Missouri Tigers Damarea Crockett eludes Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Chris Melton for a touchdown in the second quarter at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri on October 22, 2016.  Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Missouri Tigers Damarea Crockett eludes Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Chris Melton for a touchdown in the second quarter at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri on October 22, 2016. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Mizzou freshman Damarea Crockett ran for 159 yards and scored four touchdowns, leading the Tigers ground game that picked up 348 yards, but it wasn’t enough as Middle Tennessee delivered a Homecoming heartbreaker 51-45 at Faurot Field.  The Missouri offense racked up 629 yards, but the defense gave up 584 on the other end in 21 fewer plays.

Middle Tennessee took the lead early in the third quarter on a four-yard pass from Brent Stockstill to I’Tavius Mathers.  The Blues Raiders went up 41-35 and Mizzou would never get closer than three points.

Missed tackles and penalties continue to haunt the Tigers who gave up 300 rushing yards on the ground and allowed 6-of-15 three point conversions.

Mizzou gained 629 yards in 104 plays.  Middle Tennessee gained 584 yards in just 83 plays.

The Tigers also lost the turnover battle coughing up two of three fumbles.  The defense did not force the Blue Raiders into any mistakes.