Missouri’s performance last week against LSU left a lot to be desired across several facets, , but this week’s 38-21 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats provided a big time bounce back for head coach Eli Drinkwitz and company. Sure, the Tigers picking up their first victory at Kroger Field for the first time since 2013 was a big stat, but it wasn’t the only noticeable one on the night.
If you asked a Tigers fan after the first quarter what their chances of winning this game were, their answer probably wouldn’t drip with optimism. The Wildcats’ rushing attack highlighted by Ray Davis lit up the Tigers defense in the first stanza. Redshirt junior Devin Leary had a rushing score of his own, and coming into tonight, he had -48 rushing yards on 12 carries.
However, the Tigers’ response from a two touchdown deficit after one period was an example of a game being a tale of two quarters. Missouri’s spark ignited from an unsung hero, punter Luke Bauer. Following what looked to be another three and out drive, the Tigers pulled a rabbit out of the hat. Instead of punting,Bauer dropped back to pass and hit wide receiver Marquis Johnson for a 39-yard score, cutting Missouri’s deficit to seven and giving the Tigers fan section in Lexington something to cheer about.
The trick play wasn’t the last of big moments for the Tigers in the second quarter. Down 14-10 following a Mevis field goal, Brady Cook seized an opportunity to effectively manage the two-minute drill as he often has as a Tiger.After hitting Luther Burden for his first two catches of the day, Cook hit Missouri’s highest receiver in yardage on the day Theo Wease for an 18-yard touchdown. The six play drive gave the Tigers a 17-14 advantage heading into halftime.
“You get in these games on the road, and you gotta counter punch,” Drinkwitz said. “We counterpunched, it was 14-0 and we looked like dog, that is a tribute to that team and that staff.”
The improvements offensively continued to show through in the second half, but not just on the offensive side. Joseph Charleston began the second half with a bang for Blake Baker’s defensive unit, forcing a fumble from Izayah Cummings and collapsing on top of the football, an immediate momentum swing, and the first fumble recovery of the season for Missouri.
Missouri responded to the fumble with three points. , and Leary’s four yard touchdown completion was a reminder to the tough task at hand for the Tigers. Once again, the Tigers clawed back in response. A nine play 70 yard drive ended with a one yard Brady Cook run, and a two point conversion from Cody Schraeder. The conversion was given a second chance from a late hit penalty, just one of Kentucky’s fourteen in the contest and a total of 122 yards given up as a result.
“I thought we did a pretty good job of handling our composure and handling the environment,” said Cook on the chippiness of the contest. “We enjoyed the environment. It was definitely an SEC football game.”
Multiple players provided the x-factor for the Tigers in the second half, including running back Cody Schrader, whose two point conversion and a 19-yard touchdown to boot put the score at 35-21 in the fourth quarter. His actions validated his motivating pre-game words to the team about feeling disrespected during the course of this season.
Missouri’s defense found an answer after giving up 14 points in its fourth quarter performance last week against LSU .. Devin Leary threw two picks in the second half for the Wildcats, caught by Missouri defensive back Kris Abrams-Draine and Marcus Clarke. Abrams Draine’s pick marked his single-season high of four interceptions.
Missouri (6-1) seeks to continue its winning streak next Saturday when South Carolina comes to visit Columbia. The Tigers may return to the Top 25 following this victory, after dropping off the poll from their loss against LSU.