As pass protection holds up, Mizzou QB Simmons has hit his stride

From Cayden Green on the far left side to Luke Work on the far right, Mizzou’s offensive front did its job to ensure plenty of time for Simmons to move the ball down the field. The offensive line and Simmons worked in harmony to score 38 points, 21 of which Simmons accounted for directly.

“There was really only one time that he kind of got flushed on the third and really long and got hit,” MU coach Eli Drinkwitz told reporters Tuesday. “Other than that, pocket was really clean, and when we can keep the pocket clean for Austin, he can work through his reads. There's not a throw that he doesn't feel very comfortable making.”

If it wasn’t clear before, it’s clear now. Simmons has the trust of his coaches, receivers, running backs, offensive line and other teammates. If you ask Simmons’ guardians, he’s been nothing short of a playmaker to start the season. 

“When you give that guy some time, he can make some wonderful plays,” senior offensive lineman Curtis Peagler said. “It’s exciting to see him go out there and do his thing.”

His ability to be patient and maneuver in the pocket have been staples of his college and high school career. He has shown those traits off to start his Tiger career.

The offensive line has only allowed one sack, which came against Arkansas Pine-Bluff, and Simmons hardly looked under pressure against the Jayhawks.

“I think the best thing that Austin did was trust the pocket, which is provided by the offensive line. (They) Did a great job of protecting him,” Drinkwitz said.

The season will only get tougher for the Tigers and more challenges are on the horizon for the MU offense. Seeing how Simmons responds to adversity, which he hasn’t seen much of yet, is the next big test for the senior quarterback.

The fact that it’s Simmons' first year in Columbia hasn’t deterred him from being a vocal presence. He communicates with both sides of the ball at various stages of the week leading up to practice and games.

Everything about the way Simmons leads has stood out to Drinkwitz. MU’s leader said he’s like former Tiger quarterback Brady Cook in that regard though their personalities differ.

“I've been thoroughly impressed with his leadership capabilities, his interpersonal communication and leadership skills,” Drinkwitz said. “I didn't even realize that he stays out there and daps everybody as they come on the field. He's in the defensive huddle, telling them to get after it. The dude understands he's a part of this team, and I think it's something that is really good for us.”

Against the Jayhawks, Simmons did enter the defensive huddle on the sideline. He had a stern message to that group.

“He also said, ‘Give us the ball back.’ When he said that, in my mind, we're gonna give him this ball back,” senior linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. said.

The Tiger defense did that frequently, which only gave Simmons more time to sling the ball around David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Teammates have raved about the energy Simmons brings to the team. 

“It's not really surprising, man. You get to see the guy every day during practice, and he's excited,” Peagler said. ”His energy on and off the field and during that game, man, he kept us in it with his energy.”

Simmons and the Mizzou offensive line will roll out for the third time this season at 6 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium.