For the first time since 2004, the Texas Longhorns did not score a touchdown and the Big 12’s top rushing team was held to just 76 yards on the ground as the Missouri Tigers beat Texas for the first time in the Gary Pinkel era, 17-5, Saturday afternoon at Faurot Field.
Texas starting running back Fozzy Whittaker left the game with a knee injury in the first quarter and Jeremy Hills was frustrated all day gaining just 36 yards on 11 carries. Mizzou’s front four did a good job of pressuring Texas’ young quarterback David Ash and Case McCoy. They combined to go 16 of 36 with one pick and just 171 yards. Left with several third and long situations, the Longhorns converted just five of 17 the whole game.
Two of those came on Texas’ first drive of the game. After the Tigers cut through the Longhorns defense on the opening drive, it ended when LaDamian Washington fumbled on 2nd and goal at the 12. Twice on Texas’ drive they were faced with third and long situations and converted including a 45 yard pass from Ash to Marquise Goodwin. That set up a 27 yard field goal to give Texas a 3-0 lead.
Texas held that lead until the Tigers scored twice in the second quarter on back to back possessions. Each touchdown drive was set up with the help of personal foul penalties.
Gary Pinkel’s press conference (10:15)
Texas got flagged for a 15 yard facemask on Henry Josey. James Franklin stepped up and hit T.J. Moe with a 40 yard catch and pass, setting up Franklin’s one yard run to give the Tigers a 7-3 lead. DeVion Moore was hit high on the next possession and a 15 yard penalty was called. On the next play, Kendial Lawrence followed a great block from Moore and Lawrence went in from 35 yards out putting the Tigers up 14-3. Lawrence finished with 106 yards on 18 carries.
In the third quarter, the Big 12’s leading rusher Henry Josey had to be carted off the field with what Gary Pinkel called a “serious” injury. We are awaiting MRI results.
The Tigers had a chance to really put the game away when a blocked punt was recovered at the Texas one, but Mizzou had to settle for a field goal. Texas then blocked a punt after the Tigers were backed up deep in their end. Trey Barrow did a great job of pushing a Longhorn rusher out of bounds as he was waiting for the ball to land. The ball went out the back of the endzone for a safety.
From there, Mizzou’s defense kept Texas from mounting any serious pressure as the Longhorns not only had to put up with the Tigers swarming defense but a strong wind in their face in the fourth quarter.
