The Missouri Tigers football team lost to the Alabama Crimson Tide by a score of 34-0 on Saturday. Missouri came into the game with a 6-1 record but had questions at the quarterback position. The Tigers starting quarterback Brady Cook injured his ankle last week against Auburn and was listed as questionable coming into the game against the Crimson Tide. Brady Cook appeared to be minimally affected by the ankle injury early in the game but would suffer a hand injury that would force him from the contest. The Tigers were forced to turn to backup quarterback Drew Pyne. The Tigers defense fought valiantly to keep their team in the game, holding Alabama to a total of six points with 3 minutes to go in the first half. However, just before halftime Drew Pyne threw his first of three interceptions on the day and the game started to turn. With Missouri unable to establish a consistent running game and the quarterback turning the ball over, the game got out of hand quickly. Alabama scored 21 points in the second half and would go on to win the game 34-0. Missouri has not beaten Alabama in football since 1978.
This loss likely ends Missouri’s playoff hopes in 2024. With 2 blowout losses on it’s resume, it’s going to be very difficult for Mizzou to climb back into the top 12 of the rankings. Missouri has 4 games remaining against Oklahoma, South Carolina, Mississippi State and Arkansas. Missouri had high expectations coming into this season after winning 11 games last season and finishing with a top 10 ranking. However, Missouri also lost a lot of talent from last year and it was always more likely than not they would fall back a bit this year. Mizzou still has a lot to play for in 2024 and can still have a very successful season. It all starts next week with a home game against former Big-12 rival Oklahoma. The Sooners are having a down season and sit with a record of just 4-4 coming into this game. If Brady Cook can stay healthy, Missouri should still have a great shot at winning 10 games for just the eighth time in program history.