Missouri Tigers Seek Historic Playoff Punch Against Alabama

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Tigers football team is making headlines this season with a perfect record of 5-0 as they prepare to face off against No. 8 Alabama this weekend. Under head coach Eli Drinkwitz, the Tigers are aiming for their first College Football Playoff appearance, boosted by standout performances from quarterback Beau Pribula and running back Ahmad Hardy.

After finishing the 2024 season with a 10-3 record, Missouri was faced with significant roster turnover, losing 15 starters including quarterback Brady Cook and receiver Luther Burden. However, instead of retreating, the coaching staff seized the opportunity to rebuild through the transfer portal, ultimately signing 21 new players to revamp the team’s roster.

Pribula, a former backup at Penn State, and Hardy, who transferred from Louisiana Monroe, have quickly become vital to Missouri’s success. They are key figures in an offense that ranks fourth nationally, averaging 547.6 yards per game. Pribula’s dual-threat ability and Hardy’s powerful running style complement each other, creating a balanced and potent attack on the field.

“I think the challenge for everybody is to try to continue to get better when outside noise thinks you’re going to take a step back,” Drinkwitz stated, emphasizing the optimism within the team despite external doubts. “Internally, we knew that our roster would be able to attract talent.”

Hardy has emerged as one of college football’s leading rushers, already surpassing 700 yards and scoring nine touchdowns in the first five games. His physical style and ability to break tackles have turned heads, raising discussions about his potential for the Heisman Trophy. “He just keeps plays alive. People think they’ve got him down, and he’s still running,” said Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, praising Hardy’s impact on the field.

Pribula, stepping into the starting role after an injury to projected starter Sam Horn, has shown remarkable efficiency, ranking fourth in the nation in completion percentage at 75.9%. His poise under pressure and ability to manage the game have solidified his role as a leader for the Tigers.

This Saturday, Missouri faces perhaps its greatest test against Alabama, a challenge Drinkwitz believes will reveal much about his team. “We’ll find out a lot more about ourselves in the next seven games,” he noted. “The real tests are ahead.”

The matchup is not only pivotal for Missouri’s playoff aspirations but also serves as a litmus test for maintaining intensity and focus against a high-profile opponent. As buzz around Pribula and Hardy continues to grow, Alabama may need to watch out for the underestimated duo that is redefining the Tigers this season.