Missouri sophomore cornerback E.J. Gaines has been selected as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, as announced Monday morning by the league office. Gaines was a vital part of Missouri’s strong second half, helping the Tigers rally back on No. 16 Texas A&M before winning by a 38-31 final in overtime.
Gaines tallied a career-high 10 tackles and broke up four passes, also a personal best. For the season, the first year starter has 13 passes defended (11 pass breakups, 2 interceptions), which is fifth in the NCAA and first in the Big 12.
The Tigers trailed the Aggies by a 28-17 deficit at the half on Saturday, but the defense tightened up by allowing just three second half points. Missouri scored a pair of touchdowns less than three minutes apart in the fourth quarter to help send the game to overtime, where the Tigers pulled out the dramatic victory.
Mizzou returns to the state of Texas this weekend, when they travel to Waco for a matchup against the Baylor Bears.