Drinkwitz addresses disputed call after Missouri loss

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz declined to blame the officiating after a disputed Arch Manning play helped Texas during the Longhorns’ 34-20 win Saturday in Columbia. The reviewed play, ruled a fumble rather than an incomplete pass, resulted in an 18-yard gain for Texas.

Drinkwitz said coaches receive the same basic review announcement as everyone else, without a detailed explanation from officials. When pressed on whether the ruling fit the written rule, he said criticizing the crew could bring a fine and would also disrespect Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and his team.

His larger point was that Missouri still had chances to control the outcome. The game was tied in the fourth quarter, but the Tigers failed to capitalize on their opportunities, including a possession near midfield and a second-half takeaway that produced no points.

Missouri’s offensive numbers explained much of the frustration. The Tigers finished with 84 rushing yards. On third downs, Missouri converted 3-of-16 attempts and scored one touchdown on three red-zone trips. Drinkwitz said Texas also disrupted throwing lanes with tipped passes, including one on an interception.

Texas found openings against Missouri’s zone coverage with curls, seam throws and a wheel route. Drinkwitz said Missouri was reluctant to lean heavily on man coverage, but the Tigers’ pass rush could not consistently get home while Manning worked from the pocket.

Special teams added another problem when Texas blocked a punt after two Missouri players failed to stop the rusher in gap protection. Drinkwitz also said Langden Kitchen could not return after leaving the game. Keenan Harris’ status was not yet known, while quarterback Austin Simmons returned after getting banged up.

Drinkwitz accepted responsibility for the loss and told his players not to blame one another. His message was to absorb the disappointment, stay together and return to work with football still left to play.

Why it matters

Missouri had a tie game in the fourth quarter but failed to finish drives or capitalize on a second-half takeaway. The third-down, red-zone and special-teams failures gave Drinkwitz more immediate concerns than the disputed review.

What to watch next

Drinkwitz said Missouri would return to work the next day and expected more information on Kitchen and Harris after the game.