I understand that Missouri played Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but this game answered many questions about their offensive strategy with the new offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey, the new quarterback, Austin Simmons, and the absence of Ahmad Hardy as the running back.
Gus Malzahn
Eli Drinkwitz began his coaching career in college as a quality control assistant under Gus Malzahn at Auburn during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Chip Lindsey joined Gus Malzahn as an offensive analyst during Auburn’s journey to the BCS National Championship Game in 2013. Lindsey later returned as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, with Malzahn assuming full play-calling responsibilities. In 2022, Lindsey reunited with Malzahn at UCF, where he continued as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The influence of Gus Malzahn is evident in the offense’s increased reliance on QB Run Reads and its Up Tempo No Huddle structure.
Ole Miss
Austin Simmons transferred to Missouri from Ole Miss on January 6, 2026. On January 24, 2026, Ole Miss wide receiver Cayden Lee also joined Simmons at Missouri. The integration of aspects of Ole Miss’ offensive schemes is evident in the increased use of Y-Cross variations and Iso Insert RPO variations. Y-Cross was called 5 times in the first half with a 100% completion rate and 1 touchdown. Ole Miss called it 104 times in 2025.
Chip Lindsey, who did a commendable job last year with Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, has the potential to make a significant impact on Missouri’s offense with their new quarterback, Austin Simmons. The all-22 film provides valuable insights into Lindsey’s passing concepts, which enable Simmons to read the field effortlessly with full field progressions.
Outside Zone
Ahmad Hardy amassed 1,649 rushing yards last season, with a significant portion coming from the Outside Zone. While Lindsey ran some Outside Zone plays during his time at Michigan, there was uncertainty about how much he would incorporate it into his game at Missouri, particularly given Hardy’s injury.
In the season opener, Lindsey utilized the Outside Zone from the Pistol 16 times, resulting in 52 yards and two touchdowns. Despite Hardy’s absence, the Tigers intend to maintain their Outside Zone identity, even if they rely on running back Jamal Roberts.
The Modern Triple
Due to Malzahn’s influence, Simmons at the helm, and the absence of Hardy, Lindsey employed a significant portion of Modern Triple or Zone Read with a throw option.
As a counter to Outside Zone, Lindsey dialed up a Modern Triple concept 16 times, resulting in a total of 71 yards. Out of these, 13 plays resulted in runs, while 3 resulted in passes. Modern Triple plays are an effective strategy to create defensive conflicts by leveraging a powerful running game, a talented quarterback, and a skilled receiver corps.
Going Forward
Missouri’s upcoming schedule includes games against Kansas and Troy over the next two weeks, followed by a challenging SEC gauntlet. This offense is likely to be a point of interest to watch closely, particularly if Hardy’s return is imminent.