Eli Drinkwitz, Luke Bauer detail fake punt execution: 'For a second, I didn't think it'd get there'
Eli Drinkwitz took a big risk in Missouri’s game against Kentucky Saturday, and it paid off.
Down 14-0 in the second quarter, Missouri faced a 4th and long on Kentucky’s 39-yard line, and Drinkwitz faced a big decision. He could have punted and pinned the Wildcats deep in their own territory, but he instead decided to take a more aggressive approach.
He called for a fake punt, and it worked as best as it possibly could.
Luke Bauer had never thrown a pass, but he caught the snap and found Marquis Johnson downfield, and Johnson made a spectacular catch and carried it into the endzone.
After the game Drinkwitz detailed his thought process and the execution of the perfect fake punt.
“We practiced it all week,” Drinkwitz said. “Down 14-0, what do you got to lose at that point? So we said let’s roll it, and Luke made an unbelievable throw and Marquis made a great catch.”
While Bauer didn’t have experience at quarterback, his experience as a baseball player gave him confidence to make the throw.
“Growing up, I played baseball, so I know I can throw it,” Bauer said. “For a second, I didn’t think it was going to get there, but I saw him jump up and I’m like ‘Oh, this is happening.'”
The play ended up being pivotal. It led to 20 unanswered points and ultimately a win for the Tigers.
From the coach who made the call…
"Down 14-0, what do ya got to lose at the point?"
… to the punter who'd never thrown a pass…
"I played baseball growing up…"
… it's the play that changed the game and led to #Mizzou's victory over Kentucky.
?? pic.twitter.com/urDlvHzDo2— Ben Arnet (@BenArnetKOMU) October 15, 2023