The Missouri Tigers are 4-0. That's great. But the first two games were glorified scrimmages, and over the past two weeks Mizzou has defeated Boston College and Vanderbilt by an average of 4.5 points.

Coach Eli Drinkwitz and his team were very fortunate to escape with a harrowing 30-27 victory over visiting Vanderbilt in two overtimes.

But the Tigers must play at a much higher level -- especially on offense -- to play up to the soaring expectations and hype generated by last season's 11-win campaign.

This program has so many positives, so much momentum. It would be a shame to see the Tigers fail to seize the opportunity that awaits them in 2024.