Paul Finebaum believes No. 12 Missouri proved its worth during a 30-21 road loss to defending back-to-back national champion Georgia. Missouri had a 13-10 lead in the 3rd quarter before Georgia pulled away for good with 20 points in the second half.

The ESPN analyst shared on a recent edition of McElroy And Cubelic In The Morning that Missouri backed up the hype despite the loss.

“I came away really impressed with Coach Drink and his staff and what that football team has accomplished. They still have some big games but they showed they were worthy of not only the ranking but all the adulation,” Finebaum said. “There’s been times in this season when it just seems like Missouri has been fortunate and gotten out of jams. Made trick calls. The 1 against Kentucky.”

Finebaum gives Missouri credit for making it a close game against the No. 2 team in the nation.

“What we saw Saturday was a legit team against what I still believe is the best team in the country on the road. All of the things that make college football more difficult for a road team,” Finebaum said. “They came within a couple of plays of having a shot at the end which is all you can do.”

Missouri will aim to bounce back with a home contest vs. No. 17 Tennessee this weekend.

“I think the challenge for Missouri now is to finish,” Finebaum said. “They’re getting Tennessee at a really bad time. They’re emotionally drained. They’re beaten up. They’re playing a team that is Jekyll and Hyde but very capable.”