Missouri is trying to survive a few injuries before it takes on Oklahoma.
Missouri football has experienced a somewhat chaotic season, yet it remains on the fringes of the SEC title race as the regular season winds down. The Tigers have had their ups and downs, looking less than impressive at times while also struggling to stay competitive. As they head into Week 11 with a 6-2 record and only two losses in conference play, their path forward is clear.
With a 2-2 record in SEC games, Missouri has no room for mistakes in the final stretch. To keep their hopes alive for a spot in the College Football Playoff or a shot at the conference title in Atlanta, they must win all four of their remaining games. However, their challenge increased on Friday with the announcement that quarterback Brady Cook will be sidelined for Saturday’s game against Oklahoma, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
“Sources: No. 24 Missouri will be without starting quarterback Brady Cook against Oklahoma on Saturday night,” Thamel reported on X, formerly Twitter. “Cook is dealing with both ankle and wrist injuries after leaving the last two games early.”
Cook exited Missouri’s heavy loss to Alabama on October 26 due to these injuries.
On a positive note for the Tigers, leading rusher Nate Noel is set to return for Saturday’s clash after missing the Alabama game because of a foot injury, as reported by Thamel.
“Sources: Nate Noel is expected to make his return against Oklahoma on Saturday night as he recovers from a foot injury,” Thamel wrote. “He hasn’t played since the Auburn game on October 19.”
This season, Noel has rushed for 503 yards on 85 carries and has scored twice.
Drew Pyne in line for start for Missouri without Brady Cook
Although Missouri will be without Brady Cook on Saturday, the Tigers still benefit from experience. Backup quarterback Drew Pyne is anticipated to start, and he brings a wealth of experience as one of the more seasoned players in college football.
Pyne began his college career at Notre Dame, where he gained some starting experience, before spending last season at Arizona State. Now at Missouri, his third stop, he has the opportunity to lead a top 25 team in his fifth year of college football.
However, that experience hasn’t always translated into success for Pyne. When Cook exited the game against Alabama due to injury, Pyne’s first pass was intercepted, and things didn’t improve from there. He concluded the game with a 6-for-12 performance for just 42 yards and three interceptions.
Missouri is hopeful that the two weeks of preparation will help Pyne get ready for his start, enabling him to manage the offense effectively on Saturday. Fortunately, while Oklahoma has a solid defense, they don’t compare to Alabama, which might give Pyne a better chance to perform well.
The Tigers are also optimistic that Cook will return for their Week 12 matchup against South Carolina. Until then, Pyne will need to step up and shoulder the offensive responsibilities.
Leave a Reply