Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel on the field before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
SEC coaches are usually candid when discussing fellow foes in the conference.
Wednesday was no different, as Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze and Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn were asked about the Arkansas State-Missouri clash during the weekly SEC teleconference.
Both Freeze and Malzahn formerly coached at Arkansas St. As a result, each have unique perspectives as to how challenging this game may or may not be for Gary Pinkel's team.
"The atmosphere in Jonesboro is going to be big-time. [Missouri] will have to play well," said Malzahn.
Freeze offered more of a diplomatic approach, praising Pinkel for accepting the challenge of playing at Arkansas State.
"I know people there will be excited. It speaks a lot about Coach Pinkel to go [to Arkansas State]. They're obviously SEC East champions back-to-back. It's a tall task for Arkansas State for sure."
The smaller venue and desire to beat an SEC team will surely motivate the Red Wolves. They're a team predicated upon being unconventional, both offensively and defensively. Although it lost to USC 55-6 in the opening week, Arkansas St. had more than 400 yards of total offense, and sacked Southern Cal signal-caller Cody Kessler five times in the first half alone.
Malzahn offered a parting shot (or warning) for Pinkel and his team.
"I'm sure Missouri's not taking them lightly and they shouldn't be. Those [Arkansas State] players and those coaches will be ready. That fan base is unbelievable."
(H/T St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
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