Eli Drinkwitz thanks fans for showing up to Abilene Christian win, discusses offensive line issues
Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri Tigers picked up a 34-17 victory over Abilene Christian on Saturday in front of fans at Faurot Field.
Freshman WR Luther Burden had a big game, as did fellow WR Dominic Lovett. The defense did enough to give the Tigers a comfortable win over their FCS opponents.
However, after the game, Drinkwitz expressed concern about the offensive line, in particular.
Here’s some of what he had to say in his postgame press conference.
On the offensive line’s struggles and impending return of Xavier Delgado:
#Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz said he hopes to have LG Xavier Delgado back in full practice this week.
“He tried to go Wednesday and made it through about half the practice. Thursday, he wasn't ready to roll.” https://t.co/oLZwPdVRHu
— Kenny Van Doren (@thevandalorian) September 17, 2022
Drinkwitz: "We've got to go back and find out, what is the best five (offensive linemen)?."
Says he hopes Xavier Delgado is back next week. Also says holding penalties are killers.
— Matt Stahl (@mattstahl97) September 17, 2022
On Burden getting banged up on a punt return:
Drinkwitz said he was nervous about Burden's ankle on the third punt return that led him to be checked out in tent/locker room. He noted that the officials picked up the flag but declines to comment on the no-call. "I've donated enough $ to our charity today."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) September 17, 2022
On Burden fielding punts:
Drinkwitz on Burden: "He didn't field the punts, but he picked them up off the ground pretty good."
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) September 17, 2022
On the fans showing up for the early kickoff:
Drinkwitz: "Really appreciate our fans. I know today wasn't perfect but they stayed with us."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) September 17, 2022
Mizzou faces a step up in competition next weekend, as it heads to Auburn to take on another squad of SEC Tigers. We’ll see who emerges victorious in that SEC East-West crossover game.
