On a frigid Senior Night, the Missouri Tigers came out hot. The loyal fanbase needed to see a Missouri Tigers team dominate a lesser-than team. The Tigers have beaten under-matched, non-conference teams all season. Saturday night was no different.
The Tigers won 45 – 14. The conditions were rough. The weather was unkind. The competition was mediocre. With bowl eligibility on the line for Mizzou, they showed up and played well. A heavy favorite entering the game, few expected a close game.
The Missouri Tigers jumped out to a big lead, and by halftime were up 21-0. Midway through the first quarter, Brady Cook got the ball to wide receiver, Luther Burden, for a 12-yard touchdown. The first of two scores on the day for Burden.
Running back, Cody Schrader made hay early in the second quarter, capping an 81-yard drive with a 2-yard run for the touchdown, giving the Tigers a 14-0 lead. A few drives later, Tight End, and red-shirt freshman, Ryan Hoerstkamp caught a 32-yard pass and got loose down the sideline for his first catch and touchdown all on one play. Sending the Missouri Tigers into the half with a 21-point lead.
The Missouri Tigers came out in the second half and picked up where they left off
The senior, Cody Schrader scored his second touchdown on Senior Night. A 9-play drive ended in a 5-yard Schrader run. Cody Schrader has been solid and is one of the key drivers in the Tigers’ success, however, limited it may be. All year long, Schrader has indicated he will return and put in a second season with the Tigers. A standout player in Division II ball, he walked on to the Missouri Tigers team and immediately grabbed hold of the top spot on the running back depth chart.
Highest graded offensive players with 20+ snaps:
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 20, 2022
WR Barrett Banister
QB Brady Cook
TE Ryan Hoerstkamp
Highest-graded game of the year for all three.
The New Mexico State Aggies were able to complete a nice drive, scoring on a 10-yard run by running back, Star Thomas making it 28-7. The Tigers responded with another long drive. This one was for 70 yards a sonven plays. The second score of the game for first-year standout Luther Burden, making it a 35-7 game.
The Missouri defense got in on the scoring when Missouri defender, Daylan Cornell intercepted NMSU Quarterback, Diego Pavia for a 40-yard touchdown. Cornell read the play perfectly, jumped the route, and took it to the house for the score, sealing the game for Mizzou.
The Tigers would add a 43-yard field goal from Harrison Mevis. Mevis continues to be one of the best kickers in college football. An almost perfect season, aside from the miss at Auburn, you could not ask for more from a collegiate placekicker.
Brady Cook was exactly what the Tigers needed him to be. He was decisive and deliberate with his decision-making. As the season has progressed, Cook has used his legs when the pocket breaks down, and/or there are no open receivers. Brady finished with 71 rushing yards on 7 attempts. He was 19 for 27 for 251 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Both backup quarterbacks, Jack Abraham and Sam Horn were in for a few snaps. Neither was able to do much. In a lopsided game, it was the ideal time to give these guys some snaps from the looks of the scoreboard. But on a chilly night, two guys that had been sitting, probably felt like they entered the game wearing ice boots. There is not much to make of their brief time on the field.
The 45-14 win over New Mexico State means the Tigers stay bowl eligible, as they look to Arkansas for a win, to end the season at .500 in their annual rivalry game.
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