Floundering UMass Outclassed in Shellacking by No. 21 Missouri

© Eric Canha

There were no surprises in McGuirk Alumni Stadium when the UMass Minutemen (1-6) fell to the Missouri Tigers (5-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) 45-3 in Amherst, Mass on Oct. 12. Mizzou took advantage of the struggling Minutemen defense to the tune of 461 total offensive yards at almost eight yards per play.

Game Summary

The contest was never in question. Mizzou scored within the first minute of the game when receiver Luther Burden III took a handoff 61 yards for a touchdown. Burden would finish the game with 68 yards rushing and 58 yards receiving. After a lackluster performance last week against Texas A&M, the Tigers' offense regained their footing against the weaker Minutemen. Mizzou was as balanced as they could be, rushing for 231 yards and passing for 230 yards. Quarterback Brady Cook found his efficiency as he completed 14-of-19 passes before taking a seat and giving way to backup Drew Pyne.

© Eric Canha

The Minutemen were not without fight, but failed to find any consistency on offense. UMass only converted 2-of-14 third-down attempts and turned the ball over twice. UMass came into the game with one of the nation's worst rush defenses. That trend continued against the Tigers as Mizzou running back Marcus Carroll rushed 15 times for 91 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Play of the Game

With the score 21-3 late in the first half, UMass found life and started moving the football. After a 39-yard run on 4th-and-1, the Minutemen moved into the Tigers' 10-yard line. On third down from the 9-yard line and eight seconds left, Mizzou linebacker Corey Flagg Jr intercepted the UMass pass and returned it deep into Minutemen territory, setting up a Tiger field goal to end the half 24-3. What little momentum UMass had found was gone, along with any opportunity to put pressure on the Tigers.

Looking Ahead: Missouri

Mizzou beat a team they should have, in the manner that they should have. The Tigers came into the game expecting to rediscover some consistency and rhythm on offense, and they did. Next, Mizzou welcomes the Auburn Tigers (2-4, 0-3) to town.

Looking Ahead: UMass

UMass fans probably didn't expect much against Missouri, and they can now put that game behind them. Some reprieve may be on the way for the Minutemen, as their next matchup is against the Wagner Seahawks of the FCS.