Missouri Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz names starting quarterback for season opener

Missouri has a starting quarterback for the season opener, and it’s the same person who started the previous game.

Brady Cook got the nod from coach Eli Drinkwitz, the school announced on Tuesday.

Cook is beginning his third year in the program. He’s played in eight career games, and got his first start, over regular Connor Bazelak, in last season’s Armed Forces Bowl against Army.

Against Army, Cook completed 27 of 34 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

Bazelak transferred to Indiana after the season.

Cook won the job over a handful of candidates. Redshirt freshman Tyler Macon also made a start for the Tigers last season. Seventh-year senior Jack Abraham transferred from Mississippi State but got his last playing time at Southern Mississippi two years ago. Freshman Sam Horn, also a baseball prospect, elected to sign with the Tigers.

At SEC Media Days in July, Drinkwitz said the competition was open. “We’re just waiting for them to show the team which one is going to be the starter,” he said.

Missouri’s opener is Sept. 1 at home against Louisiana Tech. The Tigers’ following game is at Kansas State on Sept. 10.

This story was originally published August 9, 2022 at 8:12 PM.