Aug. 17, 2000
MEXICO, Mo.- Head Coach Larry Smith put his troops into full pads on Thursday morning, a change from the original schedule. Smith decided that the Tigers needed another strong practice with emphasis on the running game. Although the offense put together a solid session of practice, the defense continued to make big plays.
The defense set the tone when the Tigers came together during the team portion of the workout. On the first three plays, Mizzou's strong defensive line had the offense going backwards. Wide receiver Eric Spencer took a handoff on an end-around play only to be stuffed by Justin Smith for a 15-yard loss. On the next play, senior nose tackle Pat Mingucci disrupted a running play up the middle by colliding with running back Zain Gilmore in the hole for another loss. Senior Daryl Whittington then made his presence felt by batting down an attempted pass by quarterback Kirk Farmer.
X-RAYS: Strong safety Gary Anthony and running back Zack Abron were both taken back to Columbia following the morning workout for x-rays. Anthony injured an ankle while trying make a tackle. The injury is not believed to be serious. Abron went in for an x-ray on his hand. Both players are expected back for the afternoon practice.
TWINS RIGHT, NAKED: That is the name of one of many offensive formations that the Missouri Tigers will use this season. That formation was seen in quite a different way by the MU coaching staff early Thursday morning. When coaches awoke for breakfast at 6:15 a.m., they noticed that each of their golf carts were missing. They finally discovered them in the middle of the playing field, all lined up in the "twins right, naked" formation. It is unknown who the prankster(s) is, but the coaches got a pretty good laugh out of it. Coach Smith is leaning towards graduate assistant coaches Devin West or Preston Jones, but he has not ruled out the entire offensive line.
HOMETOWN HEROES: Several small-town media outlets were on hand for Thursday morning's workout to catch up with some former Missouri high school standouts. Quincy, Ill. was well represented as was Moberly, Mo. Among the hometown heroes to address the media were Marcus Caldwell (Palmyra, Mo.), Grant Thornberg (Palmyra), Harold Hendricks (Bowling Green), Justin Bland (Chilicothe) and Steven Colbert (Marceline).