"Choosing What it Takes to Win": Eli Drinkwitz Previews Florida, Provides Injury Updates

The Missouri Tigers are coming off of a dominant 36-7 win over Tennessee on Saturday. The Tigers will finish out their home schedule this Saturday when they host the Florida Gators at Faurot Field on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Here's what Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz had to say about Saturday's matchup when talking with reporters on Tuesday.

On Ty'Ron Hopper's injury:

Linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper suffered an ankle injury in the first half of the Tennessee game. He would not return for the remainder of the game.

"X-rays were clean, MRIs were clean. It is an ankle sprain, it was pretty swollen yesterday. He's going to treat the mess out of it today, I would say he is questionable. We'll see how he progresses this week." 

On Florida's strengths:

"Florida's a very talented team. They have a very talented roster much like they always do and they're very efficient in what they do offensively and defensively. Obviously last year when we played them, they had multiple draft picks, including the number four overall pick at quarterback. This year, I think they're playing even more efficiently with their quarterback, I think Graham Mertz is playing outstanding."

"Coach Napier's offense spreads the ball around very well. Eugene Wilson does an excellent job as a true freshman, is really a dynamic player in this league. They have outstanding running backs with (Trevor) Etienne and Montrell Johnson Jr. Both of those guys are dynamic playmakers. Defensively, their defensive coordinator has made the comment that he has a 'tool-shed' of defense, I think it's more like a man cave. I think it's very deep. He's got all kinds of defense and plays multiple fronts, coverages, blitz-schemes. Has all kinds of corrections and does a really good job of what they're trying to do."

"We're going to have our challenges this week but it really starts with us in choosing what it takes to win."

On how Cody Schrader's story will be used in recruiting:

"It will be pretty significant."

"It's going to be a story at the University of Missouri for a long, long time... You got a guy who really embodies the spirit of this state. The hard work and determination (of) self-made people."

On the legacy of the team's 27 seniors:

"I don't know where the phrase from but kinda 'restore the roar.' Restore the roar of Faurot Field and hopefully it's a new trajectory of Tiger football. We've kinda been stuck in the middle and obviously this year we're not."

"There's a new respectability to our program, whether it's on the recruiting trail or on the football field, and that's attribute to those guys."