Is Missouri's season just around the corner?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium was a true nightmare for Missouri football.

The Tigers arrived hoping to fight back, but instead had to settle for a 34-0 loss, casting serious doubt on their season. After a performance like this, many are wondering if Missouri can salvage what's left of their season or if it's already fading away.

Starting quarterback Brady Cook played despite an ankle injury in last week's 21-17 win over Auburn.

You could see the toll it was taking on him as he struggled to find his rhythm early on. Although he was obviously playing through the pain, Cook managed to keep Missouri within striking distance in the first half. The Tigers' defense came into the game, holding Alabama to just three points in the first quarter and forcing several three-and-outs.

At that point, it looked like Missouri might weather the storm. But then Cook injured his hand at the start of the second quarter and from that moment things took a dramatic turn.

Enter Drew Pyne, the former Notre Dame and Arizona State quarterback who was tasked with filling in for Cook. And unfortunately for Missouri, the offense collapsed.

Pyne completed just 6 of 12 passes for just 46 yards and threw three costly interceptions that swung the game significantly in Alabama's favor. This wasn't just a case of Alabama's defense overwhelming a backup quarterback – some of Pyne's throws were flawed and downright ugly.

It's one thing to struggle in a hostile environment like Tuscaloosa, but Pyne's performance has many questioning whether he can lead this team if Cook's injuries persist.

READ MORE: Missouri suffers brutal shutout to Alabama after Cook opts out

“He’s trying to put us in a position to get back in the game,” Tigers head coach Eliah Drinkwitz said after the game. “And I understand that, but in situations like this we just can’t endanger the ball. And you know, ultimately it’s up to me.”

Now, with Cook's health in question and Pyne's shaky night, Missouri's path forward seems increasingly uncertain.

Even if Cook returns, his ankle injury could very well remain for the rest of the season, affecting his mobility and overall game. And if Pyne remains in the starting lineup, he will need to improve significantly for Missouri to even remain competitive.

Either way, there's a tough road ahead and Missouri's playoff dreams appear to be fading quickly.

But it's not all doom and gloom.

Despite this setback, a 10-win season is still within reach. Missouri is currently 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the SEC, and while any realistic chance at the SEC Championship is likely lost, they still have a chance to finish strong.

This loss will almost certainly knock Missouri out of the top 25, but the Tigers can still climb back if they can get a few wins down the stretch.

The home game against Oklahoma gives Missouri a chance to get revenge, but they will have to be at their best against Brent Venables, the struggling Sooners. A road game against South Carolina and Mississippi State will test their resilience, while a home final against weak Arkansas offers a chance to end the season on a high note.

Each of these games is technically winnable, but the Tigers need to remedy the situation.

Injuries are a reality in college football, but this late in the season, resilience and heart matter. Drinkwitz has a reputation for building gritty teams that can bounce back from adversity, and Missouri fans will be hoping this group can do just that.

With the pressure mounting and so much at stake, Missouri's season is at a crossroads.

It's a time of survival and the Tigers' next games will determine whether they can turn things around this season or whether they'll be left wondering what might have been.