Missouri Tigers football grades: Analysis from Mizzou’s comeback win over Auburn
The comeback Tigers were at it again in a homecoming classic at Faurot Field ... led by QB Brady Cook.
Cook sustained an ankle injury on the opening series and ultimately went to the locker room in the first quarter. After a trip to the hospital for an MRI, Cook came back in and willed the Tigers to the 21-17 victory over Auburn, trailing 17-6 at the time of his return.
“Couldn’t be any prouder than that football team,” head coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “I don’t know how they found a way, I really don’t. But they did. They never quit, they never quit on each other. Something that every Mizzou fan should be extremely proud of.
“It wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t clean. But man, those guys fight together. They represent everything good about Mizzou. Can’t think of a better way to win homecoming.”
Here are our grades from the comeback win.
Mizzou offense
Tigers fans got to witness the Drew Pyne experiment in Cook’s absence, and it wasn’t ideal. Pyne went 10-for-21 with just 78 yards through the air after entering, and the Tigers could only put together field goals with Pyne on the field.
Then Cook came back.
Cook, in less than two full quarters of play, strung together 194 yards on 11-for-22 passing, highlighted by the 78-yard pass to Mookie Cooper that set up Marcus Carroll’s touchdown. Cook also led a 95-yard drive that ended with the Tigers on top after Jamal Roberts’ game-winning touchdown.
Cook was the heart of Saturday’s win, and the offense gets an “A” for his time on the field.
Overall, though...
Grade: B
Mizzou defense
While Cook was tending to his injury, the Tigers’ defense held mostly steady against Auburn to give the offense the room for the comeback. MU successfully locked down quarterback Payton Thorne late to secure the win.
Grade: A
Mizzou special teams
A muffed punt that Auburn’s Antonio Kite recovered for a touchdown and a pair of missed field goals (from 49 and 55 yards) by Blake Craig marked the biggest infractions on Mizzou’s grade card this week.
Grade: F
Area of Improvement
Craig missed some kicks earlier in the season, and as the year progresses, more consistency would help the Tigers out.
That rings especially true in close games, bound to come in SEC play. And on future dates when the offense struggles.
Player of the game
It’s a no doubter — Brady Cook gets this week’s honor.
“He told the team ... he realized, ‘I only got two-and-a-half games at Faurot Field, there’s no way I’m spending it here in this hospital,’” Drinkwitz said.
