Coming off of a 28-point victory in its first game, Missouri football entered its second game optimistically. However, Kansas State easily ended Missouri’s one-game winning streak, claiming its victory over previous Big 12 foe 40-12. The teams had not played each other in football since 2011, and although this game was crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the season, the Tigers certainly did not play like it.
With only one touchdown and four Wildcat interceptions, Missouri’s offensive game planning can certainly be questioned on the plays made and yards missed throughout the game.
The Good:
While this game was not one to be proud of, the Tigers did have some redeemable moments. To start, Missouri’s passing and receiving yards surpassed Kansas State’s. Sophomore quarterback Brady Cook carried the Tigers, throwing all 128 yards compared to the Wildcats’ 101 yards. Cook had some nice passes, finding sophomore wide receiver Dominic Lovett for 39 yards in the third quarter, leading to one of two Missouri field goals.
Additionally, Missouri led in reception yards throughout the game. Lovett, who received 66 more yards than anyone else, dominated this effort. However, while the receiving yards helped with the short-term aspects of the game, no touchdown on either side came via the pass. All touchdowns came from rushing yards.
Only scoring 12 points throughout the game, the Tigers were mostly outplayed by Kansas State’s defense.
The Bad:
Considering all touchdowns from the game came from rushing plays, it was crucial for the Tigers to focus on running the ball. But the Wildcats doubled Missouri in rushing yards, posting 241 yards compared to the Tigers’ 120 yards. Although Cook rushed an impressive 57 yards throughout the game, Kansas State junior running back Deuce Vaughn almost tripled that, rushing for 146 yards.
Five-star recruit and freshman wide receiver Luther Burden III, only had one touch on the ball the whole game, gaining six yards for the Tigers. Burden was brought onto the team as the No. 1 offensive recruit in the nation to improve Missouri’s offense. Missouri’s decision not to involve Burden in the offensive game proved crucial, as the team was not able to build upon his success in week one. That decision was detrimental, as it likely was a big factor in their lackluster performance.
The Ugly:
Cook and graduate quarterback Jack Abraham combined for four interceptions Saturday, all of which happened in the second half. After Cook threw two interceptions within three minutes of each other, Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz took him out and put Abraham in the game. He then threw two more interceptions for the Tigers and was quickly taken out to be replaced by Cook. The four interceptions all occurred within five passes of each other.
Three of those interceptions resulted in added points for the Wildcats, two of which were field goals and one leading to a touchdown. Cook and Abraham could have closed the gap on the score without these interceptions. Instead the Tigers took a hard hit, losing the game 40-12, knocking their record down to 1-1.
Missouri will continue its season Saturday back on Faurot Field, where it will take on Abilene Christian at 11 a.m CT. The Tigers will try to recover from this tough loss and bounce back into the win column.
Edited by Brandon Haynes | bhaynes@themaneater.com
Copy Editor — Julia Williams | Jwilliams@themaneater.com
Copy Editor — Matt Guzman
