The Missouri Tigers put together their best rushing game of the season and jumped out to a huge first half lead to help grab their first Big 12 win of the season 36-17 over the Colorado Buffaloes.
Mizzou hit early and often scoring on their first two offensive possesion. The Tigers opened the game with an 11 play, 80 yard drive to take a 7-0 lead. After CU punted, Blaine Gabbert on a 3rd and 3 found Danario Alexander on a quick slant for a first down, then Alexander shook away the defender and went 73 yards for the touchdown. Mizzou was stopped on a fourth and goal after a turnover, but Gabbert and Alexander hooked up later in the first quarter for a two yard TD pass for a 21-0 lead after the opening quarter.
The defense and special teams played well. The Tigers forced four turnovers including three fumble recoveries and added a safety in the second quarter.
Special teams play again got a boost from Grant Ressel who hit two field goals. However, the big special teams play came in the first half when Missouri threw a shovel pass to Jacquies Smith on a 41 yard attempt and Smith cut in behind the offensive line, took the pass and raced around the left side for a touchdown.
Missouri would let up a bit in the third quarter gaining just 36 yards. Gabbert who finished 17 of 29 for 192 yards threw those two touchdowns, but also got picked off twice including a 78 yard touchdown by CU’s Benjamin Burney.
Derrick Washington finished with 99 yards on 22 carries and a TD, while DeVion Moore picked up 58 yards. Alexander had 8 catches for 123 yards and two TDs.