LEXINGTON, Ky. — No, Missouri’s first-half blocked punt did not count as a turnover.

It may have spurred MU’s offense to its second touchdown in 97 seconds and looked like a fumble, but regardless of the play’s benefit or nature, a blocked punt is not a turnover.

Saturday’s 48-17 win over Kentucky was the first time in five games the No. 9 Tigers did not go to halftime without forcing an opponent to cough up the ball. Missouri’s streak of 39 consecutive games with a takeaway was in jeopardy.

But halfway through the third quarter senior linebacker Andrew Wilson chased down UK’s Raymond Sanders III on a 40-yard catch and run and ripped the ball from his mitts. Junior defensive back Darvin Ruise scooped up the pigskin and Missouri’s streak, now at 40 games, was still alive.

“We don’t really think about the 40 games in a row, but we always preach turnovers and preach takeaways,” Wilson said. “We are always doing takeaway drills. It’s a big part of our defense.”

The defense’s stout play helped keep Missouri afloat as Kentucky swiped a 3-0 lead early and recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. But the Tigers held strong, forcing a three-and-out. Missouri’s offense scored on its next four possessions. The Wildcats stayed off the board until the second half.

“That was awesome,” Pinkel said. “That’s a momentum play.”

Pinkel said his defense doesn’t think much about the streak. He said a friend called him earlier in the week and mentioned the Tigers’ gaudy numbers, and Pinkel said he was caught unaware.

Wilson said creating turnovers is a booster for the Tigers when games hang in the balance. It can enliven the MU bench and start the offense on scoring drives.

“It’s a huge lift for us,” he said. “It’s a lift for the offense. It’s a lift for everybody to get that takeaway and get off the field. It’s awesome.”