Missouri Tigers: Report Card After Beating Toledo Rockets, 49-24

Great strides.

That was the theme for the Missouri Tigers going into this week’s meeting with Toledo. And that’s the theme coming out of it. Yes, Mizzou showed signs of improvement as it was able to improve its record to 2-0 Saturday at the Glass Bowl.

Maty Mauk as he scored a touchdown with his legs in the second half. He had a hand in five more touchdowns through the air in the win. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The 49-24 victory was not without imperfection and still gave the Tigers proof that work needs to be done. But Mizzou was still impressive in the win, which saw the Tigers showing us how to really close out a game.

It was impressive enough for the associated press, who moved the Tigers up four spots in their rankings from No. 24 to No. 20 in the latest poll. They remain one of eight SEC teams to make the Top 25, still two weeks removed from the start of conference play.

This was a big game for Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel, a was returning to where he coached from 1991-2000, and he had made it clear that he meant business about winning this game. And he also knew that he was going up against a tough team in Toledo.

Missouri started things off sloppy, turning the ball over early and struggling to get the ball moving, while Toledo was able to get an early score. The Tigers let the tenacious Toledo pass rush push quarterback Maty Mauk around, as we predicted would happen, and the coaching staff once again appeared to be lost with game management.

But Mizzou found its groove as the game went on. Mauk put out a stellar performance through the air and MU’s defense was a force in the second half, showing us that they can hang, despite some fans’ fears.

Eventually, the Tigers were able to put the nail in the coffin and found themselves in victory mode, even letting back up quarterback Eddi Printz take some snaps in their final possession, which is always a good sign. Here’s the report card for the Tigers in their second win in as many games so far in 2014.

Quarterback: A-

Maty Mauk was brilliant in this game, throwing for 325 yards and 5 touchdown passes and rand for a sixth, while completing 21 of 32 passes. He showed his age with some decision-making mistakes in the early going, throwing a pick and holding the ball too long when he was pressured. But he cleaned up his game and put out an epic show as the game’s MVP.

Receivers: B+

Pass rushers had plenty to celebrate about in this game. Tigers beat the Rockets 49-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Mauk benefited from a solid performance across the board from his receivers who did an incredible job creating separation from the coverage and had some pretty great catches. A few dropped passes kept it from being an “A” game but the receivers made it clear to Toledo’s defense that they were in control.

Running Backs: B

Partly due to a lack of playcalling, Mizzou’s running game didn’t take off like we expected it to. But rushing attack still had a good game as Russell Hansbrough ran for 84 yards and a touchdown while Marcus Murphy complemented with 56 yards. Hansbrough is talented but he must have more confidence in his running. He hesitated at times while on the move, and we’d like to see him run the ball with conviction. Still a decent game on the ground for the Tigers

Offensive overall grade: B+

Defensive Line: A

By far the best attribute for the Tigers on Saturday, Mizzou’s defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, kept Toledo’s offense on its heals and pressured the quarterback, Ely, who many have faith in as an Alabama transfer. The pass rush forced bad decisions and created turnovers and made the offensive game breathe a heck of a lot easier.

Defensive Secondary/Linebackers: A-

For the part of this team that’s considered the weakest link, the defensive backfield certainly didn’t look that weak. All it did in response to our suspicions is force three turnovers, knock down passes, and kept the Toledo receivers from making big plays. Let’s see if it can continue as the season moves forward.

Defense overall Grade: A-

Coaching: C+

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South Bound & Down

This was the weakest link for the Tigers on Saturday. Credit must be given to head coach Gary Pinkel, who we all know was determined to take it to his former team, for preparing them mentally for this game– an underrated aspect of game planing. But the in-game management was abysmal yet again. Haphazardly calling plays was a problem in the first game and it was in this game too. And then, when the Rockets were in comeback mode and had cut the lead to 14 late in the third, the Tigers offense came out in the hurry up “two minute drill” style offense, going in the no huddle, passing deep on every play and snapping the ball with 25+ seconds left on the play clock.

When you’re up by two touchdowns with a quarter left to play, your biggest ally is the clock. Not only do you want to get the game clock down by putting out a nice, long drive, but you also don’t want to put the ball back in the hands of the opponent who has all of that momentum so quickly. The Tigers eventually made up for it by scoring points, but scoring will not come as easy in SEC play and they cannot afford to make these kind of game management mistakes in bigger games.

Overall Team Grade:B+

Last Week’s Grade (vs. South Dakota State): C+

Next Game: vs. Central Florida

Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) and defensive lineman Markus Golden (33) celebrate after the game against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl. Tigers beat the Rockets 49-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports