Missouri Tigers lose Terry Beckner Jr. and Michael Scherer to ACL tears

The Missouri Tigers have suffered some critical injuries going into their game against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Missouri suffered big blows to their defense, as defensive tackle Terry Beckner, Jr. and linebacker Michael Scherer have both suffered a torn ACL, according to Mizzou head coach Barry Odom. Scherer also suffered a torn MCL. These are undoubtedly two of Mizzou’s best defenders.

Scherer was one positive piece in a sub-par Missouri defense, as he had 39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, an interception and two passes defended. While not being as impressive, Beckner was the defensive line’s leading tackler, with 20 tackles.

The loss of both of these guys will hurt Mizzou against a dominant Kentucky run game. Missouri already ranks 109th in the country in rushing yards allowed per-game. Kentucky ranks 43rd in the nation in rushing yards per-game, averaging 197 yards, so there’s a good chance that Benny Snell and Boom Williams will have a field day against this Missouri front seven without Beckner and Scherer.

Both of these players suffered their injuries during their game against Middle Tennessee, a game in which Missouri lost 51-45.

This is now the second consecutive year that Beckner tore his ACL. As for Scherer, he’s a senior so it spells the end of his career.

In other Missouri injury news, starting cornerback John Gibson left the MTSU game with a knee injury as well, but did not suffer a tear and practiced on Tuesday.

These injuries are going to give Mizzou linebackers Joey Burkett, Brandon Lee, Eric Beisel and Trey Baldwin a chance at getting some action against Kentucky, according to Rock M Nation.

Freshman Markell Utsey may also come in at tackle. Kentucky has experienced their fair share of problems in the front seven, but Missouri has all kinds of things going wrong for them after these injuries.