Texas vs. Missouri: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Tigers Should Make

We should be in for a great finish as the No. 16 Texas Longhorns take on the Missouri Tigers in Columbia. 

Missouri is looking to rebound from last week's tough loss against RG3, and Baylor and shut down the Longhorns' potent run game. 

Can the Tigers keep up the solid D and escape with a clutch Big 12 win?

Here are five halftime adjustments Missouri should make if they want to finish on top. 

 

Hurry-Up/Tempo

The Tigers should consider running more of the hurry-up in the second half. Early in the game, the no-huddle seemed to give Mizzou the ability to pick apart the Longhorns D and move the ball efficiently. The Tigers and QB James Franklin need to keep mixing in some hurry-up offense to keep Texas guessing in the second half. 

Take Some Shots

Missouri has done a decent job mixing in the run with a number of dink-and-dunk short passes in the first half. Although Franklin has been able to be accurate during this game, the offense has been sporadic. 

In the second half, Mizzou should attempt to mix in some play-action and maybe take a couple of shots deep to WR Michael Egnew. 

Pressure Ash

Luckily for the Tigers, Texas is now without their three leading RBs. This has now put a lot more responsibility on the shoulders of their freshman QB David Ash, who has more interceptions than touchdowns on the season. 

Mizzou needs to get after Ash in the second half and force the young QB into the mistakes he's prone to making. 

Force Long Third Downs

Mizzou needs to continue forcing obvious passing third downs in the second half. The Longhorns have been decent on third downs early, but look for Ash to keep forcing long throws down the field where the Tigers' secondary can make a play on the ball. 

Mistakes, Mistakes, Mistakes 

The Tigers offense seemed to be clicking on their first drive of the game; but as they were threatening deep in the Longhorn red zone, they fumbled the ball away. 

It seems as if these little mistakes have been haunting Mizzou all season long. Many of their losses have come by only a few points, and these stupid mistakes have been at the root of their misfortune. The Tigers need to clean up their act in the second half and avoid unforced errors, especially in the red zone.