COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Tigers are fresh off a 38-17 beatdown at the hands of the Texas A&M Aggies, failing to score 20 points for a second consecutive game after opening the season with seven straight games scoring 20 or more. 

A pair of freshmen made their first starts for the Tigers, quarterback Zollers followed his debut against Vanderbilt with his first official start in Week 11, and Donovan Olugbode earned the starting nod over Marquis Johnson. 

Here’s one thought for each offensive position group entering Missouri’s final home game against Mississippi State.

Quarterbacks

Zollers is exactly as advertised. 

Zollers is a true freshman, who made his first collegiate start against the No. 3 team in the country on two weeks' notice. And he looked just like it. 

While his heroic, at-a-whims-notice performance against Vanderbilt sparked hope and discussion for Zollers being elite right now, it’s time to pump the brakes and remember what he really is. He completed seven of his 22 passing attempts for 77 yards and no touchdowns, reasonably struggling against a top Southeastern Conference foe. 

Zollers is still very clearly the future, but there’s a good chance he struggles for the rest of his chaotic freshman season, and that’s okay. 

Running backs

Something’s up.

Ahmad Hardy mysteriously disappeared for much of the second quarter against the Aggies, despite a stellar first quarter where he rushed for 44 yards on three attempts. Jamal Roberts stepped up and performed strongly in Hardy’s absence, as both ended with more than 100 yards on the day. 

Even with Roberts’ success, it’s inexplicable as to why Hardy didn’t play a snap in the final 12 minutes of the first half, while it was a one and two-score game. 

Even Drinkwitz’ didn’t have much of an answer: 

https://x.com/KillianMWright/status/1987317837715677694?s=20

Wide receivers

The future is now. 

There’s a shift happening in the Missouri Tigers’ season. Hopes of making the College Football Playoff are now shut down, and Missouri can focus on the future rather than 2025 playoff hopes. 

Part of that starts with getting younger players more reps, targets and usage. Freshman wideout Donovan Olugbode got his first starting nod of the season, stepping up in place of junior Marquis Johnson who played a season low in snaps. 

Olugbode hauled in 74 receiving yards — almost the entirety of Zollers’ 77 passing yards — and was the only receiver to catch more than one ball.

Tight ends

Norfleet is levels above. 

Brett Norfleet has emerged as one of Missouri’s top receiving options, leading the team with five receiving touchdowns and racking up 26 receptions, the second-most on the team. He suffered a shoulder injury against Vanderbilt, and missed the majority of the second half. 

Jude James stepped up in his place, and was slated to uphold the larger role against Texas A&M alongside Jordon Harris. Instead, Harris and James combined for zero catches and zero yards. 

Norfleet will likely return against Mississippi State, where his presence will be much-needed. 

Offensive line 

Slip-up doesn’t signify regression 

Cayden Green had a down performance, allowing a sack and multiple pressures when matched up with Cashius Howell. However, part of the performance could be attributed to the offensive line needing more time to mesh with Zollers’ — he’d spent less than a full game under center this season with that unit. 

Zollers’ presence and movement in the pocket isn’t identical to Pribula’s. Neither are his throwing tendencies. 

When Zollers’ takes more reps with the starting offensive line, the chemistry and connection will likely grow stronger.