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Mizzou football: Richaud Floyd’s return complete

By Thomas Huitt-Johnson

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 14: Richaud Floyd #17 of the Missouri Tigers returns a punt for a 70-yard touchdown against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks during the first half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 14: Richaud Floyd #17 of the Missouri Tigers returns a punt for a 70-yard touchdown against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks during the first half at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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Richaud Floyd returned a 71-yard punt return for a touchdown to help Mizzou football last week.

The Mizzou football team dominated Southeast Missouri State 50-0 last week. During the domination, Richaud Floyd made his return from last year’s injury complete.

I thought it might be in Week 1, when Floyd set the Tigers up with an important return in the fourth quarter. He got the Tigers deep down the field so they could score a quick TD when they were behind against Wyoming.

Had the Tigers won, Floyd’s return would have been noted. But then, in last week’s game, Floyd left his mark. Now, this week was a lot about Floyd as the Tigers move into their first conference game of the season.

Missouri Tigers Football
Missouri Tigers Football /

Missouri Tigers Football

He took a 71-yard punt return back for a touchdown, putting the Tigers up 27-0. You could feel something special was going to happen this season for Floyd, who also dealt with more than his injuries.  Once a threat in the return game, Floyd missed most of last season plagued by injuries.

He came back this season and wanted to return to what he was in 2017, which garnered him preseason All-American accolades last season.

Not only that, he wanted to help the team.

Floyd switched positions for the Tigers this past spring. The move to defensive back gave him a chance to play more, but he was switching from offense to defense in his senior season, so if it didn’t work out, he wouldn’t have a chance to try anything else.

During camp, Floyd battled for what appeared to be the third or fourth cornerback spot. He didn’t beat out Adam Sparks or Jarvis Ware, but Sparks has played better this season in his reserve role, while Ware ended up starting the year for the Tigers.

There’s no doubt, Floyd helped push those defensive backs. So even if he doesn’t get on the field as much as he wants to on defense, he may have improved the Tigers.

And there’s no doubt, he has left his mark on the special teams. He did so last Saturday night, and he will more than likely continue to do so moving forward.

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