Missouri Takes Down South Carolina in Mayor's Cup
Ahead of Saturday's homecoming Mayor's Cup, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz stated that the game plan against SEC rival South Carolina was to rattle quarterback Spencer Rattler.
The No. 20 Missouri Tigers defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 34-12, continuing their best start (7-1) since 2013. Missouri was extremely efficient on both sides of the ball, but their pass-rush completed the "rattle Rattler" mission by sacking him a season-high six times and added constant pressure starting from kickoff.
South Carolina's biggest play of the first half came on their first drive, as Rattler connected with wide receiver Xavier Leggette for a 20-yard gain. However, Missouri logged their first of many sacks on the very next play, as edge rusher Joe Moore took Rattler down for a 13-yard loss on third-down. Kicker Harrison Mevis missed the tough 51-yard field goal.
More sacks, pressures and tackles for loss throughout the first half by linebackers Triston Newson and Ty'Ron Hopper and defensive linemen Jayden Jernigan, Darius Robinson, Josh Landry and Realus George Jr. held the Gamecocks to just three points after a 51-yard field goal with under a minute remaining.
Missouri's defensive efforts certainly rubbed off on the offense, as quarterback Brady Cook and running back Cody Schrader shined in the first half.
On the Tigers' first offensive drive, Cook connected with wide receiver Luther Burden II, who's second in the FBS in receiving yards, for an unbelievable 42-yard touchdown catch. Cook had numerous deep completions the rest of the half, but he and Schrader combined for about 150 yards rushing—which led to two more touchdowns and a field goal.
However, Missouri's offense in the third quarter struggled, as they punted after going three-and-out and turned the ball over on downs. Rattler and company were setup in good field position, but the Tiger defense continued to keep them quiet, as two field goals were their only answers. Sacks by Robinson and linebacker Chuck Hicks were added to the season-high total (5) with three minutes left in the period.
South Carolina recorded a couple of long gains both through the air and on the ground in the fourth quarter, but Missouri's defense continued to keep them out of the endzone, as they hit one more field goal.
Cook, Schrader and the rest of the offense came back to life in the closing minutes after an interception by defensive back Jaylon Carlies. Cook found Burden for a 30-yard over-the-shoulder completion, and Schrader finished the drive/game with an 11-yard touchdown run.
Cook finished the game completing 14-of-24 attempts for 198 yards and a touchdown. Schrader rushed 26 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
Missouri improves to 7-1 (3-1 SEC), while South Carolina falls to 2-5 (1-4 SEC).
