The Missouri Tigers came into this game against Tennessee in all too familiar territory. With their previous matchup in Neyland in 2012 ending in a four overtime victory, the Tigers knew escaping with a victory wouldn’t be an easy feat. Missouri held on and still controls their destiny in the SEC East.
Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk threw for 230 yards and added two fourth quarter touchdown passes, to lift the Tigers over the Vols in what started out to be a close game. It was tied at 13 heading to the locker room at the half and it was Mizzou’s Andrew Bagget who kicked the tie breaking field goal to take the lead into the fourth quarter.
Mauk, who was just 12-25 in passing, had help on the ground from Marcus Murphy who had 82 yards rushing. Russell Hansbrough added 68 yards by foot as well, but it was Mauk’s fourth quarter touchdown passes to Jimmy Hunt and Bud Sasser that sealed the win for the Tigers in Knoxville.
Tennessee struggled on defense the entire game and it was evident they were missing key playmakers with A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams on the sidelines. They also had to rough it with limited reps from Brian Randolph, who served a one-half suspension for targeting in the week prior. The depleted Vols were also without center Mark Crowder and Marquez North. These key absences forced Tennessee to start seven true freshmen, the most in program history.
The Vols still hung on to the possibility of a win, despite being down eight with less than two minutes to go in the game. They went for an onside kick, which was recovered in their favor, but was called back due to an offside penalty. Tennessee went for the onside kick again, but on the second effort, the refs ruled Tennessee touched the ball before going the required 10 yards.
Missouri was able to shut down the recently high-scoring offense of Tennessee, especially on the ground. The Vols’ Jalen Hurd had just 11 carries for 40 yards. Tennessee was held to 279 total yards on offense, which played a big role in the Missouri’s win.
The Tigers now only have one game separating them from representing the East in the SEC Championship, which will be determined next Friday against Arkansas. Arkansas, who shut out No. 8 Ole Miss at home with a final score of 30-0 makes this a much bigger challenge.
Tennessee will continue their quest for bowl eligibility for the first time since 2010, as they face Vanderbilt in a must win matchup for the Vols.
*Section Photo credit to Ronald Martinez, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Denny Medley, USA Today Sports
