Missouri Football: Tigers still fighting Kentucky at the half
In what appears to be Missouri’s best showing since defeating Missouri State five weeks ago, the Tigers trail Kentucky by a touchdown.
Kentucky jumped out to an early 10-0 lead over Missouri, and later scored again on a 71-yard touchdown carry by running back Benny Snell.
Prior to Snell’s touchdown, quarterback Drew Lock connected with wide receiver J’Mon Moore on a 51-yard touchdown, and later connected for 58 yards with receiver Emmanuel Hall on the Tigers’ second score, which left Kentucky with less than a minute until the half.
In the running game, back Damarea Crockett has been productive, and Ish Witter has also had a productive evening, unlike games past.
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Defensively, Missouri has looked better than usual, at times. Other times, the Tigers can’t close a barn door. Missouri’s biggest hangup on defense was allowing Snell to break free and score. Otherwise, the defensive front has done an adequate job, all things considered.
Missouri has lost the time of possession battle in the first half. They should be able to shore that area up, if they decide to favor the run a little more.
On special teams, the Tigers have struggled with snapping the ball. Kicker Tucker McCann missed his first field goal attempt, but for a late penalty on roughing the kicker, McCann wouldn’t have gotten a second chance at bringing the Tigers closer.
We’ll see what the second half brings for Missouri, but so far, maybe Barry Odom ignited a fire in his team.