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Barry Odom reflects on game-changing fake punt from Missouri’s 2016 win against Arkansas
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As Missouri prepares to face Arkansas this week, Barry Odom was asked about a crucial play from the teams’ young SEC rivalry series.
In the 2016 meeting between the two schools in Columbia, Odom called for a fake punt from the Tigers’ 7-yard line late in the third quarter. Missouri managed to convert, and two plays later, then-sophomore quarterback Drew Lock threw a 67-yard touchdown pass that brought the Tigers within 24-21 of the Razorbacks.
Missouri went on to win 28-24 and finish its season at 4-8, completing its huge comeback from a 24-7 halftime deficit. During Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference, Odom explained when into the risky fake punt that helped swing that game.
Odom discussed a few other subjects during the teleconference, and you can read his responses below. Missouri (7-4, 3-4 SEC) hosts Arkansas (2-9, 0-7) at 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday.
On the fake punt call from 2016 against Arkansas:
- The fake, those plays we carry into every game. If the look is there, we feel confident in executing those if we got the look. It was there; we felt confident in our kids. It was a big part of that game. We went down and scored. It wasn’t luck of the draw; we prepare for these things, sometimes for months.
On Arkansas DL Armon Watts:
- I’m impressed with him. … The defensive line causes issues getting tackles for loss. I know Armon; he was a guy we looked at during his high school career.
On Mizzou’s senior class:
- The things they have done over their careers, most of the memories many guys have is their Senior Day game. For us, it’s about being ready for our seniors. When this is over, we can look back, we can address that later, but we must play a complete game on (Friday).
On recruiting after the season:
- We have a banquet on Saturday, then we will be out on the road recruiting.
Thoughts on the SEC title game between Alabama and Georgia:
- Both talented team, both great coaches. I would anticipate a matchup that many will be interested in.
Thoughts on the early signing period:
- I would like to get more experience of it, but we have had many more official visits during the season. That speeds it up for some.
On Arkansas starting freshmen defensive backs in this game:
- I know they will be ready to play, well coached. We don’t put an age on anyone at this point of the year. We have young freshmen playing out here too. I know they have good coaches; they will be ready to play.
On having three Fayetteville guys on the roster:
- They have played well up to this point. All their roles are different, but I’m grateful that they are in our program.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
