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Tennessee football at Missouri: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 28, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; A general fish eye view of the field before the game between the Missouri Tigers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; A general fish eye view of the field before the game between the Missouri Tigers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. (15) on the line against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. (15) on the line against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

7. How much of an advantage is Missouri’s pass rush?

Here’s where we get into some of the biggest advantages the Missouri Tigers have. One tradition that hasn’t left the Gary Pinkel days is the pass rush, and Mizzou once again is elite on that front. They are No. 25 in sacks with three and a quarter a game. That comes despite the fact that they have played multiple run-heavy teams. Their opponents have only thrown it 27.3 times a game.

On the other side, Tennessee football is abysmal at protecting the quarterback. The Vols are No. 11 in fewest sacks allowed per game. Again, that number is three and a quarter. Meanwhile, they are No. 107 in sack rate and No. 98 in quarterback pressure rate.

To make matters worse, UT’s pass rush is mediocre at two and a quarter a game, but Mizzou’s pass protection is amazing, as they only allow three quarters of a sack a game despite passing it 41 times a game. Simply put, this is a huge advantage for Mizzou.

The question for UT is how much of an advantage it will be. Josh Heupel’s system is predicated on the run despite its tempo, so he’ll try to limit Mizzou being able to do anything here. There’s reason to trust him on that front, which is why it’s still a factor but a lower factor.

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