Why Mizzou uses unusual defensive formation in 3rd-and-long situations

Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz speaks with the media on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Video by Mizzou Network, used with permission of Mizzou Athletics)COLUMBIA, Mo. — Watching No. 9 Missouri’s seasoning-opening demolition of Murray State provided plenty of opportunities for observing the game’s minutiae.

For all intents and purposes, the result was secured in roughly five minutes of game time. The Tigers’ first touchdown was the game winner, after all.

Among the details that were present from the very start of the game: On some third downs, Mizzou’s defense was subbing a lot of defensive backs onto the field.

Normally, MU plays a 4-2-5 defense. There are four down linemen — two defensive…