Eli Drinkwitz loves to discuss one of the pleasant surprises for the Missouri offense this season, and that’s RB Tyler Badie.

“Tyler’s done a really good job this offseason in embracing his role, trying to gain weight,” Drinkwitz said on the Wednesday SEC coaches media teleconference. “… This year, we’re a little more open, playing to his strengths. We’re excited about his play so far and trying to maintain his momentum.”

This week, the Tigers step out of their normal footprint and travel to Boston College, a place Drinkwitz is familiar with from his days at N.C. State.

“It’s a really cool stadium,” he said. “… We’re anticipating it’s going to be full, 40,000 or more, and loud. … Got a lot of respect for the Boston fan base, knowing what kind of people they are and how passionate they are about their team.”

The Eagles themselves will offer quite a test for Mizzou, and the game should reveal where the Tigers stand in their development during Drinkwitz’ second season.

“They haven’t allowed a first-half touchdown in the first 3 games,” he said. “Defensively, they’re really talented. … Offensively, they lost their quarterback, but they’re still one of the highest-scoring teams in the country. … They’re really a complete team.”