For the second time in three seasons, the Missouri Tigers are out in front in the SEC East division during the final month of the season.

This season, more than 2012, seems more perplexing in terms of how Missouri has arrived at this fortunate position. It wasn’t more than a month and a half ago that the Tigers suffered a devastating and shocking home defeat at the hands of the lowly Indiana Hoosiers (who just lost by 24 to Michigan).

That loss was followed by a narrow victory against South Carolina, but honestly Missouri looked dreadful for essentially three quarters. Then it was a 34-0 loss to Georgia that put the Tigers behind the 8-ball and many thought their hopes of repeating as SEC East champion were dashed.

But now with four weeks left in the regular season and just three games remaining for Missouri, the Tigers are back in first place in the division and suddenly look like the favorite to win.

RELATED: Shane Rays sets school sack record

Even head coach Gary Pinkel is somewhat surprised that his team is in its current position.

“I don’t know,” Pinkel said on if he thought his team would be leading the SEC East after losses to Georgia and Indiana. “You just keep focus. You have to keep focused and keep improving. We just improved as a football team. Don’t ever call yourself out, because you have no idea what it’s going to be like down the road. We’re fortunate to be in a position, now, to have a chance. We need to see what we can do with it.”

So aside from the help the Tigers have received via Georgia’s loss last weekend, how did Missouri get to this point?

It’s simple. Defense.

According to Dave Matter of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Tigers rank near the top in several major defensive categories when it comes to conference opponents:

  • 1st in pass defense (178.0 ypg)
  • 2nd in rush defense (121.6 ypg)
  • 3rd in scoring defense (18.2 ppg)
  • 4th in sacks (3.2 sacks per game)
  • 1st in long scrimmage plays allowed (52 plays of 10 yards or more)

Aside from the 34-0 blowout against Georgia back on Oct. 11, Missouri hasn’t allowed more than 20 points to an SEC opponent. In its last three games, the defense has been even tougher. Conference opponents haven’t scored more than 14 points against the Tigers. In fact Missouri’s defense has scored just as many points, thanks to two defensive touchdowns against the Florida Gators.

The stingy defensive performance has been especially needed considering the offensive struggles Missouri has had to endure during conference play. It wasn’t until Missouri’s fourth SEC game when quarterback Maty Mauk recorded his first passing touchdown against an SEC defense. He’s yet to eclipse 175 passing yards in SEC games and has only completed at least 50 percent of his passes one time (vs. UK).

“We’re staying healthy. I think that’s allowed us to improve as a football team. I think we have more guys making plays,” Pinkel said during Wednesday’s teleconference about his defense playing at a high level. “Based on experience and playing together as a group, we’re improving. Considering some of the struggles we’re having on offense, it’s great we’re doing that.”

“If you’re struggling on offense and you can play great defense, have a great kicking game and not turn the ball over, you give yourself a chance every week,” Pinkel added.

RELATED: Missouri needs a strong November run to reach Atlanta

Pinkel cited the growth of players like linebacker Michael Scherer and defensive lineman Harold Brantley for especially improving as the conference schedule has progressed.

Now that the Tigers are the clubhouse leader in the SEC East, history is certainly on their side.

Since 2007, the Tigers are an astounding 22-7 in the month of November. Aside from a 2012 season where the Tigers finished just 1-3 in the last full month of the season, Missouri’s 21-4 record is highly impressive. Last season, the Tigers finished 4-0 in November en route to their first SEC Championship berth.

Despite the offensive struggles, it’s been Missouri’s strong defense that’s led them so far with just three games remaining.

“We’re taking it one week at a time,” Pinkel said. “We’re certainly aware of what’s out there. We were in the same position a year ago. That team handled it. Can this team handle it? I don’t know. We’ll see.”