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Missouri lineman rips Josh Heupel, refs after Texas Bowl loss

"We practiced for almost a whole month without an O-coordinator or an O-line coach after having one of the most dominating offenses in the nation.
Dec 27, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Barry Odom reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Texas Longhorns in the 2017 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri defensive end Marcell Frazier pointed blame at the referees and departed offensive coordinator Josh Heupel after the Tigers' 33-16 loss to Texas on Wednesday in the Texas Bowl.

The senior lineman, who led the SEC in tackles-for-loss in 2017, said Huepel's decision to take the head coaching position at Central Florida hindered the Tigers' offensive efforts. Huepel also took offensive line coach Glen Elarbee with him to UCF.

"Realistically, Heupel left us in a bad position," Frazier told reporters after the game Wednesday. "It is what it is. And Elarbee left us in a bad position. As men, they have to look in the mirror.

"They let a whole bunch of teenage boys down, 18- and 19-year-olds. They left, and they have to do what's best for their family, but I think it showed up a little bit today...

"We practiced for almost a whole month without an O-coordinator or an O-line coach after having one of the most dominating offenses in the nation. It's tough. I believe they let some guys down."

Frazier also took aim at the officiating, pointing out some "questionable calls" that he credited to a home-field advantage for the Longhorns — with the game being played in Houston.

"Our (defensive backs) were touching those guys with one finger and they were getting calls," Frazier added. "We know what it is; it’s a little bit of home cooking. Physically, we outplayed them. I can hang my hat on that."

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