Missouri conquers the Trojans in blowout win


By Lauren Rosenberg
The Missouri Tigers looked to continue their hot streak while at the same time the Troy Trojans galloped into town looking to get back on track after a devastating 43-50 lost against Arkansas State the previous week.
The Trojans started the game off with a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. QB Kaleb Barker marched down the field and connected with wide receiver Khalil McClain for a 15-yard touchdown reception. After that opening drive, it was all Missouri for the rest of the first half.
Tiger’s QB Kelly Bryant took over and drove his offense down field, courtesy of a 49-yard catch and run reception down the right side by WR Kam Scott. The reception set up running back Larry Rountree to score Missouri’s first touchdown of the game: a 1-yard rush down the middle. 
A tough Trojan drive ensues, where Barker muffed the snap, recovered the ball, fumbled and then recovered it once again. He was eventually sacked by defensive lineman Kobe Whiteside. 
Bryant made his way back to the end zone, taking in the ball himself with a 3-yard touchdown run to the left side.
The Tiger’s defense continued to be stellar on the following Troy drive. Barker had two complete passes for a loss of 1 and 5 yards, caught by wide receiver Kaylon Geiger and running back Trevon Woolfork, respectively. To make matters worse, Barker was also sacked by Whiteside between the catches.
Bryant launched a 64-yard catch-and-run down the right side to fellow transfer and wide receiver Jonathan Nance for another Missouri touchdown.
Linebacker Cale Garrett recorded his first interception of the day, picking off a pass intended for what looked like nobody for 26 yards to the Troy 1 yard line. A holding penalty on the Tigers erased Rountree’s touchdown run and pushed them back 15 yards to the 16 yard line. The penalty was practically a blessing, as tight end Albert Okwuegbunam scored with a tip-toe grab on the deep right corner of the end zone for a touchdown. 
Garrett continued to cause trouble for Barker as he picked off his pass and ran it into the end zone for a 33-yard pick 6. This was his third straight game with a defensive touchdown, which also extended Missouri’s streak of four consecutive weeks with a defensive touchdown. 
At the kickoff, Geiger ran for a 23-yard return but fumbled the ball, forced by defensive back Adam Sparks and linebacker Cameron Wilkins. The Tigers weren’t able to capitalize on the drive and turned it over on downs after kicker Tucker McCann missed a 52-yard field goal attempt.    
For the final score of the first half, Bryant threw a 6-yard touchdown reception to wide receiver Jalen Knox who dove for the score. During the celebration, Bryant was down on the field with an apparent knee injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game.
Missouri backup QB Taylor Powell entered the game for the rest of the first half and the entirety of the second half. 
The second half was very dry for both teams, and the Troy defense shut out Missouri.
Troy backup QB Gunnar Watson had one great drive where he led his offense to the Missouri 26-yard line. Kicker Tyler Sumpter nailed a 43-yard field goal right through the uprights. 
A few drives later, Missouri was attempting to chew the clock but was forced to go for a field goal. Backup kicker Sean Koetting attempted and missed a 50-yard field goal, his first attempt of the season.
The Missouri Tigers defeated the Troy Trojans 42-10 and extend their win streak to four games for a 4-1 record.
Missouri’s next game will be their last of a five-game homestand when the Ole Miss Rebels come to Columbia for Missouri’s Homecoming on October 12.
Edited by Emma Moloney | ehm3gd@mail.missouri.edu

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