Missouri HC Post Game Presser After 34 Point Loss to Alabama

TUSCALOOSA- After Missouri's dismal 34-0 defeat to the Alabama Crimson Tide in Bryant Denny Stadium on Saturday afternoon, head coach Eliah Drinkwitz stepped to the podium.

Missouri's head coach began his post-game press conference by praising his defense, saying it was put in too many difficult situations as the Tigers offense struggled to move the ball downfield.

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The Tigers' defense performed admirably in the first half, limiting the Crimson Tide to one score and pushing the Crimson Tide to two field goals.

Drinkwitz then addressed the status of senior quarterback Brady Cook, who suffered an injury to his right hand early in the second quarter of the game. Missouri's head coach stated that Cook received "X-rays" and that the medical staff did not feel comfortable allowing the fourth-year starter to play in Saturday's game. Cook went 7 for 12 with 30 throwing yards prior to his injury.

Eliah Drinkwitz went on to discuss the performance of backup quarterback Drew Payne, who completed 6 of 12 passes for 3 interceptions in Saturday's game, one of which came in the final minutes of the first half when Alabama's defensive back Malachi Moore intercepted Payne and returned it into Tigers territory, setting Alabama up for their first touchdown of the game.

The Tigers' head coach indicated that he was not unhappy in Payne's failures, claiming that the burden is "all on me" and that he put the transfer quarterback in a difficult situation with the specific play calls that were called when Payne made mistakes.

Despite the loss, Drinkwitz maintained some optimism, stating that this game wasn't similar to Missouri's disappointing 41-10 loss to Texas A&m on October 5th, 2024, stating that his guys "played their butts off" and "any other conversation outside of that is ridiculous"

Drinkwitz concluded his press conference by stating that Missouri will not "divide" and "point fingers" when it comes to who is to blame, but rather will "go home and get healthy," with the Tigers looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. Missouri will have a bye week next week, during which the Tigers will prepare for their game against Oklahoma on November 9th, 2024 at Missouri's Faurot Field.