Missouri is a different looking team than the one Alabama shutout last season in Tuscaloosa. Here are five Tigers you need to know.
This Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide will travel for what is certain to be a significant SEC test on the road against the Missouri Tigers.
Alabama's third consecutive ranked opponent, Missouri comes into Saturday's matchup undefeated at 5-0 overall this season, while also 1-0 in SEC action. The Tigers are also ranked as the nation's No. 14 team in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll coming off a bye week.
Headlining this season's Missouri team are also some unfamiliar faces to the Crimson Tide compared to the group Alabama defeated a year ago in Tuscaloosa, as the Tigers hit the transfer portal this past offseason to land some significant impact pieces. This was on both sides of the ball, with some of those especially evident on offense.
Here are five Missouri Tigers you should know in particular ahead of Saturday afternoon's game in Columbia.
Ahmad Hardy, Running Back, Sophomore
Undoubtedly the Tigers top name to know is running back Ahmad Hardy, a sophomore who transferred to Missouri during the offseason from UL Monroe. Entering Week 7, Hardy is leading college football in rushing with 730 yards, while also sitting tops in the SEC with nine touchdowns on 103 attempts.
Beau Pribula, Quarterback, Graduate Student
The starting quarterback for Missouri is also a new face to the program this season in Beau Pribula, a transfer from Penn State. A graduate student, Pribula is currently leading the SEC in completion percentage at 75.9%, which has resulted in 1,203 passing yards and a 9:3 TD:INT ratio, while also having rushed for 121 yards and three scores on 40 attempts.
Kevin Coleman Jr., Wide Receiver, Senior
Missouri's top pass catcher offensively is Kevin Coleman Jr., a senior wide receiver who transferred in the offseason from within the SEC at Mississippi State. Coleman is currently leading the SEC this season with 39 receptions, which he has turned into 386 yards and one touchdown, while also serving as Missouri's primary punt returner where he is averaging 10.6 yards per return.
Josiah Trotter, Linebacker, Redshirt Sophomore
One of the leaders of Missouri's defense is redshirt sophomore linebacker Josiah Trotter, an offseason transfer from West Virginia. Trotter is currently leading the Missouri defense in tackles with 28 total this season, while also tied for the team lead with six TFL.
Zion Young, Defensive End, Senior
Lastly, another notable name to know on the defensive side of the ball is Zion Young, a defensive end who had three tackles and 0.5 TFL against Alabama a year ago. This season, the senior is tied for Missouri's team lead with six TFL, while also having posted 13 tackles, two sacks, one pass defense, and one forced fumble.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football vs. Missouri: Ahmad Hardy among top Tigers
Category: General Sports
