Drew Lock looks downfield against Florida

The Missouri Tigers beat the Florida Gators 45-16 on Saturday for their third straight victory after a 1-5 start. Mizzou needs two wins in their final three games to gain bowl eligibility.

Drew Lock completed 15 of 20 passes for 228 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Emanuel Hall had five catches for 113 yards, but it was the run game by Mizzou that led the charge with 227 yards on the ground. Larry Rountree carried 15 times for 83 yards and three touchdowns, and Ish Witter added 83 yards on 17 rushes.

Despite the day belonging to the run game, Lock, who ran for 35 yards himself, moved past Brad Smith into second place on Missouri’s career touchdown passes list. Lock now has 58 TD passes, but is still 43 behind Chase Daniel.

Missouri head coach Barry Odom said the Tigers watched video over the summer on Florida QB Malik Zaire, during his time at Notre Dame, and anticipated meeting him when the two teams played. Zaire completed 13 of 19 passes for 158 yards and one interception. The defense held Florida to three straight field goals.

The Tigers outgained Florida 379-236 through three quarters.  At that point, the game was in hand at 35-9.

Mizzou hosts their final home game of the season next Saturday when they face Tennessee.