The Missouri Tigers mounted a late fourth quarter rally, scoring two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome an early 24-3 deficit as the Tigers dropped to 0-2 in Big 12 play losing to the Kansas State Wildcats 24-17.
James Franklin finished with 214 yards passing and helped put together the late rally, but the Tigers offense finished well over 170 yards below their season average. Most of the Tigers 326 yards of offense came in the fourth quarter and a 79 and then 74 yard touchdown drives.
Henry Josey capped their first drive with a two yard run and Franklin scored from a yard out after holding the Wildcats to a three and out. The Tigers cut the lead to seven with 5:02 left in the game.
For most of the game, K-State had their way with Missouri. Again, untimely penalties and missed opportunities hurt the Tigers. Grant Ressel continued to struggle missing two field goal attempts well within his range and the Tigers fell behind 10-0 early in the first quarter.
Franklin was picked off by defensive back Ty Zimmerman, on Missouri’s first play of the game leading K-State to a touchdown six players later. Franklin was sacked for a 13-yard loss on Missouri’s ensuing possession, and the Wildcats went 51 yards in 12 plays before Anthony Cantele’s field goal made it 10-0.