Missouri QB Pribula Doubtful Ahead of Key Oklahoma Matchup

Missouri faces a critical Week 13 matchup this Saturday in Norman, Oklahoma, as the Tigers take on No. 8 Oklahoma. The game carries significant College Football Playoff implications for the Sooners, while Missouri seeks to rebound from a challenging stretch in SEC play. The Tigers’ injury report added drama to the matchup, as star quarterback Beau Pribula has been listed as doubtful, making his availability uncertain.

Pribula has not played since Oct. 25, when he suffered a non-fractured dislocated ankle during Missouri’s 17-10 loss to Vanderbilt. The injury forced him to miss subsequent games against Texas A&M and Mississippi State. Though he participated sparingly in practice last week and appeared in pregame warmups against the Bulldogs, he ultimately did not play, leaving true freshman Matt Zollers to start. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz indicated that Zollers is expected to start again but noted that Pribula is progressing quickly under the team’s medical staff.

Other Tigers’ injuries also factor into Saturday’s game plan. Junior defensive end Langden Kitchen is listed as probable after missing the Mississippi State contest, while freshman wide receiver and punt returner DaMarion Fowlkes is listed as questionable. Missouri will also be without kicker Blake Craig and backup quarterback Sam Horn for the remainder of the season, with Craig sidelined by an ACL injury and Horn out due to a tibia injury.

The timing of Pribula’s potential return is crucial for Missouri, which has struggled to maintain the early-season momentum that saw the team start 5-0. Missouri has dropped three of its last four games, including tight losses to Alabama and Vanderbilt, making the quarterback situation a focal point for the team’s strategy against a formidable Oklahoma squad.

1. Missouri’s Offensive and Defensive Outlook

Missouri enters the matchup with a 7-3 overall record and 3-3 in SEC play. The Tigers have built an offense that emphasizes the run, ranking sixth nationally with 241.7 rushing yards per game, while averaging 209.2 passing yards per game (91st in FBS). Overall, Missouri scores 34.9 points per contest, ranking 23rd nationally. Defensively, the Tigers have limited opponents effectively. Missouri allows just 169.9 passing yards per game (16th) and 104.8 rushing yards per contest (17th), giving up 19.9 points per game (25th). Key contributors, such as Kitchen and Fowlkes, will influence the defense and special teams, particularly if injuries force lineup adjustments. With Pribula’s uncertain status, the Tigers may rely on Zollers to maintain the passing attack. Zollers’ limited game experience makes the running game even more critical, requiring the offensive line and backs to carry a heavier load against a high-profile opponent. Missouri’s ability to balance rushing efficiency with passing production will determine whether they can stay competitive against a strong Oklahoma defense and keep the game within reach.

2. Oklahoma’s CFP Stakes and Offensive Struggles

Oklahoma enters the game at 8-2, with marquee wins over Michigan, Auburn, Tennessee, and Alabama. The Sooners are vying for a College Football Playoff spot, meaning Saturday’s matchup is pivotal for their postseason positioning. A win would significantly bolster their playoff resume, while a loss could create complications in seeding. Offensively, Oklahoma has struggled to establish a consistent ground game, ranking 97th nationally with just 130.7 rushing yards per contest. Missouri’s sixth-ranked rushing attack will test the Sooners’ defensive front, potentially forcing them to adjust game plans and rely on the passing game. Oklahoma’s defense has been solid against the pass, allowing 6.2 yards per attempt (22nd nationally). The Tigers’ aerial attack, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt, will challenge the Sooners’ secondary and create opportunities if Pribula is cleared to play. Missouri’s quarterback situation will be a major factor in whether they can exploit Oklahoma’s vulnerabilities. Follow-up injury reports for both teams will be released on Thursday and Friday nights, with the final update coming 90 minutes before kickoff. The outcome of this game will have far-reaching implications, both for Missouri’s bowl positioning and Oklahoma’s playoff aspirations.

3. Keys for Missouri

Missouri will need to adapt quickly to the quarterback situation while maintaining focus on executing its run-heavy offense. Player health, depth, and in-game adjustments will be critical against a top-10 opponent. Defensive discipline and containment of Oklahoma’s passing game will also be essential, particularly if Pribula cannot play. Missouri’s ability to pressure the quarterback and limit explosive plays could determine whether the Tigers remain competitive. The matchup represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Missouri to prove its resilience amid injuries and SEC adversity. How the team responds to adversity this week will shape not only the outcome of the game but also the program’s momentum heading into postseason play.

Special teams and situational execution will also play a key role, as field position, third-down efficiency, and turnover management could make the difference in a closely contested game against a high-caliber Oklahoma squad.