Blue skies and a crisp breeze in the air make for an excellent game day condition as the Tigers play Kentucky at Faurot Field. (photo/Emily Dayton)

Blue skies and a crisp breeze in the air make for an excellent game day condition as the Tigers play Kentucky at Faurot Field. (photo/Emily Dayton)

The Missouri Tigers are doing a better job of limiting penalties and trying to establish a running game.  Two keys we felt were important to a Tiger victory against Kentucky.  At halftime, the passing game has shown some life and Mizzou leads Kentucky 14-3.

The Tigers have gained 218 yards in the first two quarters and have run 43 plays, while limiting Kentucky to 22 plays and 111 total yards.

After having their first two drives stall, the Missouri defense held Kentucky bottled up in their end on the Wildcats first two drives.  UK couldn’t get past their own 23 yard line.

On Missouri’s third drive, which started at their own 45, the Tigers marched down the field in nine plays.  Maty Mauk, twice scrambled for first downs, and his 18 yard screen pass to Russell Hansbrough set up a first and goal at the three.

Mauk threw a quick slant to Bud Sasser to give Missouri a 7-0 lead after the extra point with 12:56 left in the first half.

Kentucky used their run game on the next possession to get into Mizzou territory.  A false start penalty back the Wildcats up the Mizzou 30 and on a 3rd and 8, Braylon Webb closed off an angle stopping running back Braylon Heard.

Austin MacGinnis just cleared a 47 yard field goal making it a 7-3 game with 9:35 to play in the second quarter.

The Tigers answered with a 72 yard drive, including a 26 yard touchdown pass from Mauk to Sasser.  Perfect timing, nice touch on the pass allowing Sasser to outrun his defender J.D. Harmon to give the Tigers a 14-3 lead.