Odom said. “… They understand the responsibility that come with that. They also know your college years and your experiences and whatever opportunities they are, how fast it goes. They understand what the message is. They understand the reasons why, and it’s a close group that they want to make sure they do the things they need to, to help these guys out.”
He added, “I want nothing more than for (the seniors) to walk off Faurot Field for the last time as winners.”
Missouri’s won two straight over Tennessee, both 50-17, and the game is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. Both teams are 5-5.
Mizzou’s seniors are: CB Demarkus Acy (captain), DB Ronnell Perkins (fifth year), WR Jonathan Nance (graduate transfer), QB Kelly Bryant (graduate transfer), WR Justin Smith (fifth year), WR Johnathon Johnson (fifth year), DB Richaud Floyd (fifth year), K/P Tucker McCann, DB Khalil Oliver (graduate transfer), DL Franklin Agbasimere (fifth year), LB Jacob Trump (medically retired), LB Cale Garrett, LB Joe Hoy, OL Thomas Grossman, OL Jonah Dubinski (medically retired), OL Yasir Durant, OL Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms and DL Tyrell Jacobs.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
