Missouri has maintained a negative reputation as one of the most lowly teams in the SEC over recent years. That is something head coach Eli Drinkwitz and company are hard at work to fix in Columbia.

The Tigers have seen some highlights under him, like the 24-23 win over Florida last season, as well as some eye-catching wins on the recruiting trail. But they still have a ways to go before they are considered legitimate SEC contenders.

Here’s a look into 5 statistical trends the Tigers must reverse in 2022:

1. Reducing points scored by opponents

Several have heard the saying “defense wins championships.” Whether one agrees with that or not, having at least a competent defense that can keep an opponent’s offense at bay — or at least give it some issues — is of large importance. Missouri has had a difficult time keeping its opponents out of the end zone and within field-goal range, averaging 33.8 points allowed per game in 2021.

While the Tigers had some highlights, like keeping a highly praised Kentucky team within just a touchdown in September’s 35-28 loss last season, there were also blowouts like the 62-24 loss to Tennessee and the 43-6 loss to Georgia (granted, this is the same team that won the national title).

Over 13 games, the Tigers surrendered 440 points. Mizzou’s defense has been porous, but some recent acquisitions and hopefuls stand a chance of at least reversing that to a degree.

2. Ground game

The Tigers averaged 5.06 yards per rush in 2021, totaling 463 rushing attempts for 2,342 yards and 22 touchdowns. It wasn’t all bad, and there were high points, but the Tigers failed to deliver in the run game in and game out. If they could just establish a sense of consistency here, which could be helped by a better passing game, there’s a chance for more wins.

Tyler Badie was Mizzou’s best man in the backfield last year, but he’s off to the NFL. Elijah Young and Nathaniel Peat are players to watch at running back, and how well they pick things up will have a reasonable amount to do with how successful the Tigers are.

3.  Overall defense

Missouri has improvements to make on both sides of the ball as one of the weakest teams within the conference, and the defense in multiple areas has room to grow. The Tigers’ defense allowed an average of 6.38 yards per offensive play in 2021, with a total of 886 offensive plays for 5,651 total yards.

It’s not hard to tell that Mizzou has to get better when its offense is off the field. Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper Jr., a transfer from Florida, could be a difference-maker after he finished last season with 62 tackles (32 solo), 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defended and 1 forced fumble.

Looking particularly at the secondary, junior cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine could also be a force. He’s projected to be a future NFL player, and he totaled 37 tackles (30 solo), 7 passes defended and 3 interceptions in 2021.

4. Run defense

Success against the run is something Missouri just hasn’t found, and it is among the team’s most glaring issues. The Tigers allowed 5.32 yards per rush in 2021, which is poor overall and an indication of a gift that keeps on giving. They allowed 4.53 yards per rush in 2020 and 3.77 yards per carry in 2019. Looking back further only indicates further regression.

There are some players who could step up, but it very much remains to be seen. To snap a trend that seems only to be worsening by the year would be a notable step in the right direction.

5. Attacking on deep shots

This is a team that could get things going in some aspects in 2021 but failed to win downfield. Yards after the catch and just overall deep passing statistics come into play here; Missouri averaged just 10.1 yards per catch. Simply put, the Tigers have to do more through the air. Not only does it clearly help the team move the chains, but a good passing game does wonders for opening up the ground game.

The Tigers will hope for solid quarterback play from Brady Cook, who was recently named the team’s starting signal-caller. The sophomore finished last year with a 79.3 percent completion rate (46-of-58) for 345 yards with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions over 5 appearances. Praised freshman Luther Burden III is surrounded by sky-high expectations and could be a future NFL prospect. If he becomes what many think he can be, Mizzou’s passing game could experience a major upgrade in the near future.