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Missouri opened up its 2024 season against the Murray State Racers on Thursday night.
Almost immediately, it was clear that the Racers would be overmatched, as the 11th-ranked Tigers scored their first touchdown just over 2 minutes into the game. The Racers would turn the ball over on downs on their first drive, and the Tigers would almost instantly score again. A pick-6 by Toriano Pride Jr. would quickly put the Tigers up by 21 points almost as fast as you could react to the first score.
The Tigers would go into halftime with a 35-0 lead. The scoring would just continue from there, as the Tigers rolled to a 51-0 victory over the Racers. The game went exactly as the Tigers hoped it would, and now the team will begin preparing for the Buffalo Bulls in Week 2.
Now, let’s identify the 3 main takeaways from this blowout win.
The Tigers have a 2-headed monster at RB
This offseason, the Tigers lost Cody Schrader to the NFL. It seemed like a massive decrease in production was coming to the RB position, but the Tigers added 2 running backs in the transfer portal — Marcus Carroll and Nate Noel.
Both backs played a role in the opener, with Noel taking 11 carries for 48 yards and 1 touchdown while Carroll added 35 yards and a score of his own. Both backs also caught multiple passes, showing an ability to help out the offense in multiple ways. Both backs showed an ability to pass block and hit the holes behind the Tigers’ offensive line.
Sure, the competition was FCS-level, but it’s hard to picture a better start for these 2 backs. With the position having a big question mark coming into the season, it was nice to get some clarity in the opener.
Luther Burden III and Brady Cook pick up where they left off
The two most important players on the Tigers’ roster are undoubtedly Brady Cook and Luther Burden III. Luckily, both players picked up right where they left off in 2023.
Cook ended the night completing 19 of his 30 passes for 218 yards with 1 touchdown and no turnovers. The QB also added 22 rushing yards and a rushing score. Burden opened the scoring in the game with a 16-yard reception, and ended with 3 catches for 39 yards and that score.
If the Tigers are going to contend in 2024, it will be on the backs of these 2. Cook looked precise in his decision-making and still isn’t afraid to make plays with his legs. Burden looked like his normal self and could end up being the best receiver in the country when all is said and done.
The Tigers’ defense was ferocious
As is expected when playing an FCS opponent, the Tigers’ defense was dominant. Typically, even when playing an FCS opponent, a defense will allow a score or two. Against the Racers, however, the Tigers didn’t allow a single point — the team’s first shutout since 2020.
Racers QB Jayden Johannsen completed 7-of-13 passes for just 27 yards with no scores and 1 interception. Missouri Toriano Pride Jr. turned that INT into a pick-6. On the ground, the Racers didn’t have any more luck. Racer RBs combined for 31 carries and 44 yards. The Tiger defense collected 2 sacks and 6 tackles for loss.
This was an all-around dominant performance from the Tiger defense. We’ll have to see how the team plays against quality competition, but it would be hard to ask for a better start from the unit.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
