WATCH: Mizzou defender makes incredible heads-up play, leading to Tigers TD
Football is a game of split-second decisions, and the most important thing for a defender to do when a ball is on the ground is to grab it, no matter what.
However, on Saturday evening against Tennessee, Mizzou DB Josh Bledsoe made one of the most heads-up plays you’ll ever see a defender make.
As you can see in the video below, the Tennessee ball carrier fumbles, and Bledsoe is right there ready to pounce. But, instead of grabbing it while he’s on the ground, he gets up and then picks up the ball, allowing him to waltz into the end zone for an easy touchdown:
SCOOP & SCORE!
Nate Anderson forces the fumble, and Joshuah Bledsoe runs it in for 6️⃣!#MIZ #ShowMe ?? pic.twitter.com/VQWcWptbPD
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) November 18, 2018
Here’s another angle of the momentum-changing play:
The nail in the coffin came in the second half. Nate Anderson (@Nathaniel_Zou) made a great play to force the fumble, while Joshuah Bledsoe (@jiggybled) returned it for a touchdown as the Tigers roll past Tennessee.
Highlights/Reaction: https://t.co/S2QNv1ZJTc pic.twitter.com/KIb5WKDaJa
— Tyler Murry (@TylerMurryABC17) November 18, 2018
The Mizzou defense is playing much better recently, and the Tigers are rolling, improving to 7-4 with Saturday’s victory over the Vols.