Eli Drinkwitz paused, considered his response, and ultimately opted for what appeared to be the high road.

The Missouri football coach was asked about the three reported “permanent” opponents on Mizzou’s next four SEC schedules, which, as USA Today Sports confirmed Monday, are Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.

On Monday during his availability, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko seemed confused as to how Mizzou ended up on the Aggies’ foreseeable annual rotation, saying, “Missouri, I’m not sure how that fit in, but it is what it is. However they did that, it’ll be fine.”

Drinkwitz’s first response, when asked about the annual opponents: “I’m just trying to beat UMass,” which the Tigers play this upcoming Saturday for their homecoming game.

Added Drinkwitz: “There’s so much going on right now.

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