Eli Drinkwitz gives classic answer to analytics question
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
College football has evolved into a sport that often heavily relies on analytics in key moments. However, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz is squarely on the side of going with your gut.
When asked by a reporter during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference about his 4th down approach offensively, Drinkwitz delivered a classic answer.
“No they pay me to make the decisions not defer to a book,” Drinkwitz said.
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Missouri converted its lone 4th down during its season-opening 61-6 victory vs. visiting Central Arkansas. The Tigers also gave up a 4th down conversion to the Bears during the lopsided victory.
The 42-year-old Drinkwitz has posted a 39-24 record since taking over at Missouri in 2020. Drinkwitz has guided Missouri to back-to-back double-digit victory seasons, a feat he also accomplished during his first 2 seasons as a head coach at Appalachian State. Drinkwitz was the SEC Coach of the Year in 2023 after Missouri went 11-2 and finished ranked No. 8 in the AP poll.
Prior to becoming a head coach, the Oklahoma native paid his dues as an assistant at Auburn, Arkansas State, Boise State, and NC State.
Next up for Missouri is the Border War vs. visiting Kansas on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET/ESPN).
