Mizzou turned the ball over twice in the first quarter (photo/Bill Pollock, Missourinet)
The rust of both teams not having played in almost a month showed early in the first quarter. The Missouri Tigers got the ball to start the game, but lost two yards on a run by Russell Hansbrough, had a false start penalty and then Maty Mauk was picked off, giving Minnesota the ball at their own 43.
After a 16 yard run by David Cobb, the Gophers were set up on a 3rd and 10 and Markus Golden stripped Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner of the football, giving the ball back to the Tigers.
After a short completion to Bud Sasser to give the Tigers a first down in Minnesota territory on a third and 3, Mauk went for Darius White in the end zone. The pass was right on the money, but CB Briean Bodd-Calhoun grabbed the ball away from White for Mauk’s second interception.
Minnesota answered with an 11 play, 80 yard drive that took nearly six minutes off the clock. Rodrick Williams Jr. ran 20 yards and a 3rd and 3 as he went in virtually untouched. Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner also had a 15 yard pass completion to Cobb.
Mizzou didn’t muster much offense, being held to a three and out with the Tigers punting.
Minnesota ended the first quarter outgaining the Tigers 143-30.