Missouri fans couldn’t be blamed for thinking “here we go again” after QB Drew Lock tossed an interception to an Idaho defender on the first play from scrimmage.

However, the Tigers quickly stepped on the gas, taking the lead on an 85-yard punt return touchdown by Richaud Floyd and never looking back.

Mizzou scored a school-record 34 points in the first quarter and Lock rebounded nicely to throw a Mizzou-record six touchdowns against an FBS opponent.

In the aftermath of Saturday’s big 68-21 homecoming win, here are a few things I liked and some things that need work moving forward:

What I liked:

  • The Tigers may have their tight end of the future in freshman Albert Okwuegbunam. The man teammates call “Albert O” caught four passes for 57 yards and three touchdowns.
  • Another freshman — RB Larry Rountree III — looked good in place of the injured Damarea Crockett, posting some big, physical runs while racking up 97 yards on 12 carries.
  • Star DL Terry Beckner Jr. had a huge game, recording two sacks and making several big plays.
  • Senior K Nick Bartolotta looked good in relief of the suspended Tucker McCann, making both field goals and eight of nine extra points.
  • The Tigers’ defense had 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Yes, it was against Idaho, a team that is dropping to the FCS level next year, but it was definitely progress for the struggling unit.

What needs work:

  • WR J’Mon Moore had a nice game, but he still dropped a touchdown pass and has struggled with drops for much of the past two seasons.
  • The Tigers’ defense played well, but they still give up too many big plays on that side of the ball, as even the Vandals put together some nice drives.
  • That opening pass from Lock was one of the worst passes he’s ever thrown. What he thought he saw, perhaps no one knows. He’ll need to do better moving forward.
  • P Corey Fatony only punted twice, but one of them should have been downed at the one-yard line. The punt coverage unit missed a big opportunity there.

Moving forward:

  • The Tigers travel to UConn to take on the Huskies next week. With a 2-5 record, Mizzou needs a win to keep its slim bowl hopes alive.
  • The game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Central time and can be seen on the CBS Sports Network.