Hardy Headlines Mizzou’s MV3 After SEC Opener Win
Missouri’s Week 4 victory produced plenty of standout performances, but one player’s night has fans wondering: is Ahmad Hardy entering the Heisman conversation?
It might feel early, but the sophomore running back made a national statement under the lights in Mizzou’s SEC opener against South Carolina. Facing what was arguably the toughest defense he’s seen yet, Hardy rose to the occasion on ESPN primetime. As Josh Matejka noted in his Five Takeaways:
“Mizzou’s starting running back officially broke onto the national stage in this nationally-televised game as easily as he breaks tackles. The sophomore was a menace for South Carolina’s defenders, uncorking explosive plays all throughout the game.”
Here’s a look at this week’s MV3 after the Tigers’ 4-0 (1-0 SEC) start.
1. Ahmad Hardy
Hardy carried the ball 22 times for 138 yards and a touchdown, extending his streak to four straight 100-yard games to start the season.
Say what you will about South Carolina, but their defense remains loaded with talent. Hardy didn’t just survive — he thrived.
What more can be asked of him? Against better competition, he still delivered. At this point, it’s official: Hardy belongs in the conversation as one of the best backs in college football.
2. The Defensive Line
All the pregame chatter centered on whether Mizzou’s banged-up offensive line, especially with tackle Cayden Green dealing with injury, could handle South Carolina’s defensive front led by Dylan Stewart. Instead, it was Missouri’s defensive line that stole the spotlight.
The group combined for five sacks and held the Gamecocks to negative nine rushing yards. That’s dominance. With questions surrounding the secondary, the defensive front showed up at the perfect time.
Saturday night in Columbia, the Tigers’ defensive talent was on full display.
3. Robert Meyer
With veteran kicker Blake Craig sidelined since the opener, true freshman Robert Meyer has been thrust into the spotlight — and he showed poise under pressure against South Carolina.
Yes, he missed an early extra point, but Meyer responded by drilling all three of his field goal attempts, including a clutch 40-yarder in the fourth quarter that gave Missouri a two-score cushion with under two minutes left.
That’s as big as it gets for a freshman. As one writer put it:
“He’s him.”
Honorable Mentions: Nicholas Rodriguez, Sterling Webb, Josiah Trotter
