Eli Drinkwitz addresses the challenge of stopping Kansas State’s running game, recruiting Kansas City
By Keith Farner
Published:
Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri got off to a good start on defense last week against Louisiana Tech, as the Tigers allowed just 8 yards on 22 attempts. That made them No. 1 in the country in rushing defense.
That doesn’t matter this week, as Missouri will play at Kansas State.
“It’s a totally different challenge and mentality,” coach Eli Drinkwitz said on the SEC coaches media teleconference. “Obviously Kansas State prides itself on being a tough, physical team. They have one of the best running backs in the country in Deuce Vaughn. … What happened last week doesn’t have any impact on this week.”
Vaughn last week against South Dakota rushed for 126 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown.
While Missouri has done well in the St. Louis area with recruiting under Drinkwitz, the Tigers are trying to expand more into the Kansas City area.
“For us, Kansas City is huge for us in recruiting grounds,” he said. “… This is a way to help one way or the other. I really like this game a lot.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
