What Is 2018 Missouri Tigers football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 8-5 record under head coach Barry Odom and winning the Liberty Bowl 33-30 over Oklahoma State.

Key Facts

The 2018 Missouri Tigers finished the season with an 8-5 overall record
They competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Eastern Division
Head coach Barry Odom led the team to a Liberty Bowl victory
Missouri defeated Oklahoma State 33-30 in the 2018 Liberty Bowl on December 31, 2018
Quarterback Drew Lock threw for 3,498 yards and 28 touchdowns during the regular season

Overview

The 2018 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri in the 149th season of college football, competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the Eastern Division, the team was led by second-year head coach Barry Odom and played its home games at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri.

The Tigers finished the regular season with a balanced 8-5 overall record, including a 4-4 mark in SEC play. Their season culminated in a postseason appearance in the Liberty Bowl, where they secured a dramatic 33-30 victory over Oklahoma State, marking a successful end to a transitional year for the program.

Drew Lock served as the starting quarterback and completed 63% of his passes for 3,498 yards and 28 touchdowns during the regular season.
The team opened the season ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll but dropped out after a 38-33 loss to Wyoming in Week 2.
Mizzou’s defense ranked 48th nationally in total defense, allowing an average of 364.6 yards per game.
Running back Larry Rountree III rushed for 738 yards and five touchdowns, becoming a reliable ground option.
The Tigers’ Liberty Bowl win on December 31, 2018, was their first bowl victory since 2015, finishing the season on a high note.

How It Works

The structure and performance of the 2018 Missouri Tigers football team reflected a program balancing youth development with veteran leadership, particularly on offense. With Drew Lock in his final collegiate season, the team operated primarily through a pass-heavy offensive scheme, while defensive adjustments mid-season stabilized their performance.

Offensive Scheme: Missouri utilized a pro-style spread offense, emphasizing downfield throws and Drew Lock’s arm strength, which attracted NFL scouts.
Defensive Alignment: The Tigers primarily ran a 4-3 base defense, with adjustments to nickel and dime packages against pass-heavy opponents.
Strength of Schedule: Missouri faced five teams that finished ranked or receiving votes, including Georgia, LSU, and Kentucky.
Turnover Margin: The team finished with a +5 turnover margin, largely due to 15 forced fumbles and 10 interceptions.
Special Teams: Placekicker Cole Spieker converted 17 of 21 field goals, providing reliable scoring in close games.
Injuries: Key absences, including linebacker Anfernee Hall for most of the season, impacted defensive consistency.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 Missouri Tigers’ performance compared to prior seasons and conference peers highlights both progress and areas for improvement. Below is a statistical comparison with recent Missouri teams:

Season	Overall Record	SEC Record	Bowl Result	Key Player
2016	4-8	2-6	No bowl (ineligible)	Chad Mauk (QB)
2017	7-6	3-5	Lost Texas Bowl	Drew Lock
2018	8-5	4-4	Won Liberty Bowl 33-30	Drew Lock
2019	6-7	3-5	Lost Independence Bowl	Connor Bazelak
2020	6-5	4-5	No bowl (opted out)	Connor Bazelak

This table shows a clear upward trend from 2016 to 2018, with Missouri improving its win total and conference performance. The 2018 season marked the first time since 2014 that the Tigers reached eight wins and won a bowl game. However, subsequent seasons saw regression, underscoring the challenge of sustaining success after losing key players like Lock to the NFL.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was pivotal for Missouri football, representing a turning point in rebuilding program credibility and launching NFL careers. It also highlighted the importance of quarterback development and postseason momentum.

The success of Drew Lock elevated Missouri’s national profile, leading to his selection in the 2nd round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
Winning the Liberty Bowl restored fan confidence after two losing seasons earlier in the decade.
The team’s 4-4 SEC record demonstrated competitiveness in one of college football’s toughest conferences.
Strong offensive production helped Missouri rank 22nd nationally in scoring offense at 31.5 points per game.
The season provided valuable experience for younger players like Albert O and Nick Bolton, who later became NFL contributors.
Barry Odom’s leadership in achieving a winning season and bowl victory delayed his eventual firing in 2019, extending the program’s stability.

The 2018 Missouri Tigers season remains a benchmark for recent program achievements, combining on-field success with player development and national exposure. While the team did not reach the College Football Playoff, it laid groundwork for future competitiveness in the SEC and reinforced Missouri’s place in major college football.