Mizzou may be a perfect 5-0, but that doesn't mean it has played perfectly

Missouri’s perfect record says plenty about its talent, depth and discipline. But even an unbeaten start doesn’t mean the Tigers are without flaws.

As the No. 20 Tigers reach the midpoint of the season, they’ve proven capable of competing with anyone in the SEC. Their defense leads the nation in total yards allowed, and their run game, led by Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts, continues to churn out highlight-reel plays.

Still, there are plenty of areas to improve on over the next month, when MU hosts No. 10 Alabama before road trips to Auburn and No. 16 Vanderbilt. Here are three of the most pressing issues:

A dominant defense with one weak link

Few defenses in college football have started faster than Missouri’s. Through five games, the Tigers have allowed just 203.8 yards per contest — the fewest in the nation — and opponents have averaged only 62.4 rushing yards, the fourth-lowest mark in the country. That defensive front has been the backbone of Missouri’s success, producing 33 tackles for loss and 93 total quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

At the center of it all are edge rushers Damon Wilson II and Zion Young, whose combined 43 pressures make Missouri the only FBS team with two players above 20 through five weeks. Their consistency off the edge has been critical in keeping opponents off schedule.

The challenge, however, has been what happens once the ball gets beyond that first line of defense.

Missouri’s secondary has been solid statistically, ranking 12th nationally in yards allowed, but the coverage metrics and eye test tell a different story. PFF places the Tigers 39th against opposing receivers, and Missouri has been hit for 28 completions of 10-plus yards and 11 of 20-plus — a number that underscores communication breakdowns. Beyond the numbers, opponents have had chances to beat Missouri downfield and, more often than not, have simply failed to capitalize on those lapses.

Those breakdowns have been most evident against more experienced quarterbacks. In games against Kansas’ Jalon Daniels and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Missouri gave up 525 passing yards and four touchdowns, with opponents completing 62% of their attempts across those two matchups.

Against less-seasoned signal-callers, the results flipped: 182 passing yards, two scores and two interceptions on 38% completions across three games.

That variance shows why the next month will be telling. The upcoming stretch includes Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Auburn’s Jackson Arnold and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia — a group that combines arm strength, mobility and big-play ability.

Despite the inconsistencies, Missouri’s defensive backs have shown flashes. The Tigers’ 22 pass breakups rank third in the SEC and ninth nationally. But the margin for error tightens from here. If the secondary can match the disruption of the front seven, Missouri’s defense could evolve from great to the best in college football.

Offensive line still searching for rhythm

Missouri’s ground game has been among the most productive in the SEC, but the numbers show much of that success has come from the backs themselves. According to Pro Football Focus, about 70 percent of the Tigers’ rushing yards have come after contact, highlighting both the power of Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts and the inconsistency of the blocking in front of them.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has made it clear he expects more from a group filled with experience. He said the pressure is on the linemen to improve, pointing out that with a fourth-year starter anchoring the middle, there’s no reason for the unit to lack cohesion. That cohesion has been tested by injuries — particularly to left tackle Cayden Green — and by the need to constantly adjust personnel early in the season.

The Tigers allowed four sacks in their Week 2 win over Kansas and again in Week 5 against UMass, struggling to consistently protect their quarterback.

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Drinkwitz said it comes down to five players operating as one, noting that Missouri has the pieces — veteran linemen, an elite tight end and a reliable blocking back — but hasn’t yet played to that standard.

Dominick Giudice, a Michigan transfer who has earned rotational snaps, said the emphasis needs to be on communication and chemistry. The linemen have made steady progress since the opener but are aware the group’s growth has to continue as conference play ramps up.

Drinkwitz has kept his message simple: Winning close games in the SEC often comes down to the smallest details up front.

“Winning doesn’t negotiate,” Drinkwitz said after Missouri’s fifth win. “If you can’t get third-and-one, you’re not going to win enough.”

Pribula’s next step: better decisions

Through five games, Pribula has shown why Missouri’s coaching staff handed him the keys to the offense. In the Week 5 win over UMass, he completed 26 of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, setting a program record with 21 straight completions. His precision stood out to Drinkwitz, who said afterward that Pribula does a “really good job with his accuracy.”

That efficiency, though, came alongside reminders that Pribula still has room to grow. He was sacked four times and threw an interception early in the game when a tipped ball found its way into the hands of linebacker Timmy Hinspeter. The turnover extended a streak to four straight games with at least one giveaway, a stretch that has included several other near misses.

Part of that inconsistency stems from Pribula’s pocket presence. At times, he has appeared jittery under pressure, drifting too far forward or sideways when the pocket begins to collapse. Drinkwitz said that kind of over-movement comes from a desire to make something happen on every play — a common trait in young quarterbacks learning to trust their protection.

He’s pointed to decision-making and composure as the next steps in Pribula’s development. After the Kansas game, he reminded his quarterback that not every snap requires a heroic play.

“You don’t have to be Superman every play,” Drinkwitz said. “Throw the ball away. That’s part of maturing.”

Some of the pressure has stemmed from an offensive line still searching for rhythm, but Missouri’s coach has emphasized the same message: Stay aggressive but protect possessions.

“We gotta learn to be disciplined,” Drinkwitz said. “Sometimes the best play is to throw the ball away.”

Looking toward the gantlet

Missouri’s bye week arrives at the right time. The Tigers are undefeated, productive and confident, yet aware that improvement is necessary.

The defense has been dominant, but the secondary will be tested repeatedly in the coming weeks. The offensive line needs to regain its health and cohesion. And Pribula, still early in his starting career, must sharpen his decision-making as the schedule stiffens.

The foundation for a special season is there. The next step is refinement — turning a complete start into something even stronger down the stretch.