Some of Mizzou’s best players shined bright in South Carolina. They’re worth celebrating, even if the outcome wasn’t what we hoped.
Welcome to the MV3, a weekly piece where Rock M Nation’s staff votes on the three most impactful players in Mizzou’s previous game.
Does that loss still hurt for you? Yeah, me too.
But here’s the thing… I also still feel pretty good about the overall performance, especially from the players we’re highlighting today. In a weird way, it felt like one of Mizzou’s better games of the season. As such, it felt like there were a wealth of players to choose from when voting on this week’s MV3 ballot.
1. Nate Noel
Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
It doesn’t feel like this needs to be said after this weekend, but Mizzou missed Nate Noel in a bad way. Jamal Roberts and Marcus Carroll are fine, but Noel brings an explosiveness to the zone scheme that the Tigers were desperately lacking for the past few weeks. Noel exploded back onto the scene in his first “full” game back for 150 yards on 27 carries, including a touchdown run. Noel’s only season with Missouri may go down as a disappointment on a team level, but Noel still has a chance to put up some big numbers to help his squad save some face.
2. Brady Cook
Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Was Saturday night Brady Cook’s best game this season? No. But It was yet another piece of evidence pointing to the grittiness that has propelled him to cult figure status in a Mizzou uniform. Coming off of several weeks of limited practice because of a wrist injury, Cook showed up on the road in a big way for the Tigers. He wasn’t perfect by any means, but he saved some of his best football for crunch time — his pass to Luther Burden III on the final drive was perfect. Here’s to hoping he can continue healing up for the final two games.
3. Armand Membou
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Mizzou’s best lineman continues to shine. Against South Carolina’s vaunted defensive line, Membou led an effort that only saw the Gamecocks rack up two sacks and four tackles for loss. Membou was the highest-rated offensive player for the Tigers, ranking first in pass-rushing (if you only count players with more than 12 snaps, in which case he’d be second) and second in run-blocking. Membou is Mizzou’s underrated star this season, and his sterling performance against a dangerous Gamecock front was more proof.
Others receiving votes: Chris McClellan
What do you think? Did we get it right? Let us know in the comments or at Rock M+!