Middle Tennessee vs. Missouri Short Report | Sep 9, 2023
Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium
Columbia, MO
Sep 9, 2023
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Game Recap
The Missouri Tigers edged out the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a thrilling encounter, wrapping up a 23-19 victory at home. Harrison Mevis kicked off the scoring with a 38-yard field goal in the first quarter. Middle Tennessee answered with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Kalani Norris early in the second quarter. The contest remained a seesaw battle, captivating fans from start to finish.
Brady Cook delivered a rollercoaster performance, passing for 204 yards and two touchdowns but also fumbling in the fourth quarter, leading to a safety. Cook, however, redeemed himself by rushing for a touchdown and connecting with Nathaniel Peat for a 49-yard score. Despite a late surge by Middle Tennessee, Missouri's defense, led by a clutch performance from LB Chad Bailey, stood firm to secure the win. Standout contributions from both teams added extra flair to this competitive showdown.
Key Plays:
Harrison Mevis (Missouri Tigers)
Harrison Mevis kicked the Tigers' scoring off with a precise 38-yard field goal, giving Missouri an early 3-0 lead. His calm nerves set the tone for an intense match.
Kalani Norris (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders)
Kalani Norris bolstered Middle Tennessee, hauling in a 3-yard touchdown pass to put the Blue Raiders ahead 7-3. This score was a rebuttal to Missouri's early lead and demonstrated Middle Tennessee's resilience.
Brady Cook (Missouri Tigers)
Brady Cook capitalized on a critical drive, plunging into the end zone from 1 yard out to reclaim a 10-7 lead for Missouri just before halftime.
Zeke Rankin (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders)
Zeke Rankin narrowed the deficit with a 25-yard field goal, making it a closer contest at 10-13, showcasing his reliability in clutch situations.
Theo Wease Jr. (Missouri Tigers)
Theo Wease Jr. reeled in a 5-yard pass for a touchdown, extending Missouri's lead to 19-10. However, the blocked PAT underscored the game's unpredictable nature.
Nathaniel Peat (Missouri Tigers)
Nathaniel Peat's 49-yard touchdown reception electrified the crowd, stretching Missouri's lead to 23-10. It proved to be a pivotal moment in deciding the outcome.
Justin Olson (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders)
Justin Olson closed the gap for Middle Tennessee with a 13-yard touchdown catch, bringing the score to 23-17. The critical extra point brought the Blue Raiders within striking distance.
Brady Cook (Missouri Tigers)
Brady Cook's fumble and subsequent safety provided Middle Tennessee a late lifeline, narrowing the margin to 23-19. This misstep added tension to the final minutes.
Standout Players:
Brady Cook (Missouri Tigers, QB)
Passed for 204 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another, though a fumble late in the game led to a safety. Cook displayed versatility and resilience under pressure, crucial for Missouri's win.
Nicholas Vattiato (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, QB)
Completed 22 of 36 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns, showing remarkable poise and accuracy. His dual-threat capability, also rushing for 34 yards, kept the Missouri defense on alert.
Luther Burden III (Missouri Tigers, WR)
With 8 catches for 117 yards, including several critical receptions to extend drives, Burden III was pivotal in keeping Missouri's offense clicking throughout the game.
Drew Francis (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, LB)
Drew Francis registered 6 solo tackles and 2 sacks, consistently disrupting Missouri's offense and being a significant factor in Middle Tennessee's defensive efforts.
Zeke Rankin (Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, K)
Rankin was perfect on extra points and field goals, including a crucial 25-yarder. His reliability added stability to the Blue Raiders' special teams unit.
Chad Bailey (Missouri Tigers, LB)
Bailey played a key role on defense with 8 tackles, helping to stop Middle Tennessee's final push and securing the narrow victory for Missouri.
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
0
7
3
9
19
Missouri Tigers
3
7
6
7
23
