Missouri quarterback Drew Lock named Walter Camp player of the week

Following Missouri’s 72-43 win, quarterback Drew Lock was named Walter Camp player of the week after his record-breaking performance against Missouri State.

On Saturday, Lock broke more offensive records for the Missouri Tigers. Unfortunately, his ability to set multiple records was due to the offense’s abnormal amount of time on the field.

Since the Tigers’ defense was unable to help much in the way of defending against Missouri State, the game literally became an offensive shoot-out, as the Bears and Tigers went blow-for-blow on multiple successive scoring drives.

The defense’s absence aside, the offense really stuck it to Missouri State, as Lock completed 21-of-43 for 521 yards, 7 touchdowns, and one interception, after breaking the record of five touchdown passes in a game he set in 2016.

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There’s little doubt that Lock will have a successful campaign in 2017, but his preparation and precision will be tested much more as the Tigers prepare for conference play next week, and two weeks later against Auburn.

As long as the offensive line provides the same consistent protection for Lock as it did last year, it seems that the junior quarterback might have a few new weapons to choose from at receiver.

Tight ends  Al Okwuegbunam, Jason Reese, and Kendall Blanton combined for five catches, 103 yards, and two touchdowns. While wide receivers J’Mon Moore and Johnathon Johnson combined for 303 yards and four touchdowns, receivers Emanuel Hall, Richaud Floyd, and Dominic Collins also contributed 106 yards and a touchdown.

In his interview with MUTigers.com, Lock reflected on the importance of his recent achievements, and how he will now share the history of former Missouri quarterbacks who he used to look up to as a child.

"It was really cool to break those records. To think about all of the guys that have played quarterback and been in my position. Growing up, watching their highlights, I was tied with them last year, now I get to bump up ahead of them, it’s pretty crazy. It’s going to take me a while to really think about."

Lock also recognized that he is only a piece of the puzzle for Missouri’s offensive success, as he shared recognition with his offensive line and receivers, as well.

"As a team, we’re really excited to start out 1-0. In the end, we got the ball in our receivers’ hands. They made some plays for me today. It starts with our offensive line blocking, even the tight ends and running backs stepped up in protection as well. They did a fantastic job today of giving me a clean pocket throughout the whole game"

On Saturday, Missouri hosts its second game of a four game home series, this one against South Carolina at 7:00 PM, EST. Last year, the Tigers lost by 10 to the Gamecocks, 31-21. The Tigers also started the 2016 season with a loss, so maybe this will be the reverse of last year’s run for Mizzou.

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Against the Gamecocks, Missouri’s defense set season highs for tackles for loss (9) and sacks (4) in the Tigers’ ninth game of the season. Lock was also 23-of-40 for 302 yards and two touchdowns.