As expected, Missouri put a dominant display together against an inferior opponent. I have quite a few takeaways from this game, so let’s jump straight into it.

1. The first drive was much different than years past: Heading into this game, I exp[ected the Tigers to open up this game on the ground. Well, boy I look dumb because it was quite the contrary. The Tigers went on a 70-yard drive, where Simmons went 7/7 for 61 yards and a touchdown pass to sophomore Shaun Terry

I expected Jamal Roberts to get a love on that first drive, but Chip Lindsey turned to his transfer quarterback and never looked back.

2. Sione Laulea is like glue: Early in this game, Arkansas Pine-Bluff attempted two deep balls, both to Oregon transfer, Sione Laulea. Laulea was stride for stride both times. Yes, these Pione-Bluff receivers might not be Cam Coleman, Laulea’s combination of frame and speed is very impressive. A lot has been written about Chris Graves Jr, who is assumed cornerback one. Fans have wondered who the number two will be and that might just be Laulea.

3. Offensive line struggled to get push early: Early in the game, the Missouri offensive line struggled to get push against a weak defensive line. At one point, Jamal Roberts had 9 carries for 30 yards, struggling to find paydirt. Eventually, Roberts found the end zone from one-yard out, but it was hard earned. A bit of a scary sight as the Tigers will face a tougher opponent in Kansas next week.

4. Langden Kitchen was absolutely everywhere: Kitchen is slotted as a starting defensive end this season, after being a rotational piece last year. Kitchen had numerous pressures, as well as a tackle for loss.

5. Donovan Olugbode is even better, to no surprise: At the time of writing this takeaway, there is four minutes left in the first half. Donovan Olugbode has 8 receptions for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. Olugbode has marked his territory on this game and has shown why he is WR1. Olugbode did fumble but immediately recovered with a 35-yard touchdown grab.

6. Elijah Dotson with an impressive interception (was called back): In the first half, Dotson was arguably the STAR of the defense (no pun intended) with three total tackles, a tackle for loss, and a called back interception. Dotson has been contending for the starting spot at the STAR position and has looked impressive in this game.

7. Jeremiah Beasley lives up to the hype: In similar fashion to Elijah Dotson, Beasley with three tackles in the first half, tied for leading the team. Beasley had been talked a lot about during fall camp, so it’s good to see him take that step.

8. Jason Dowell has all the vibes and then some: Jason Dowell was the guy that led the team out tonight and he was electric running out of the tunnel. Dowell also recorded the first sack of the season for Mizzou in the 3rd quarter. Dowell has led many Tiger jacks this fall camp and is seen as a vocal leader on the team.

9. Xai’Shaun Edwards will be a solid RB2 for the moment: There will come a time when/if Hardy returns, Edwards will be moved back to RB3. But for now, Edwards looks like a formidable option at RB2. Edwards has six carries for 44 yards through three quarters of play, averaging seven yards per carry. Edwards can complement Roberts nicely.

10. Matt Zollers still has a lot of growing to do: I’m not going to say that Zollers looked bad, but I wasn’t necessarily impressed either. A lot of Zollers’s throws were errant and failed to hit the target numerous times. Hopefully, for Zollers, a year of actually sitting could benefit him.

In summary, a really solid performance from Missouri today. The first half was absolutely dominant, while the second half left a little to be desired. It seemed as if Missouri was checked out by halftime. Fortunately, that should not happen again, as the opponents only get tougher from here. Mizzou picks up the win 54-14 and will play Kansas in Lawrence next Friday.