After Connor Bazelak showed some promise on Saturday in the loss at Tennessee, he has earned the right to start at quarterback Missouri’s game this week at LSU.

Coach Eli Drinkwitz made that announcement on Tuesday at a press conference, but also said Shawn Robinson would contribute if needed.

“I thought he handled the situation well,” Drinkwitz said. “He got in, we moved the ball offensively, we moved the ball on third down. He made good decisions in the pocket. There were some things that he missed and some things that he’s got to improve on, but I just felt like he handled the situation well, and he gave us a chance, and we’re going to stick with him.”

Bazelak was 13-for-21 passing at Tennessee for 218 yards with an interception. Robinson was 1-for-4 passing for zero yards. Robinson also lost four yards on three attempts, and Bazelak gained 11 yards on eight attempts.

“I think every throw we have has a component that has a deep ball on it,” Drinkwitz said. “He’s made the decisions I think as a quarterback that’s your choices to be a smart, disciplined decision maker. He’s made those decisions, it’s worked out for him sometimes, it hasn’t worked out for him other times. I think he’s doing a really good job reading the defenses and being accurate with the football. He’s got to continue to do that. We’ve got a tough task this week.”

Drinkwitz maintained that Bazelak needs to play better, along with other players and coaches, but Bazelak, “showed some growth, and it’s his opportunity.” Drinkwitz also clarified Robinson’s role.

“There’s going to be plays for Shawn, there’s going to be situations, but I’m not going to give everybody the competitive advantage and tell you how we’re going to use every player,” Drinkwitz said. “… We’re excited about Shawn Rob. Just because we’re going with Connor doesn’t mean I have a negative connotation or he didn’t do what he’s supposed to do. We’re just going with Connor and Shawn’s a good football player. We’re excited about him playing quarterback and contributing to our football team.”