COVID is causing key absences both on the field and on the sideline in college football this season. In addition to a roster availability situation that had Saturday’s game in doubt at times this past week, Mizzou also dealt with defensive coordinator Ryan Walters being quarantined because of contact tracing.

The Tigers did play Saturday with defensive backs coach David Gibbs stepping in at defensive coordinator for the 17-10 win at South Carolina. After the game, Mizzou head coach El Drinkwitz, holding the Mayor’s Cup trophy, presented Gibbs with the game ball in the locker room.

The Tigers defense held South Carolina to just 283 yards despite the Gamecocks having the time of possession edge 31:26 to 28:34. Not a bad night for a fill-in defensive coordinator.

Mizzou improved to 3-3. The Tigers play Arkansas next in the Battle Line Rivalry game.