The Missouri Tigers lost for a fifth consecutive game Saturday in South Carolina. The Tigers fell to 2-7 on the season with the 31-21 loss, and have been eliminated from bowl game consideration.
Gamecocks freshman quarterback Jake Bently dominated the Tigers defense, throwing for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Bently has yet to throw an interception in four games as a starter.
The Tigers’ defensive woes continued on the ground. Missouri gave up 149 yards rushing to another South Carolina freshman, Rico Dowdle.
Once again it was the Missouri offense that kept the team relevant. Drew Lock threw for 302 yards, but a second interception in the waning seconds killed the Tigers’ chances.
Freshman Damarea Crockett continued to impress out of the backfield, tallying 82 yards and a score. Crockett has now rushed for 601 yards on the season, averging 6.3 yards per carry.
The battle of the Columbia schools was a shootout for the first 33 minutes. A Kendall Blanton touchdown catch early in the 3^rd quarter tied the score at 21, but Missouri’s offense fell stagnant after that.
The remainder of the Tigers drives resulted in a punt, two interceptions and two missed field goals. Both Missouri kickers Turner Adams and Tucker McCann missed field goals in the second half.
Missouri will play out the remainder of the season without hopes of returning to postseason play. The Tigers will host Vanderbilt at home Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. Tune in to KCOU Sports Saturday for analysis and the game, beginning at 9 a.m.