Regardless of whether you believe Boston College or not should is the fact that they are was They were ranked going into this game and gave your Tigers their first real test of the year. And, hey, Missouri won! Let’s talk about it.

1. This defense is legitimate

I’m not saying they don’t have problems. A young secondary had numerous coverage failures that allowed two touchdowns, including falling asleep at the wheel late in the 4th quarter. Until proven otherwise, I’m not convinced this secondary won’t be a liability in the next few games.

BUT.

As a unit, the defense is as solid as we thought it would be. Corey Batoon threw several tackles to Castellanos from the line, pressuring him and forcing him to move, but also just staying level and keeping him in check. The linebacker spies were able to stay with Castellanos and mostly keep him from doing any damage on the ground, forcing him to make some ill-advised throws.

Zion Young was disruptive. Johnny Walker Jr. was vicious in run defense. The secondary, despite the misses, had two interceptions. BC isn’t the best offense on Mizzou’s schedule, but it was the best offense they’ve seen so far, and even though the shutout streak is over, the defense — the unit with the most questions to start the year — did enough to beat a ranked team.

2. The deep ball is not there, but was not needed

The long passes that go over 20 yards in the air still aren’t coming through. But as tasty as they are to complete, they weren’t needed. Why? Because Theo Wease, Mookie Cooper and Luther Burden have been reliably free in the 10-15 yard range and, OH AGAIN, can add yards after the catch too. The passes over 20 yards may be coming through with the feet rather than the air, but… well, that’s OK for now!

3. Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll could be the most important additions to the offense

With all due respect to Marcus Bryant and Cayden Green, who also fit the line, the additions of Noel and Carroll were meant to ensure that Mizzou’s ground attack would see little to no decline with the departure of Cody Schrader. And through three games, that absolutely appears to be the case.

Mizzou’s passing attack hasn’t always been effective, but Carroll – and especially Noel – have proven through three games that they can hang with the bigs and move the chains when absolutely necessary. That’s what was missing in 2022 and contributed to the success in 2023. The fact that Missouri could rely on its running game when needed was a crucial aspect of its victories.

4. Blake Craig is reliable and fantastic

Against Murray State, Blake Craig converted throws of 39, 22 and 26. Against Buffalo, Craig was good from 51, but then missed from 49 and 52. And against Boston College, Craig the Leg held Mizzou in check with throws of 38 and 55 in the first half and followed that up with a 31-yard kick in the fourth half.

Of course, he had his share of misses, but in situations where Mizzou really needed something, the kid delivered. And he’s a redshirt freshman.

Entering the season, a big question was how Eli Drinkwitz – who plays in a lot of close games and needs competent field goals to win – would handle a questionable kicking position. After three games, it looks like he basically has a Mevis-level replacement for four more years. That’s huge for Drinkwitz’ Tigers.

5.) Mizzou just passed its first real test

Elite college football teams don’t just beat every opponent they play. Even Georgia and Alabama have random, bitter battles every season! No, elite college football teams find a way to win, no matter the circumstances.

Those magical teams of 2007, 2013 and 2023 weren’t always the most talented or had the best tactics, but (except twice each season) they all found a way to win a game in difficult situations.

Missouri got off to a slow start, trailing 14-3 with 9:44 left in the first half. Over the next 14 minutes, including the much-vaunted “Middle 8,” Mizzou played the following game:

• Field goal
• landing
• Field goal
• landing

This is how you climb out of a hole and build yourself a cushion.

Meanwhile, Boston College led the following drives after a 14-3 lead:

• Intercept
• punt
• Three and out
• punt
• Intercept
• landing

…and they never got the ball back after that.

Mizzou dropped two points to a higher ranked opponent and won with relative ease. It wasn’t a pretty game and there’s still a lot to sort out, but cleaning up the mess is left to the coaching staff. You, the fans, can watch a brilliant 3-0 as Mizzou heads into conference play.