Ian Simon, one of three Mizzou defensive players hurt in the game. (photo/MIzzou Athletics)
The third quarter was all about Mizzou’s defense early. On Kentucky’s first two drives, they went three and out and lost a combined 11 yards. After just one incompletion in the first half, Towles misfired on his first three passes and took two sacks.
A 28 yard screen pass from Mauk to Tyler Hunt on a 3rd and 6 eventually set up a 39-yard field goal by Andrew Baggett.
Towles’ first completion came with just over four minutes to play in the quarter. Towles missed on a third and nine which should have brought the punt team on, but Mizzou was flagged for pass interference on Aarion Penton, giving Kentucky a first down at the Tigers’ 43.
Towles took a shot for the endzone and Ian Simon had an interception in his hands, but dropped it and landed hard on his left shoulder. It was the Tigers’ third big injury of the game. Right tackle Nate Crawford hurt his ankle earlier in the quarter. Tight end Sean Culkin suffered a leg injury in the first half.
Jo Jo Kemp took over in the UK run game and the Wildcats were set up inside the ten, but a chop block penalty used on Charles Harris set up a 1st and goal from the 24. Towles went play action and found his freshman tight end C.J. Conrad for a touchdown.
That nine-play, 76 yard drive put the Wildcats up 14-10 with 1:58 to play.
Kentrell Brothers was hurt at the end of the quarter, hobbling to the sidelines before crumpling down. Simon is out with a head injury.
Three key plays that hurt Missouri.
1. J’Mon Moore dropped a long pass attempt from Mauk that would have been a sure touchdown.
2. A pass interference call against Aarion Penton on a 3rd and 9 at the Kentucky 42 kept the drive alive.
3. Ian Simon’s dropped would-be interception in the endzone.
Kentucky-14
Mizzou-10