As the Missouri Tigers football team approaches the final phase of its fall camp, head coach Eli Drinkwitz is turning up the intensity and emphasizing a sense of urgency. This week, the Tigers traveled to Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, to conduct a pivotal team scrimmage designed to replicate the conditions and complexities of a true road game.
Fall camp is a critical period in any college football program’s preparation for the season, but for Missouri, it represents an important opportunity to fine-tune key aspects of the team’s performance before the first official game. Coach Drinkwitz and his staff have used this stretch to test various formations, evaluate player readiness, and instill the discipline and mental toughness necessary to succeed at the highest level.
The scrimmage itself was a unique and thoughtful approach by Drinkwitz. The Tigers traveled on a Friday afternoon, spent the night away from their usual facilities, and woke up the following day ready to engage in a full mock game. This setup not only tested the team’s physical preparation but also their ability to manage the mental and emotional demands of playing away from home — from travel fatigue to unfamiliar surroundings.
But what caught the attention of many observers was a subtle yet telling move by Coach Drinkwitz just before the scrimmage. He removed the helmets from several of his most experienced and critical players, signaling that they would not be participating in the mock game. This was a strategic decision rather than an indication of injury or concern.
Most of the players held out were veterans — the core two-deep starters whom Drinkwitz has seen enough of during practice sessions. These are the reliable contributors whose positions and performance are largely set heading into the season. By giving them a rest, Drinkwitz could reduce the risk of injury and fatigue, while allowing younger or less-experienced players to gain valuable in-game reps and experience under game-like conditions.
This decision speaks to Drinkwitz’s coaching philosophy: careful management of player health, deliberate development of depth, and a keen awareness of the demands the upcoming season will place on the roster. It also highlights his growing sense of urgency as Missouri approaches the start of competition.
The “urgency” Drinkwitz references isn’t about rushing or panic; rather, it’s a focused drive to ensure that the team is mentally and physically prepared, that every practice and scrimmage is approached with purpose and intensity. The coach is aware that success in college football depends on consistency, execution, and the ability to perform under pressure. This scrimmage served as a barometer for where the Tigers stand in those areas.
As the season opener nears, Drinkwitz’s approach underscores the importance of preparation — not just for the starters, but for the entire roster. Depth and readiness from the entire team are vital, especially given the physical toll the sport takes over a long season. By managing playing time strategically, Drinkwitz hopes to have a healthier, sharper, and more confident team when the real games begin.
Moreover, the scrimmage environment simulated a true road game, which is no small challenge. Playing away from home can introduce distractions, disrupt routines, and test a team’s resilience. By replicating these conditions during fall camp, Missouri gains valuable insight into how players respond to adversity and pressure, offering Drinkwitz and his staff a clearer picture of who can rise to the occasion.
In the final analysis, Eli Drinkwitz is sending a clear message as fall camp winds down: preparation is key, and the margin for error is slim. With the stakes rising, the team must embrace every moment of practice and scrimmage with focus and urgency. This mindset, Drinkwitz hopes, will carry over to the season and set the tone for the Missouri Tigers as they pursue success on the gridiron.
As fans watch Missouri’s progress, the hope is that this rigorous preparation and strategic management of the roster will pay dividends when it counts the most — under the bright lights and intense pressure of college football competition.