Missouri Prepares for Texas as Drinkwitz Dismisses Florida State Rumors

Missouri’s football and basketball teams enter a busy stretch after strong starts. The football team beat Arkansas 34-10 on the road, and the basketball team opened its season by routing Cleveland State 111-50. Football is set to host Texas on Saturday, while basketball will face Saint Louis on Friday.

Drinkwitz addressed rumors that he could be considered for Florida State’s coaching job after the Seminoles fired Mike Norvell. He said he was not a candidate and urged attention to Missouri’s upcoming game against Texas.

Running back Ahmad Hardy was back for the Arkansas matchup after sitting out the opening seven games as he healed from a bullet injury in his upper thigh. He had two carries for five yards. Jamal Roberts, who has gained 1,005 rushing yards and scored nine touchdowns, is expected to remain the starter against Texas.

Drinkwitz said Missouri plans to give Hardy a larger role through more rotation, while preserving the offense’s established rhythm with Roberts.

In the basketball opener, freshman Jason Crowe Jr. scored 23 points, and Mark Mitchell recorded a career-high 10 assists. Newcomers Jamier Jones, Kennard Davis Jr. and Bryson Tiller each scored in double figures. The 61-point victory was the largest margin in a season opener in program history.

Missouri beat writers Killian Wright and Zach Knox-Doyle picked the Tigers to win the Texas game, with predictions of 30-27 and 27-24.