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There’s a problem with playing Murray State in your opening game of the season.
Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz addressed it Sunday, as he previewed the Tigers’ opening game of the season, which comes Thursday evening in Columbia against the FCS Racers.
There just ain’t a whole bunch of tape for this new-look Murray State team.
More: How to buy Missouri football tickets? See prices for Thursday night Murray State game
The Racers went 2-9 last season. They have a new coaching staff and, according to their game notes, 65 new players on the roster, including 46 transfers.
“Trying to figure out what your matchups are,” Drinkwitz said, “is almost impossible.”
Here is what to know and watch for Thursday on a spruced up and newly sponsored Faurot Field:
More: Missouri football adds 2 on-field sponsors; AD Laird Veatch says stadium upgrades ‘on pace’
Who will be Murray State’s starting quarterback vs. Missouri football?
Division-II South Dakota Mines transfer quarterback Jayden Johannsen will suit up to start against the Tigers.
Speaking of scouting challenges …
“Their starting quarterback played at Dakota School of Mines, he was a finalist for the Harlan Hill award,” Drinkwitz said. “And we’re watching Hudl tape in order to figure out what he’s done on the internet. Like, it’s a unique challenge.”
Like Drinkwitz said, Johannsen was a nominee for D-II player of the year in 2022 after averaging 290.8 passing yards per game while throwing for 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Last season, the quarterback averaged 231.2 yards through the air and threw 28 TD passes to 11 interceptions. Johannsen has 24 career rushing scores in 36 total appearances.
The quarterback has some dual-threat ability, but with more than 30 pass attempts per game last season with South Dakota Mines, the Tigers should expect…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/missouri-football-vs-murray-state-080926916.html
Author : Columbia Daily Tribune
Publish date : 2024-08-28 08:09:26
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