After a two-week layoff due to COVID and its regularly scheduled farewell week, the Missouri Tigers won a 17-10 win on Saturday night against the South Carolina Gamecocks.
South Carolina, in their first game under the command of interim coach Mike Bobo, seemed a little apathetic in attack and allowed nine tackles to defeat, including three sacks for Tigers.
The game certainly seemed as if Missouri had only 56 stock market players and had not played in a few weeks, and as if South Carolina was undergoing a change of coach, as it was very sloppy on both sides.
The Tigers climbed 17 to 0 in the first half after a touchdown pass from Conner Bazelak to Tauskie Dove seven minutes from the end of the first quarter and then a one yard run from Larry Rountree to end a six-game run at the start the second room. Harrison Mevis added a 20-yard field goal with a chip shot.
Half saw a big change, with the Tigers gaining just 89 yards in the final 30 minutes of action, to 215 from South Carolina. The Gamecocks came out and forced a three and came out on the first run of the second half for Mizzou and responded with a goal to cut the lead to 17-3.
The Gamecocks really tightened their defense all the time, forcing punts on all five drives in Mizzou’s second half. South Carolina managed to reduce the lead to 17-10 in the middle of the fourth period, and they were heading towards Mizzou’s territory with a chance to tie the game before Devin Nicholson intercepted a pass from Luke Doty to seal the victory for the Missouri.
Doty was called into the relief game by Collin Hill, who started the 6-10 game for just 39 yards. Although Doty was unable to complete the comeback, he certainly showed flashes that will become big in the future.
South Carolina suffered a blow early when wide receiver Shi Smith left the game with a concussion.
Mizzou improves to 3-3 in the season with the win and will face Arkansas next week. South Carolina dropped to 2-6 and will face Georgia next week.