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College Football

Black & Gold Game: Quick takeaways from Mizzou’s spring game

Andrew Olson

By Andrew Olson

Published:

Eli Drinkwitz decided to mix things up a bit for Mizzou’s Black & Gold Spring Game. This year’s squads were player-drafted. Drinkwitz was in the observer role as partial staffs coached the two squads. The players were motivated by the postgame meal. The Black team is getting treated to steak for its 35-34 win. The Gold squad, meanwhile, will eat hot dogs.

Mizzou did not broadcast in-game stats. Here are a few quick takeaways from watching the SEC Network+ live stream:

QBs impress, but what about JT Daniels?

Heading into Mizzou’s spring game, one of the most talked-about players among Tigers fans was someone not even suited up for MU. JT Daniels, the departing Georgia quarterback in the transfer portal, is reportedly visiting Mizzou and considering a transfer to the Tigers.

Connor Bazelak, last year’s QB1, transferred to Indiana to continue his career. Brady Cook and Tyler Macon are the returning quarterbacks currently competing for the starting job. At the start of spring practice, Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz told reporters he wouldn’t be naming a starter after the 15 practices. He also indicated incoming 4-star freshman Sam Horn, a June enrollee, would have an opportunity in fall practice.

Cook and Macon each turned in impressive performances, albeit against defenses that could not hit the quarterback. The QBs have varying skill sets and showed different strengths Saturday:

So what is the outlook for Mizzou’s quarterback room after Saturday’s spring game? Drinkwitz won’t be faulted for continuing to pursue Daniels, a former 5-star talent and experienced SEC QB. While Cook and Macon looked solid, and relatively even in the QB battle, Daniels probably was not scared off, either. If Daniels goes elsewhere, Cook and Macon each showed upside.

The offensive supporting cast, led by Luther Burden, looks strong for QB1

Luther Burden lived up to the hype of his 5-star recruiting rating – at least on Saturday. Just a couple of months out of high school, he looks ready to play in the SEC as a true freshman.

Burden, though, wasn’t the only offensive player to impress. Dominic Lovett had his share of highlight plays. Mookie Cooper should figure prominently in the Mizzou passing attack.

The Tigers have a big hole to fill at running back with the departure of Tyler Badie. Stanford transfer Nathaniel Peat had an early 23-yard touchdown run. Cody Schrader and Taj Butts also made some plays in the second half. It looks to be a promising group. The offensive line opened some holes for the ball-carriers.

What about the defense?

The defense, which couldn’t hit the QBs, had numerous players out, so it’s ok not to panic over giving up 69 points.

Still, though, as Greg McElroy pointed out, tackling seemed to be a problem as receivers had no problem gaining yards after the catch. Defensive schemes are traditionally vanilla in spring games. Pass coverage was a mixed bag with a couple of interceptions but multiple big plays given up through the air. The spring game, though, is an empty-the-bench game, so some of those who struggled in pass coverage may not see playing time this fall.

Daylan Carnell picked off the final pass, sealing the Black team’s win. It was his second interception of the game.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.

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