Week One:

This blog is based off my opinion on the game and what occured during it.

Welcome to the South Eastern Conference (SEC). Even though Mizzou did not play a team in their division week one, they still showed that even though they are the new kids on the block, they are still deadly. With a 62-10 win against Southeastern Louisiana, a side of Mizzou was seen that has been missing since the loss of Chase Daniels and Jeremy Maclin after the 2008 season. Mizzou exploded for 28 points in less than four minutes in the first quarter.

Half of the points came in three minutes due to 20-yard interception by Zaviar Gooden, linebacker, and then a 7-yard fumble return by Michael Sam, defensive lineman. The defense cooled down, but the special teams warmed up and stole the show when Marcus Murphy, punt returner, went 70 yards on a punt return and scored in the third quarter. It did not take long into the fourth quarter when Murphy struck again going 72 yards for a touchdown on a punt return. The game can be summarized as a combination of the excellent running of Kendial Lawrence, passing of Corbin Berkstresser, and the Tiger defense and special teams.

The Most Valuable Player of the game was Marcus Murphy with his two punt return touchdowns showing that special teams is as real as it was back in 2008 with Maclin.

After one game there is a feeling that this season could be a breakout season for the team. They have shown that their specials teams is strong and their defense is playing harder than they have before. The Tiger’s next game versus Georgia should be one that could have an upset alert warming.

Week Two: Welcome to the SEC
The week after a crushing win against Southeastern Louisiana, Mizzou played a home game at Faurot Field and took on Georgia, their first opponent in the new division. Georgia, ranked number seven at game time, was the first test in Mizzou’s inaugural season in the SEC. With four of Georgia’s best players suspended for the game, Mizzou looked to pull the first upset of the year.

Mizzou took the field in their new gold and black uniforms in a celebration of their new season. The Tiger’s came out the gate slow and steady. They held Georgia to no points in the first quarter, but, unfortunately, Georgia countered with the same. Though the game started slow, Mizzou struck first with Andrew Baggett hitting a 38 yard field goal with 12:07 left in the second quarter.

As soon as Mizzou scored, Georgia came down and answered by scoring a 52-yard field goal. The next series for Mizzou was a big one when James Franklin, quarterback, delivered a 41-yard pass to Marcus Lucas for the touchdown with 1:31 left in the first half. At halftime, Mizzou was leading 10-9.

Out of halftime, Mizzou showed strength and determination when James Franklin, quarterback, delivered a 69-yard pass to L’Damian Washington, wide receiver, which put up Mizzou by eight points. Everyone in Faurot Field was going crazy thinking that it may just happen, that Mizzou may pull the upset. Although it stinks to say, Georgia came back in the remainder of the game and shut Mizzou down outscoring the Tigers 32-3 and won the game 41-20. The game was looking so good for Mizzou throughout the first half, but then Mizzou just got outplayed and ended blowing what could have been a statement game.

Mizzou may not have won the game, but the adrenaline and practice that will happen before their game Sept. 15, at home versus Arizona State, will sure be one to watch. MIZ-ZOU.

Mizzou Sports

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