The Tigers shutout their opponents in consecutive games for the first time since 1935
Another week, another shutout as the Missouri Tigers stifled the Buffalo Bulls offense in their week two matchup on Sept 7. Missouri moves to 2-0 on the season with a final score of 38-0.
The Tigers defense dominated the Bulls’ offensive attack through the first quarter by only allowing 47 total yards. However, their own offense struggled due to sporadic penalties.
“Ten penalties is always gonna be an issue,” Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz said after the game. “Those are self-inflicted wounds that got to get cleaned up.”
Despite the setbacks, Missouri made their way into enemy territory on their first two drives. Freshman kicker Blake Craig booted a 51-yard field goal through the uprights to put the Tigers on the board.
The defense continued to frustrate the Bulls as Marvin Burks Jr. intercepted Buffalo quarterback CJ Ogbona’s pass.
“We were watching a whole lot of film, so I just knew,” said Burks. “I made a great play.”
Missouri graduate student quarterback Brady Cook readies for a snap during the Tigers’ home matchup against Buffalo on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. Cook rushed for two touchdowns in the contest, helping lead the team to a 38-0 victory over the Buffalo Bulls.
The Tigers’ offense couldn’t capitalize on the takeaway as Craig’s second field goal attempt sailed wide left from 49 yards out.
Wide receiver Luther Burden III scored the first touchdown of the game, taking a handoff for 18 yards through Buffalo territory. Burden would follow this up five plays later with another carry for a 3-yard score. This was the junior’s last action of the game, sitting out the remainder due to an illness.
The Tigers scored on the next drive after quarterback Brady Cook captained a 69-yard drive with 65 passing yards. This drive was anchored by a 39-yard catch and run by wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. Wease Jr. stepped up big, catching 13 passes for 149 yards each marking career highs. Cook capped off the drive with a 3-yard dash to the end zone.
“I was just trying to maximize every opportunity I got,” Wease said.
The Tigers added one final score before halftime as Cook opted to run on a designed pass play. The senior quarterback sprinted past tacklers, scampering down the sideline and diving through two defenders for a 31-yard score.
Cook had an impressive night on the ground, running for 62 yards to go along with his two scores.
“I started stumbling and bumbling a little bit, and then I saw Nate Noel working his butt off down there at the end zone, downfield blocking, making sure I got in the end zone. So that was a fun play,” Cook said.
Missouri cruised through the second half, scoring twice more after rushing touchdowns from Noel and Jamal Roberts.
The Tigers totaled five rushing touchdowns along with 255 yards. Noel led the way with 73 yards while his fellow transfer running back Marcus Carroll racked up 62 yards.
Missouri’s secondary shined in coverage, while the line got pressure on the quarterback all night. They allowed 55 yards through the air while totaling three sacks as a team.
This marks the third straight game in which the Tigers have not allowed their opponents to score a touchdown, dating back to last years’ Cotton Bowl.
“I’m pleased with where we’re at,” Drinkwitz said. “We’re not clicking at 100% just yet. I’d hate for us to be as good as we’re going to be all year.”
Next week Drinkwitz’s squad will host No. 24 ranked Boston College on Sept. 14 at Faurot Field. The sold out game will kickoff at 11:45 a.m. as they face an undefeated team.
Missouri sophomore wide receiver Marquis Johnson gets fired up after a big offensive play against Buffalo on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. Johnson finished the game with 52 yards on five receptions and helped move the Tigers down field during the game.
Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com
Copyedited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com
Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com