What Is 2020 Missouri Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 4–6 record under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz. They played their home games at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, and competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) East Division.

Key Facts

The 2020 Missouri Tigers finished the season with a 4–6 overall record and a 4–6 conference record.
Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz was in his first season leading the team after being hired in December 2019.
The team played home games at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, with limited attendance due to the pandemic.
Missouri competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) East Division and did not qualify for a bowl game.
Quarterback Connor Bazelak emerged as the starter, throwing for 2,092 yards and 15 touchdowns during the season.

Overview

The 2020 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri during the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) East Division, the team was led by first-year head coach Eliah Drinkwitz, who took over the program in December 2019 after the departure of Barry Odom.

Due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the season began later than usual and featured a conference-only schedule for the SEC. The Tigers played a shortened 10-game slate, all against SEC opponents, and finished with a losing record, failing to qualify for a postseason bowl game.

Record: The team finished with a 4–6 overall record, including a 4–6 mark in SEC play, marking their sixth consecutive non-winning season.
Head Coach:Eliah Drinkwitz began his tenure as head coach in 2020, bringing an up-tempo offensive philosophy from his previous role at Appalachian State.
Home Stadium: The Tigers played their home games at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri, with reduced capacity due to health protocols.
Quarterback: True freshman Connor Bazelak became the starting quarterback, throwing for 2,092 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions over 10 games.
Season Debut: The season opener was delayed until October 17, a 38–21 loss to No. 11 Alabama, reflecting the impact of pandemic scheduling changes.

How It Works

The 2020 season operated under unique conditions due to the pandemic, with revised schedules, health protocols, and roster challenges shaping team performance and game outcomes.

SEC-Only Schedule: The 2020 SEC season featured a 10-game, conference-only format, a departure from the usual 12-game schedule including non-conference matchups.
Health Protocols: The SEC implemented daily antigen testing and strict quarantine rules, leading to postponed or rescheduled games, including Missouri’s matchup with Vanderbilt.
Roster Management: Teams faced injury and availability issues due to outbreaks; Missouri had to navigate player absences throughout the season.
Game Rescheduling: Missouri’s game against Vanderbilt was canceled due to Vanderbilt’s COVID-19 cases, and no makeup date was set.
Offensive Scheme: Drinkwitz introduced a spread, up-tempo offense emphasizing quarterback mobility and quick passing, a shift from previous years’ run-heavy approach.
Defensive Challenges: The Tigers’ defense allowed 31.3 points per game, struggling against high-powered SEC offenses like Alabama and Florida.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2020 Missouri Tigers compared to recent seasons and conference peers in key statistical categories.

Season	Overall Record	SEC Record	Head Coach	Points Per Game	Bowl Game
2020	4–6	4–6	Eliah Drinkwitz	26.8	No
2019	6–6	3–5	Barry Odom	27.2	Yes (Liberty Bowl)
2018	8–5	4–4	Barry Odom	28.5	Yes (Armed Forces Bowl)
2017	7–6	3–5	Barry Odom	26.2	Yes (Texas Bowl)
2016	4–8	2–6	Barry Odom	23.8	No

The 2020 season mirrored Missouri’s struggles in the mid-2010s, with a losing record and no bowl appearance. While offensive output was consistent, defensive lapses and a tough SEC schedule limited success. The transition to a new coaching staff and pandemic conditions further complicated performance consistency.

Why It Matters

The 2020 season was pivotal for the Missouri football program as it marked the beginning of a new era under Eliah Drinkwitz and tested resilience amid unprecedented challenges.

Coaching Transition: The hiring of Eliah Drinkwitz signaled a shift toward modern offensive strategies, aiming to revitalize a stagnant program.
Recruiting Impact: A strong freshman class, including Bazelak, laid the foundation for future competitiveness in the SEC.
Pandemic Precedent: The season demonstrated how collegiate sports could adapt to public health emergencies with flexible scheduling and safety protocols.
Player Development: Young players gained valuable experience in a shortened season, accelerating growth for the 2021 campaign.
Fan Engagement: Limited attendance and virtual events reshaped how fans interacted with the team, influencing future gameday operations.
Program Trajectory: Despite the losing record, the season provided a baseline for evaluating progress under the new coaching staff.

While the 2020 Missouri Tigers did not achieve on-field success, the season was crucial for long-term rebuilding and adaptation in a turbulent year for college football.