Missouri loses a close one at home, 27-24, to the Alabama Crimson Tide. With 1:17 left to go, Missouri had the opportunity to win the game, or just tie it, but Beau Pribula threw a crucial interception that sealed the game.

Star Alabama QB Ty Simpson had a very efficient game, going 23/31 for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. Whenever Simpson had time, he made the Missouri defense pay. Alabama was 6/15 on third down and 3/3 on fourth, showing Missouri’s inability to get off the field on defense. On the contrary, Missouri was 1/10 on third down, and 2/3 on fourth. Missouri failed on a fake punt on fourth, at their own 40, a head-scratching play call.

Here are three takeaways from today’s game:

1. Pribula has a turnover problem and it’s time to address it: By no means do I want to convince you that Beau Pribula is a bad quarterback, because I don’t think that’s true. However, it’s time to acknowlege that Pribula has 5 interceptions in the last four games, two of which being today in Missouri’s most important game so far. Early in this game, Pribula had an interception dropped, so it very well could have been 3.

In the last 3 games before this, Pribula threw an interception in all 3. It was easy to shrug those off, due to the Tigers pulling out the win in all three, and in all honesty, Ahmad Hardy did an excellent job masking those mistakes. Now, though, after a crucial loss, you have to take a step back and admit that it’s a trend and not a good one. Pribula’s two interceptions were virtually identical, both on seam concepts that were overthrown and maybe thrown early.

I don’t think the play calling necessarily helped Pribula, however, as the senior was never able to get in a rhythm and Missouri completely abandoned the run game. Pribula struggled to stay in the pocket as well and had issues throwing on the run. In the first quarter, he missed what would have likely been a touchdown to Marquis Johnson. Pribula finished 16/28, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. You won’t win SEC games with those types of performances.

2. Early penalties may have changed the outcome: Here are the facts. If Zion Young doesn’t get flagged for taunting on a 3rd and 15, Mizzou has tons of momentum, with the chance to go up 14. If targeting doesn’t get called, Marvin Burks plays the entire game. That’s it. I said before this game that if Missouri wanted to win, it couldn’t beat itself. They did that on the first drive of the game.

3. Playcalling left much to be desired: In the second half, Mizzou ran the ball just nine times. Ahmad Hardy, one of the nation’s best running backs, only had 12 carries. That is absolutely coaching malpractice. Was Missouri playing down for most of this game? Yes. Did it have to completely abandon the run? No. Did abandoning the run affect Pribula’s ability to get into any kind of rhythm? Likely.

On 3rd and 8, Kirby Moore called a designed quarterback run. What? Is Kirby Moore proven as a good OC? Yes. Was today one of his worst games, in my opinion? Absolutely. If Missouri wants to win on the road, which it must do to make the playoffs, they have to lean on the ground game.

Overall, a really tough loss for Missouri. Not doom and gloom, this team still inspires lots of hope. Just stings. The Tigers have an opportunity to right the ship next week against Auburn.