Hendon Hooker calls Missouri defense 'incredibly physical'

Tennessee‘s stay at No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings was short-lived, but the Volunteers still have plenty to play for. A CFP appearance isn’t out of question by any means, but first Tennessee will have to get by a Missouri defense that has caused plenty of teams issues this season.

Including that top-ranked Georgia team that just handed Tennessee its first loss.

“They’re incredibly physical on the line of scrimmage,” quarterback Hendon Hooker said. “Linebackers read really well. Their safety is incredible, good size and can move really well. DBs on the outside play really aggressive, they’re scrappy and play hard.”

Missouri played Georgia down to the wire and nearly upended the Bulldogs, falling 26-22 in Columbia, Mo., on Oct. 1.

Of course, Tennessee will have the luxury of facing Missouri at home. But the Volunteers will have to shake off any adverse mental impacts from their first loss of the season, which may be easier said than done.

You can bet Missouri will be ready to capitalize if not.

“Looking to go out there and compete at a high level on Saturday and get back into our game,” Hooker said.

Missouri defense among the SEC’s best

While the Tigers have had trouble scoring points this season, they certainly have done a nice job of limiting opponents.

Entering Saturday’s game against Tennessee, Missouri ranks No. 13 nationally in scoring defense (303.7 yards per game allowed), No. 20 in run defense (111.2 yards per game), No. 26 in passing defense (192.4 yards per game) and tied for No. 31 in scoring defense (21.4 points per game).

Of course, the Tigers haven’t seen an offense quite as potent as the one the Volunteers will feature on Saturday.

In any case, the two teams are scheduled to meet at noon ET, with a national broadcast on CBS as part of the network’s double-header that day.