What Eli Drinkwitz said after Mizzou's thrilling rivalry win over Arkansas
The 2020 Battle Line Rivalry battle of first-year head coaches was a wild one. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman pulled the gutsy “go for 2 on the road” move. The Razorbacks converted to go up 48-47, but Mizzou had an answer left in them. Eli Drinkwitz’s squad countered with a field goal to come away with a 50-48 victory on Senior Day in Columbia.
Drinkwitz, it turns out, didn’t even watch the kick. In his postgame press conference, Drinkwitz shared that he had his eyes on Pittman. When Pittman’s head sank, Drinkwitz knew the Tigers were holding onto the heavy trophy of the two states.
Drinkwitz also discussed the controversial targeting call on Nick Bolton, his relationship with former Mizzou coach and Arkansas defensive coordinator Barry Odom and more. Reporters in CoMo shared the highlights:
Eliah Drinkwitz: "What a great game. … It's always good to beat your rival."
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) December 5, 2020
Eli Drinkwitz says Harrison Mevis got the game ball today. I'd say that's well deserved
— Mitchell Forde (@Mitchell4D) December 5, 2020
#Mizzou coach Eliah Drinkwitz: "What a great game. What a tribute to our seniors on Senior Day. … Really nice job from our guys to fight in the second half. I told them at halftime: No great story can be great without a little adversity."
— Souichi Terada (@SouichiTerada) December 5, 2020
I asked Drinkwitz if he asked Mevis where on the field he wanted the kick lined up before the third down play. He said no, he was trying to score on the third down play.
— Power Mizzou (@PowerMizzoucom) December 5, 2020
Drinkwitz at the podium.
Said he knew once the Tigers got inside the 30 that they were in Harrison Mevis' range.
— Eric Blum (@ByEricBlum) December 5, 2020
Drinkwitz says of the targeting call on Nick Bolton “I think it was the right call” based on the rule. Said there was no ill intent, but was right call based on definition of rule.
— Power Mizzou (@PowerMizzoucom) December 5, 2020
Drinkwitz: "I'd be lying if i said I hadn't had any doubt. But I felt good about it."
— Souichi Terada (@SouichiTerada) December 5, 2020
Drinkwitz said he watched Sam Pittman during the final kick. He said he saw Pittman's head go down, and he knew Mizzou won.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) December 5, 2020
"I try to rattle him all the time, calling him Jano-miss-ski," Drinkwitz said of Mevis. "He's got nerves of steel."
— Eric Blum (@ByEricBlum) December 5, 2020
Drinkwitz's message to linebacker Jamal Brooks after the 2-point conversion: "Hustle off. We've got you. We're going to win the game."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) December 5, 2020
Eliah Drinkwitz on conversation with Barry Odom before the game:
"Coach Odom and I have always been cordial." He said he'll keep their conversation private, but he wishes the former Mizzou coach well and said he's done a great job as Arkansas' defensive coordinator.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) December 5, 2020
