Mizzou’s first season under Eli Drinkwitz ended in a disappointing fashion, but the coach still considers Year 1 a success.

“I told our team: 5-5. We were predicted to win two,” Drinkwitz told reporters. “Obviously did not finish the way we wanted to. But we’ve earned ourselves respect and a chance to go to a bowl game.”

Two weeks ago, the Tigers were 5-3 and in the College Football Playoff Top 25. Drinkwitz thinks fatigue got to his MU squad that dropped its last two games 49-14 and 51-32 to Georgia and Mississippi State.

“These young men and coaches are tired,” Drinkwitz said. “I think you saw that tonight. We were just tired. A lot of unknowns for nine months. Extremely proud to be in this moment.”

He expects Mizzou to bounce back in a bowl game after Christmas break.

“Nobody wants to go out that way,” Drinkwitz said. “We’re going home for Christmas and then coming back to fight like heck to get it fixed.”

Here are some of the other things Drinkwitz told reporters in the postgame presser:

  • RB coach Curtis Luper tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
  • Shawn Robinson’s move from quarterback to defense is permanent.
    • “Selfless. Put your team first. Always compete. Do whatever you can for your teammates. He was the first person after that pick six to tell Connor Bazelak to keep his head up.”
  • Mississippi State is fourth opposing defense to clap to simulate snapping the ball. It has not yet been called as a penalty.