Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Missouri picked up a signature-SEC win at Georgia and the Tigers had a complete team effort to remain undefeated on the season. But one who really stood out is redshirt senior defensive end, Michael Sam.
Entering the road game against the No. 6 Bulldogs and Aaron Murray, the pressure was on the conference’s leader in sacks (six) and tackles for loss (10) to make his presence felt. Sam did just that near the end of the first half with a fumble recovery after Shane Ray sacked Murray and forced a fumble that Sam scooped up and scored to put Missouri up 18 at halftime.
Related: Missouri Tigers Control SEC East For Now Following Win at Georgia
His touchdown gave Missouri even more momentum headed into the half in a tough road environment and proved to be the difference between the hedges, but don’t call it an upset as this Mizzou team is a legit contender to win the east.
Georgia used four different offensive tackles in their loss to Missouri and none were overly effective as the Missouri front four generated consistent pressure and harassed Murray all afternoon.
#Missouri has not beaten a top 10 team on the road since October 3, 1981(No.9 Mississippi St.).
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 12, 2013
This season has been a breakthrough season for Sam who has matched his sack and tackles for loss from each of the past two seasons combined in the first five games. He has also matched his 22 tackles from last season in Missouri’s first five to be the disruptive force on the defensive line the Tigers badly needed.
Missouri entered this season with questions about how they would replace first round pick Sheldon Richardson at defensive tackle and who would be the disruptive force on the front four.
He plays a different position than Richardson, but his impact has been on par with a first-round pick.
Patrick’s a college football writer for Rant Sports and radio host on Sportstownchicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickASchmidt and add him to your Google network.
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