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Josh Heupel: Missouri came out structurally different, but Tennessee has adjusted

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•11/11/23
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Oct 7, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) hands off to running back Cody Schrader (7) against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

In an SEC East showdown with a pair of programs jockeying for second place in the division, Missouri stormed out to a 13-7 halftime lead on Tennessee.

The Tigers did so by controlling the clock, possessing the ball for more than 21 minutes in the first half.

“First quarter went quick. We’ve got to get off the field,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said at halftime. “We’ve got to eliminate some of the quarterback run. Some of it is just scramble, got to have better rush integrity. Offensively we’ve got to get going here and get in a rhythm and go finish some drives.”

Missouri leaned on running back Cody Schrader to produce its offense and he did not disappoint. The powerful back ran for 105 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

He also chipped in in the passing game, where he caught three passes for 93 yards, leading all receivers in the game.

But it was what Missouri did early on that caught Tennessee off-balance. The Tigers showed some new looks to open the game.

“Structurally they were a little different early,” Heupel said. “We adjusted and we’ve got to go play here in the second half.”

Quick Scoring Recap

Missouri opened the scoring in the second quarter after a scoreless first frame.

The Tigers capitalized on a lengthy 20-play, 72-yard drive that took an incredible 10:55 off the clock and ended in a 31-yard Harrison Mevis field goal.

Tennessee wasted little time answering, quickly marching down the field in six plays. The 75-yard drive ended with the Volunteers taking the lead on a 46-yard touchdown pass to Dont’e Thornton, making it 7-3 Tennessee with 12:25 remaining in the first half.

On the ensuing possession Missouri managed to pull ahead again when Schrader took over. He finished off a five-play, 75-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run that made the score 10-7 Missouri.

Missouri added three more points just before the break when it took over following a Tennessee fumble with 20 seconds remaining in the half. The offense quickly marched down the field, leaning on Schrader, to get into field goal range.

Mevis converted with a 46-yard field goal to make it 13-7 Missouri at the half.