COLUMBIA, MO. • Once the Liberty Bowl is complete and Missouri moves into offseason mode, the Tigers’ defensive line is in for a makeover. The New Year’s Eve bowl game against Oklahoma State will mark the final college game for both starting defensive tackles, while the status of one mainstay at defensive end remains uncertain.
But last month’s regular-season finale against Arkansas put the future on display.
Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott introduced himself to the rest of the Southeastern Conference with three sacks in the 38-0 win, while fellow sophomore Akial Byers continued his steady rise with a defensive touchdown, pouncing on a fumble forced by Elliott.