How Mizzou Tigers’ Brady Cook got hurt, returned to lead game-winning drive vs. Auburn

Brady Cook would not be denied.

The Missouri Tigers’ senior quarterback was knocked from Saturday’s Homecoming game against Auburn with a lower-leg injury in the first half.

But he returned and led the game-winning drive as Mizzou beat the Tigers from Auburn, Alabama 21-17 at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.

“For all the criticism that young man takes,” an emotional MU coach Eli Drinkwitz told reporters in Columbia after the game, “12 sure would die on that field for everybody.”

Drinkwitz also told reporters that the reason for Cook’s extended absence from the game (and eventual return) was due to the fact he was taken to a nearby hospital for an MRI.

“I’ve only got 2 1/2 games left on Faurot Field,” Cook told reporters after the game. “I’m not missing this one in the hospital.”

No. 19-ranked Missouri improved to 6-1 (2-1 SEC) and reached bowl eligibility with a lot of regular season remaining, while Southeastern Conference foe Auburn fell to 2-4 (0-3).

Cook was seemingly hurt while trying to evade a tackle. He left the field and went immediately into the MU locker room, with backup Drew Pyne entering the game in his place.

ESPN sideline reporter Taylor McGregor reported later in the TV broadcast that the evaluation of Cook was ongoing as the teams remained knotted at 3 nearing halftime.

To that point, Cook had attempted four passes, completing three.

Pyne was 10 of 21 for 78 yards in relief of Cook. Cook would go on to finish 11 of 22 for 194 yards.

On the deciding drive, Cook moved the Tigers nearly the length of the field — a season-long march. The epic possession culminated in Jamal Roberts’ four-yard rushing touchdown for the lead.

Missouri gained most of its yards through the air but did its scoring on the ground. Marcus Carroll ran for 40 yards and a touchdown on eight carries and Nate Noel added 32 yards on six carries.

Roberts, who scored the go-ahead TD, carried the ball five times in all, gaining 20 yards.

Mookie Cooper caught two passes for 84 yards, including a crucial 78-yard hookup with Cook. Theo Wease Jr. pulled down four passes for 56 yards and Luther Burden III caught a team-leading six passes for 49 yards.

This story was originally published October 19, 2024 at 2:50 PM.