'Everybody was off': Mizzou unable to overcome slow start in loss to Ole Miss

OXFORD, MISS — Slow starts have become the norm for Missouri football, but prior to Saturday, the Tigers were able to move past them. Even in their sole loss through six weeks against Mississippi State, when the Tigers went down 14-0, they overcame a poor first quarter and were leading the Bulldogs with possession heading into the fourth quarter.

While the early deficit had a minimal impact on the loss to Mississippi State, against Ole Miss on Saturday, the Tigers' major first half deficit proved too substantial to overcome. Missouri (5-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) ultimately fell 31-3 to Ole Miss (5-1, 3-1) after scoring just three points in three red zone appearances.

Missouri trailed 7-3 heading into the second quarter — marking the fourth time the Tigers have trailed following the first quarter this season — after settling for a field goal on fourth-and-goal. They nearly reached the end zone on an Austin Simmons' touchdown attempt to Naeshaun Montgomery, but it ultimately fell incomplete off his fingers.

Oct 17, 2026; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons (13) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"Everybody was off today and I didn't see it coming," head coach Eli Drinkwitz said following the loss. "There was a third down on a throw to Naeshaun in the red zone (that) was kind of close. We had a couple of deep balls that were just kind of close, but weren't there for whatever reason. That's on me to figure out those inches that we need in order to be successful. So, go back to the drawing board."

The three-point red zone drive put Missouri in the hole, but what ultimately sunk them was a missed opportunity in Ole Miss territory by Blake Craig, who shanked a 23-yard attempt down 14-3.

"We worked really hard to get down there, so we needed just to come away with points. Obviously, that was a deflating moment in the game," Drinkwitz said.

The Rebels followed the miss with a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive near the end of the first half to put them up by three scores. Trinidad Chambliss led that drive and ended the first half with 161 passing yards and three passing touchdowns.

Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons was unable to convert on the majority of his deep shots in the first half, going 11-for-21. He threw for 155 yards in the first two quarters but was without a touchdown.

Despite the slow start and crucial missed kick, Missouri was given plenty of chances in the third quarter, as Ole Miss punted on all three drives in the third quarter. The Tigers were unable to respond, recording four bare drives in the third quarter, including one with a short field from a forced fumble.

"I thought our defense gave us a chance in the third quarter. They got that takeaway and we just didn't do anything with it offensively. So that's going to be really disappointing," Drinkwitz said. "I thought we gave ourselves a chance to fight back in that game."

Simmons continued to attempt deep throws in the second half, finishing the contest 25-for-44 with 339 passing yards and an interception near the end zone on the last drive.

"(That) summed up that entire game in that last drive. Get it down to the 10 (and) don't get any points, that happened three times," Drinkwitz said.

Ole Miss celebrates. — Oct 17, 2026; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Will Echoles (52) celebrates with teammates after an interception during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While the Tigers' quarterback attempted to stretch out the field, Jamal Roberts didn't give many opportunities for short attempts. The lack of success on first and second-down runs is something Drinkwitz has mentioned multiple times this season. Roberts ended the game with 20 rushes and 39 yards, after rushing for over 200 yards in each of his previous two contests.

Missouri wide receiver Donovan Olugbode led the Tigers with 127 yards on nine receptions in the contest, while Cayden Lee and Jude James each had five receptions for a total of 119 yards.

Chambliss commanded the Rebels offensively, recording four total touchdowns and 241 passing yards. Running backs Kewan Lacy and Makhi Frazier made an impact as well, particularly to begin and end the game. The backs combined for 31 rushes and 223 yards.

The Tigers will follow Saturday's loss with a bye week and then head to Arkansas (2-4, 0-3) on Oct. 31.

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