Mizzou football looks like a different team in first half of game

Mizzou football leads the Mountaineers 31-0 in the first half.

The run game looks a lot better, and the defense is creating turnovers as Mizzou football leads West Virginia.

That’s the two biggest differences in this week’s first half as compared to last week.

Also, two top offensive players have rebounded.

Running back Larry Rountree III and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam each have gotten in the end zone — Albert O, twice.

Quarterback Kelly Bryant looks much more comfortable this week with his wide receivers than last week. He’s connected with Okwuegbunam on a pair of deep throws and has slid in the pocket while under duress quite well.

Mizzou has 149 yards on the ground, with Rountree leading the way with eight carries for 62 yards. Bryant has tossed three TDs, including his final touchdown of the half to Barrett Banister. And there have been no zero turnovers.

As for the defense, Nick Bolton grabbed an interception in the first quarter followed by Ronnell Perkins’ pick. Perkins’ interception came on third down after a tipped ball by linebacker Cale Garrett.

These were the keys to the game throughout the week: Mizzou must get better on the ground, Bryant has to get more familiar with his options and control the football; and the defense had to tackle better while getting some turnovers.

Like Mizzou, West Virginia struggled on the ground in its Week 1 game. The Mountaineers’ struggles have continued, as they have a team total of just 24 yards between their running backs.

The Tigers will want to carry the momentum they’ve built into the second half. If they can do that, and finish the game the way they’ve started it, that also shows improvement from the Wyoming game, where Missouri didn’t hold steady.