Eli Drinkwitz calls out Jim Harbaugh, declares Missouri 'America's team'

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz has never been shy from stating his mind, even at the expense of one of his coaching peers. Add Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh to that list.

Following a dominant win over Arkansas on Friday, Drinkwitz poked at Harbaugh’s recent “America’s team” remarks regarding Michigan amid the impermissible scouting investigation. He posited that, actually, Missouri should be America’s team.

“Earlier in the week I heard a coach talk about being America’s team. And I don’t know about all that conversation, they got so many different good things going for them. Some good, some maybe they stole illegally. We’re America’s team,” Drinkwitz said.

He explained further why thinks Missouri is deserving of that moniker.

“We’re a team built on underdogs. We’re a team built on young men with something to prove. We’ve got a Division II transfer running back who’s leading the SEC in rushing. We’ve got a bunch of fighters. Our quarterback has been fighting his whole life to earn an opportunity to play the way he does. We’ve got offensive linemen who just play for each other, tight ends, defensively. We’re the story that people should be really proud to be behind. I’m just proud to coach this football team. And it ain’t about me, it’s really about those brothers, those guys coming together, those coaches in there coaching their butt off for each other. And that’s what America’s all about, people coming together. So, that’s my statement,” Drinkwitz said.

Drinkwitz tried kickstarting a Heisman campaign for his running back after the win

Drinkwitz was unequivocal in his postgame assessment of Cody Schrader after the Tigers thrashed Arkansas in the season finale. Drinkwitz thinks his tailback should a Heisman contender or finalist.

Following a 200-plus yard outing from Schrader, Drinkwitz made his feelings known with CBS Sports’ Amanda Guerra. He doesn’t think the feel-good nature of Schrader’s story should overshadow his excellence.

“Let’s start talking about putting him up for the Heisman for the best player in the country. He just rushed for 200 yards tonight. He’s been doing it consistently in the SEC, we’re a Top 10 team, he’s the best back in the country. Let’s quit making it about being a feel good story, he’s a hell of a player. That’s what it’s about. He’s a hell of a player, he deserves to be talked about for the Heisman trophy,” Drinkwitz said.

Schrader’s story has become well-traveled by know: No Division I offers out of high school, ended up at Division II Truman State before a booster recommended the back to Drinkwitz. Then, after walking on a few years ago, Schrader has steadily risen the depth chart to the point of starring in the offense in 2023.

And amid his breakout season, Drinkwitz thinks Schrader has played his way into Heisman contention.

Schrader is up to 1489 rushing yards after capping his regular season with 217 on 27 carries against the Razorbacks. He also scored a touchdown on Friday, his 13th on the year. He’s virtually guaranteed to finish as the SEC’s leading rusher this year as the Tigers have gone 10-2 and are ranked in the Top 10.