The 20th-ranked Missouri Tigers improved to 3-0 on the young season with a 27-17 win over Sun Belt opponent Troy Trojans on Saturday night in Columbia.
It was a game where Mizzou simply needed to take care of business against an inferior team, and they struggled to do so.
Let’s get to the five takeaways.
1. Slow Starts are Worrisome
Missouri’s coach Eli Drinkwitz studies his play sheet during their game against Vanderbilt at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
Mizzou got off to a 7-0 deficit after a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown in the Border War. Those are mistakes that will happen sometimes in rivalry games. What can’t happen is allowing a 75-yard touchdown pass on the first defensive drive of the game against Troy. The lack of focus to start games these last couple of games is certainly concerning, and this is what happens when they allow inferior teams momentum.
Mizzou is fortunate to have the talent to overcome these slow starts, but it simply can’t happen again against legitimate SEC teams. Eventually, the Tigers will get burned if it continues.
2. Austin Simmons and Jamal Roberts Were Good When They Needed to Be
COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 03: Missouri Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons (13) gives a fist bump to Missouri Tigers running back Jamal Roberts (20) during a non conference game between the Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions and the Missouri Tigers held on Thursday September 03, 2026 at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia MO. (Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This wasn’t the game where you needed Simmons to battle adversity, but he did. While he wasn’t as sharp tonight, he completed 11/20 passes for 108 yards and a TD pass with zero interceptions. He didn’t take the game over, but he didn’t lose the game.
As for Mizzou’s running game, Jamal Roberts rushed for 22 attempts and 128 yards and a touchdown. The running back position is clearly missing the elite production from Ahmad Hardy, but Roberts has provided back-to-back 100-plus rushing yards.
3. Defense is Boom or Bust
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 19: Wide receiver Tk Keyes #8 of the Troy Trojans is tackled by cornerback Sione Laulea #2 and safety Trajen Greco #4 of the Missouri Tigers during the 1st half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) Getty Images
Missouri’s defense forced two turnovers tonight and made some plays when they absolutely had to, but they also allowed some big-time plays to keep letting Troy back into the game. We knew coming in the new-look defense under Corey Batoon would be a concern with chemistry to work out. The Tigers have the talent on the defensive side of the ball to make the big-time plays, but they can also be a liability.
The unnecessary penalties are also concerning.
4. Improvement from the Special Teams
COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 03: Blake Craig #19 of the Missouri Tigers lines up a kick in the first quarter of a college football game between the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions and Missouri Tigers on Sep 3, 2026 at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Eli Drinkwitz called out the special teams’ unit last week, and deservingly so. Tonight, they responded. Florida State transfer Brunno Reus made some big-time punts to flip the field, and DeMarion Fowlkes returned a punt return for a touchdown. Kicker Blake Craig was 2/2 from field goals — and his second FG from the night to put Mizzou up 27-17 late in the fourth quarter essentially put the game away.
5. We still don’t know a whole lot about this team yet
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – NOVEMBER 29: Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz of the Missouri Tigers on the field before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 31-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) Getty Images
And that’s a good thing. Tonight was clearly an off night, but you take the win and go from there. Mizzou is off to a 3-0 start, but they were fully expected to be 3-0 by now. Sure, they’re not perfect by any means, but not a lot of teams are at this stage. Any expectations you have for this team shouldn’t have changed through the first three games despite the concerns. The Tigers have done what they needed to do thus far — but now the real season begins starting next Saturday at Mississippi State in Starkville. The Bulldogs just beat the Gamecocks 41-34 on the road — and should probably be ranked in the Top 25 next week led by starting quarterback Kamario Taylor.
There are zero easy games in the SEC, but if Missouri has hopes in contending for the College Football Playoff — Mississippi State is a must win for the pathway. That’s easier said than done. We’ll know a lot more about this team’s trajectory come next Saturday — for better or for worse.