Let’s get the qualifiers out of the way first — yes, this was only UT Martin and yes, the starters were out of the game early in the third quarter.

Still, new Mizzou OC Derek Dooley had an impressive debut as the Tigers’ play-caller, guiding the squad to an easy 51-14 victory over the Skyhawks.

Star QB Drew Lock didn’t have a seven-touchdown day like he did against Missouri State in last year’s season opener, but that’s because he didn’t need to. He did, however, show that he and WR Emanuel Hall are still one of the nation’s top deep threats.

Following the game, Lock had nothing but positive things to say about Dooley’s debut (via STLToday.com):

“For him being a first-time play caller, he did a great job, He knew when to press the tempo, he knew when to slow it down,” Lock said. “He knew when to call certain run plays. Being able to do that in your first appearance is pretty big.”

WR Johntahon Johnson is also a big fan of Dooley’s new-look offense, saying it’s more versatile than last year’s “chuck it deep” philosophy:

“I like it, you never know what we can do with it this year,” Johnson said. “Everybody kind of knew (last year) — ‘If we can stop them from going deep, then we might have a chance against them.’ But this offense? You know how good we were going deep and then you see us doing other stuff? It’s like, ‘Daaaang, they can do this other type of stuff, too.’ It’s just a better situation for us, a better offense.”

We’ll have to see what Dooley’s offense can do against tougher foes, but for now, all is well in Columbia.