For the two quarters that Missouri’s defensive starters played against Southeast Missouri, they controlled the line of scrimmage and did what was expected. But after subpar defensive showings in the team’s first two games, it’s fair to wonder how much weight Saturday’s performance against an FCS opponent holds.
On the Redshawks first rush of the game, defensive end Isaiah McGuire snuffed it out and stopped Geno Hess for a 3-yard loss. That set the tone for the rest of the half, in which Missouri allowed just three first downs and outgained SEMO 458-69.
“The defense really did a nice job in the first half controlling the game,” Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said.