Missouri notched its first Power 5 win of the 2018 season in thrilling fashion, defeating Purdue with a game-winning field goal on the final play. Beating the Boilermakers was certainly a confidence boost, but things are about to get tough for MU as No. 2 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) comes to CoMo. The game is scheduled for a Noon ET kick on ESPN.

Tigers coach Barry Odom talked about his team and the big game with the Bulldogs on the SEC Coaches Teleconference Wednesday:

On how the 2018 UGA team differs from the 2016 team Odom faced in his first SEC game:

  • They have done a tremendous job recruiting. The way they play, you can see his influence. Offensively and defensively you know what you are going to get but they are sound and don’t beat themselves… I think they’ve ramped it up

On how Georgia’s offensive line has changed since then:

  • I think a lot of it is that they’ve recruited well and they have one of the best OL coaches in Sam Pittman. I have respect for him… They don’t make mistakes, they are physical… they are well coached

On Missouri OC Derek Dooley and what he has brought to the Tigers:

  • No. 1, he has provided leadership on that side of the ball. He’s open to building the gameplan with his staff… the one thing he did was building real relationships with our kids, being the new face in the room and being the new face in that room. He’s done a great job and continues to do so… He has helped me as a former head coach… He just wants to stay under the radar and do his job.

On Dooley’s move from Dallas to Missouri:

  • We talked a number of times over the phone and it was delayed due to their season going on and when it came time to visit… it was not a one-time conversation thing… I was trying to make sure we made the right fit.

On Missouri QB Drew Lock and his improvement this year:

  • He’s transformed since last season. He’s very demanding on himself… It comes down to fundamentals, delivery, arm release, the approach on the concepts we have and doing all that in a timely fashion. He’s put as much if not more time into that than anyone I’ve ever been around… He likes football and he wants to be the best… and he knows he can improve and he’s striving to get there.