Make or break year for Kirby Moore

[woofy25]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

What I questioned last year is was whether this truly all Kirby or was he getting some direction from Drink. In 2023 our offense seemed to be more dynamic than 2024. I was expecting much bigger things but it seemed we tightened up and did not use Burden or MJohnson to their fullest. When you have a weapon like Burden and post a 61 catch 675yd season with games of 3 yds, 11 yds, and 15 yds that is pretty underwhelming.

Yes, it was so frustrating to see so many games in which the broadcasters would point out how long it took for Burden to get his first touch. I also don't understand why Johnson wasn't thrown deep balls a couple times per game. It was a very frustrating offense to watch. Cook's accuracy dropped significantly too, so it wasn't all the scheme.

You keep answering your own question.

It's obvious the braintrust wasn't confident in a consistent downfield passing game for whatever reason.

The fact they won as many games as they did without one is incredible.

When you're throwing a bomb, accuracy is less important. You let the receiver go get it. Accuracy is far more important when real routes are getting run, and there are multiple defenders in the vicinity. That is the inaccuracy I was referring to.

[winonsports]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

Some of the more disappointing aspects were being 16th nationally in third down conversions.

Only 4 fumbles and 5 interceptions.

#10 in red zone offense

7th in time of possession

17th in wins

I didn't say the win total was disappointing. The #10 in red zone offense culminated in a lot of field goals.
Thank goodness they didn't turn over the ball much. That would have been disastrous for a team that was:
63rd in yds/gm
56th in pts/gm
tied for 101st in passing tds
tied for 81st in yds/carry

So, you can celebrate time of possession if you want. That can also mean the offense is not explosive, which was true of last year's Tigers. If you don't think Kirby Moore's offense needs to improve these numbers, then I guess you aren't interested Mizzou in making the playoff.

No, you said the offense which controlled the ball, didn't turn it over and produced those wins was INCREDIBLY disappointing.

Mizzou scored more than twice as many TD than FG in the red zone.

That's due to the high, third-down conversion rate, even though TD's aren't factored into it.

They were 56th in pts scored, ok. That’s not good enough if the goal is to be a top 11 team

Actually, it would have been enough when you factor in the offensive efficiencies you deemed to be INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTING, time of possession, limited turnovers, third down conversions and red zone scoring.

After Cook delivered a perfect long ball on a sideline pass to Burden to give Mizzou a double-digit, come-from-behind lead at So Carolina, Moore called for a direct snap to Roberts for the two-point conversion to give the Tigers 30 points.

[woofy25]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

Some of the more disappointing aspects were being 16th nationally in third down conversions.

Only 4 fumbles and 5 interceptions.

#10 in red zone offense

7th in time of possession

17th in wins

I didn't say the win total was disappointing. The #10 in red zone offense culminated in a lot of field goals.
Thank goodness they didn't turn over the ball much. That would have been disastrous for a team that was:
63rd in yds/gm
56th in pts/gm
tied for 101st in passing tds
tied for 81st in yds/carry

So, you can celebrate time of possession if you want. That can also mean the offense is not explosive, which was true of last year's Tigers. If you don't think Kirby Moore's offense needs to improve these numbers, then I guess you aren't interested Mizzou in making the playoff.

No, you said the offense which controlled the ball, didn't turn it over and produced those wins was INCREDIBLY disappointing.

Mizzou scored more than twice as many TD than FG in the red zone.

That's due to the high, third-down conversion rate, even though TD's aren't factored into it.

They were 56th in pts scored, ok. That’s not good enough if the goal is to be a top 11 team

Actually, it would have been enough when you factor in the offensive efficiencies you deemed to be INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTING, time of possession, limited turnovers, third down conversions and red zone scoring.

After Cook delivered a perfect long ball on a sideline pass to Burden to give Mizzou a double-digit, come-from-behind lead at So Carolina, Moore called for a direct snap to Roberts for the two-point conversion to give the Tigers 30 points.

Any team that didn't make the playoffs can say what-if.

[11WSChamps]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

What I questioned last year is was whether this truly all Kirby or was he getting some direction from Drink. In 2023 our offense seemed to be more dynamic than 2024. I was expecting much bigger things but it seemed we tightened up and did not use Burden or MJohnson to their fullest. When you have a weapon like Burden and post a 61 catch 675yd season with games of 3 yds, 11 yds, and 15 yds that is pretty underwhelming.

Yes, it was so frustrating to see so many games in which the broadcasters would point out how long it took for Burden to get his first touch. I also don't understand why Johnson wasn't thrown deep balls a couple times per game. It was a very frustrating offense to watch. Cook's accuracy dropped significantly too, so it wasn't all the scheme.

You keep answering your own question.

It's obvious the braintrust wasn't confident in a consistent downfield passing game for whatever reason.

The fact they won as many games as they did without one is incredible.

When you're throwing a bomb, accuracy is less important. You let the receiver go get it. Accuracy is far more important when real routes are getting run, and there are multiple defenders in the vicinity. That is the inaccuracy I was referring to.

Frankly anytime you throw a pass accuracy is important.

Whether it was 50-yards or a pattern between the numbers the confidence wasn't there to do it on a consistent basis..Whether it was the route runners, the QB or the protection or a combination thereof.

We can agree that the passing game has to be better.

The offense has to be more explosive.

[icon]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

What I questioned last year is was whether this truly all Kirby or was he getting some direction from Drink. In 2023 our offense seemed to be more dynamic than 2024. I was expecting much bigger things but it seemed we tightened up and did not use Burden or MJohnson to their fullest. When you have a weapon like Burden and post a 61 catch 675yd season with games of 3 yds, 11 yds, and 15 yds that is pretty underwhelming.

Yes, it was so frustrating to see so many games in which the broadcasters would point out how long it took for Burden to get his first touch. I also don't understand why Johnson wasn't thrown deep balls a couple times per game. It was a very frustrating offense to watch. Cook's accuracy dropped significantly too, so it wasn't all the scheme.

You keep answering your own question.

It's obvious the braintrust wasn't confident in a consistent downfield passing game for whatever reason.

The fact they won as many games as they did without one is incredible.

When you're throwing a bomb, accuracy is less important. You let the receiver go get it. Accuracy is far more important when real routes are getting run, and there are multiple defenders in the vicinity. That is the inaccuracy I was referring to.

Say what? Cook was overthrowing nearly every bomb early in the season. He wasn't putting enough air under the ball even when receivers were wide open. And when he wasn't overthrowing, he was underthrowing and allowing coverage to break it up.

[winonsports]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

Some of the more disappointing aspects were being 16th nationally in third down conversions.

Only 4 fumbles and 5 interceptions.

#10 in red zone offense

7th in time of possession

17th in wins

I didn't say the win total was disappointing. The #10 in red zone offense culminated in a lot of field goals.
Thank goodness they didn't turn over the ball much. That would have been disastrous for a team that was:
63rd in yds/gm
56th in pts/gm
tied for 101st in passing tds
tied for 81st in yds/carry

So, you can celebrate time of possession if you want. That can also mean the offense is not explosive, which was true of last year's Tigers. If you don't think Kirby Moore's offense needs to improve these numbers, then I guess you aren't interested Mizzou in making the playoff.

No, you said the offense which controlled the ball, didn't turn it over and produced those wins was INCREDIBLY disappointing.

Mizzou scored more than twice as many TD than FG in the red zone.

That's due to the high, third-down conversion rate, even though TD's aren't factored into it.

They were 56th in pts scored, ok. That’s not good enough if the goal is to be a top 11 team

Actually, it would have been enough when you factor in the offensive efficiencies you deemed to be INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTING, time of possession, limited turnovers, third down conversions and red zone scoring.

After Cook delivered a perfect long ball on a sideline pass to Burden to give Mizzou a double-digit, come-from-behind lead at So Carolina, Moore called for a direct snap to Roberts for the two-point conversion to give the Tigers 30 points.

Any team that didn't make the playoffs can say what-if.

Maybe so. Any troll can say, "what if I move the goalposts?"

I can tell you Ole Miss and Miami weren't saying, "What if our passing game was better and our offense was more explosive?"

But you said an offense with several analytics in their favor, was INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTING, even though that offense won five games when trailing in the fourth quarter or overtime.

[rezero]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

What I questioned last year is was whether this truly all Kirby or was he getting some direction from Drink. In 2023 our offense seemed to be more dynamic than 2024. I was expecting much bigger things but it seemed we tightened up and did not use Burden or MJohnson to their fullest. When you have a weapon like Burden and post a 61 catch 675yd season with games of 3 yds, 11 yds, and 15 yds that is pretty underwhelming.

Yes, it was so frustrating to see so many games in which the broadcasters would point out how long it took for Burden to get his first touch. I also don't understand why Johnson wasn't thrown deep balls a couple times per game. It was a very frustrating offense to watch. Cook's accuracy dropped significantly too, so it wasn't all the scheme.

You keep answering your own question.

It's obvious the braintrust wasn't confident in a consistent downfield passing game for whatever reason.

The fact they won as many games as they did without one is incredible.

True, but Cook was the QB in 2023 also and we use Johnson much more with deep balls then. Look at the link below.

In 2023 Missouri ranked 29th in explosive plays with 72 of over 20yds. In 2024, we dropped to 79th in the country with only 48 plays over 20yds. Only Kentucky and Vandy had fewer explosive plays last year in the SEC.

Hopefully we open up the offense a little next year.

https://cfbstats.com/2023/leader/natio ... ort01.html

[woofy25]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

What I questioned last year is was whether this truly all Kirby or was he getting some direction from Drink. In 2023 our offense seemed to be more dynamic than 2024. I was expecting much bigger things but it seemed we tightened up and did not use Burden or MJohnson to their fullest. When you have a weapon like Burden and post a 61 catch 675yd season with games of 3 yds, 11 yds, and 15 yds that is pretty underwhelming.

Yes, it was so frustrating to see so many games in which the broadcasters would point out how long it took for Burden to get his first touch. I also don't understand why Johnson wasn't thrown deep balls a couple times per game. It was a very frustrating offense to watch. Cook's accuracy dropped significantly too, so it wasn't all the scheme.

You keep answering your own question.

It's obvious the braintrust wasn't confident in a consistent downfield passing game for whatever reason.

The fact they won as many games as they did without one is incredible.

When you're throwing a bomb, accuracy is less important. You let the receiver go get it. Accuracy is far more important when real routes are getting run, and there are multiple defenders in the vicinity. That is the inaccuracy I was referring to.

Say what? Cook was overthrowing nearly every bomb early in the season. He wasn't putting enough air under the ball even when receivers were wide open. And when he wasn't overthrowing, he was underthrowing and allowing coverage to break it up.

It’s not really controversial to say that the longer the ball is in the air, the more time the receiver has to react.

[woofy25]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

Some of the more disappointing aspects were being 16th nationally in third down conversions.

Only 4 fumbles and 5 interceptions.

#10 in red zone offense

7th in time of possession

17th in wins

I didn't say the win total was disappointing. The #10 in red zone offense culminated in a lot of field goals.
Thank goodness they didn't turn over the ball much. That would have been disastrous for a team that was:
63rd in yds/gm
56th in pts/gm
tied for 101st in passing tds
tied for 81st in yds/carry

So, you can celebrate time of possession if you want. That can also mean the offense is not explosive, which was true of last year's Tigers. If you don't think Kirby Moore's offense needs to improve these numbers, then I guess you aren't interested Mizzou in making the playoff.

No, you said the offense which controlled the ball, didn't turn it over and produced those wins was INCREDIBLY disappointing.

Mizzou scored more than twice as many TD than FG in the red zone.

That's due to the high, third-down conversion rate, even though TD's aren't factored into it.

They were 56th in pts scored, ok. That’s not good enough if the goal is to be a top 11 team

Actually, it would have been enough when you factor in the offensive efficiencies you deemed to be INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTING, time of possession, limited turnovers, third down conversions and red zone scoring.

After Cook delivered a perfect long ball on a sideline pass to Burden to give Mizzou a double-digit, come-from-behind lead at So Carolina, Moore called for a direct snap to Roberts for the two-point conversion to give the Tigers 30 points.

Any team that didn't make the playoffs can say what-if.

Maybe so. Any troll can say, "what if I move the goalposts?"

I can tell you Ole Miss and Miami weren't saying, "What if our passing game was better and our offense was more explosive?"

But you said an offense with several analytics in their favor, was INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTING, even though that offense won five games when trailing in the fourth quarter or overtime.

Maybe if the offense was better they wouldn’t have been trailing in the 4th quarter and OT as much.

[mdkieffer]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

Well, Cook played badly hurt most of the season. Was part of the problem. Then Burden
got figured out by opposing teams. He had trouble seperating himself from defensive coverage to get open.

Burden also was a major disappointment on punt / kickoff returns.

Among other problems on the offense.

This year will be interesting. A new QB. One has a big arm. The other runs mostly.

[mdkieffer]

The offense was incredibly disappointing last season. Kirby has STP as far as I’m concerned.

What I questioned last year is was whether this truly all Kirby or was he getting some direction from Drink. In 2023 our offense seemed to be more dynamic than 2024. I was expecting much bigger things but it seemed we tightened up and did not use Burden or MJohnson to their fullest. When you have a weapon like Burden and post a 61 catch 675yd season with games of 3 yds, 11 yds, and 15 yds that is pretty underwhelming.

Yes, it was so frustrating to see so many games in which the broadcasters would point out how long it took for Burden to get his first touch. I also don't understand why Johnson wasn't thrown deep balls a couple times per game. It was a very frustrating offense to watch. Cook's accuracy dropped significantly too, so it wasn't all the scheme.

You keep answering your own question.

It's obvious the braintrust wasn't confident in a consistent downfield passing game for whatever reason.

The fact they won as many games as they did without one is incredible.

When you're throwing a bomb, accuracy is less important. You let the receiver go get it. Accuracy is far more important when real routes are getting run, and there are multiple defenders in the vicinity. That is the inaccuracy I was referring to.

Say what? Cook was overthrowing nearly every bomb early in the season. He wasn't putting enough air under the ball even when receivers were wide open. And when he wasn't overthrowing, he was underthrowing and allowing coverage to break it up.

Cook did s\disappoint or was one of the disappoint. Then he played hurt and Mizzou did not really have a decent backup

[hdhntr148]

When you have a superstar receiver, a speed freak and a terrific wideout and you don't target them near enough nor figure out how to get them open and your way too conservative after having a explosive offense year before with experienced QB? It's on YOU as the OC PERIOD. biggest tell is NO ONE is sniffing around Kirby or his being mentioned anywhere as a rising star OC or HC at all. After a off-season where the fanbase was worried about him leaving after having done a great first year on the job.

He was simply awful. He couldn't identify offensive matchups where his guy was clearly superior and go to that frequently. In OC world we call that pick on a chump.

This year he will have a veteran solid Oline who can run or pass block well and with a great RB and two QB's to chose from who are better potentially than last few years lets HOPE he can figure things out and put a much more productive scheme together and have an Attack mentality instead of beta male conservative plays. He has very talented skill players.

If you can't tell I HATE OC's who simply refuse to utilize their weapons and are too afraid to not get after it.

[TheMajicMan]

When you have a superstar receiver, a speed freak and a terrific wideout and you don't target them near enough nor figure out how to get them open and your way too conservative after having a explosive offense year before with experienced QB? It's on YOU as the OC PERIOD. biggest tell is NO ONE is sniffing around Kirby or his being mentioned anywhere as a rising star OC or HC at all. After a off-season where the fanbase was worried about him leaving after having done a great first year on the job.

He was simply awful. He couldn't identify offensive matchups where his guy was clearly superior and go to that frequently. In OC world we call that pick on a chump.

This year he will have a veteran solid Oline who can run or pass block well and with a great RB and two QB's to chose from who are better potentially than last few years lets HOPE he can figure things out and put a much more productive scheme together and have an Attack mentality instead of beta male conservative plays. He has very talented skill players.

If you can't tell I HATE OC's who simply refuse to utilize their weapons and are too afraid to not get after it.

I'm going to stop holding it in, because of my dislike for Drink! I'm going to say it and here it is. Kirby Moore is not the problem with this boring offense and their under-used wrs the last year and a half. Drink was forced to hire an offensive coordinator against his will by the last AD and he has regretted it every minute. When Moore came in Mizzou offense was putting up crazy numbers and scoring at a warp pace. Drink couldn't stand not being the one that had the offense going so well in my opinion and took the offense back to his old schemes of run, run, run and pass on third down. I promise you that he admitted it and said the reason was that we were scoring too quick. This isn't Kirby Moore's offense....It's Drinks boring and conservative mess. Remember that I said that Drink admitted in an interview that he took the offense back to his Fred Flinstone schemes. A year and a half ago Burden had over a thousand yard receiving in Moore's offense and when Drink took over he made him a second round draft pick and took the deep ball away from M. Johnson where they achieved awesomeness under Moore.

[11WSChamps]

I'd like to hear from one of these experts how many teams won back to back double digit win seasons in the SEC or another "Power" conference with a QB who's best offer out of high school was from Austin Peay or some equivalent?

The idea is to win games.

They did that with the limitations of an off-injured QB who wasn't a projected 4-5 star guy.

if the team finished 7-5 last season but threw for 400-plus yards a game would you feel better?

Of course not.

If you do then your priorities are all screwed up.

[TheMajicMan]

The team has been generously supported well with nice NIL funding since Drink has been here. That means that we are bringing in better talent and that includes the portal. Last year we had the weakest schedule in the SEC and only played against a so, so Texas A&M and an average at the time Bama. We were blown out by both teams and our signature win was against VANDY. Mizzou was predicted to make the playoffs last year by EVERYBODY! Drink has already said that this year's team is the best one since he's been here.

Drink....Please let Kirby Moore do his job this year!

[rezero]

I'd like to hear from one of these experts how many teams won back to back double digit win seasons in the SEC or another "Power" conference with a QB who's best offer out of high school was from Austin Peay or some equivalent?

The idea is to win games.

They did that with the limitations of an off-injured QB who wasn't a projected 4-5 star guy.

if the team finished 7-5 last season but threw for 400-plus yards a game would you feel better?

Of course not.

If you do then your priorities are all screwed up.

Cook was the 16th rated QB in this years draft and is currently on the Jets roster so not sure how he was rated in high school means much. Sure he overthrew a few balls and was injured in 3 of the games, but even in the games he was healthy, Moore did a poor job of getting Burden the ball.