Maty Mauk had good field position to work with to start the fourth quarter (photo/Bill Pollock, Missourinet)
Gary Pinkel pulled out all of the stops when it came to special teams. Following up the fake punt, the Tigers kicked an onside kick to start the second half. Mizzou recovered and settled for a 33 yard field goal from Andrew Baggett after managing to drive down to the Minnesota 13. The Tigers increased their lead to 13-7.
The 3-play, 75 yard drive capped by Maxx Williams 54 yard catch and run for a touchdown that ended when William jumped over Aarion Penton ala Chase Coffman to tumble into the endzone putting Minnesota back on top, 14-13.
The special teams battle continued to sway in favor of Mizzou. Minnesota muffed a punt and Tyler Hunt recovered the ball at the Gopher 34. Three plays later, Mauk took off on a scramble for 18 yards and then delivered a hit on safety Derrick Wells at the goal line. Mauk’s two-point conversion attempt was picked off, keeping the score at 19-14 Mizzou.
Jaylen Myrick took the ensuing kickoff 57 yards to the Mizzou 43. Leidner completed a 20 yard pass to get to the Mizzou 23. Leidner was 14 of 16 up to this point in the game. Ryan Santoso’s 38 yard field goal cut the lead to 19-17 with 7:23 to play.
The Tigers will have the ball starting the fourth quarter with a 2nd and 10 at the Minnesota 34 after Leidner was stripped of the ball by Shane Ray. The third turnover by the Gophers this game.