Entering the game, it was imperative that Missouri find a way to disrupt Toledo’s quick-hit pass offense.

Boy, have they ever.

Missouri leads Toledo, 28-7, on the road and looks poised to smash expectations entering the game. (The Tigers closed as a three-point favorite in Vegas.)

Toledo has managed more than 200 yards of total offense, which is more than Missouri would like, including 97 rushing yards. But Aarion Penton secured his second interception of the season. Missouri’s coverage was good enough to disrupt some plays, and the Tigers pass rush made a much bigger impact than we anticipated.

Shane Ray and Markus Golden each sacked Phillip Ely, the latter of which forced Toledo into a 44-yard field goal attempt that Michael Scherer blocked. (Toledo allowed just six sacks all of last season and claims one of the best offensive lines outside of the power conferences.)

After a so-so first quarter in which he missed a wide-open Jimmie Hunt downfield, rocketed a swing pass at point-blank range and threw directly to Toledo defensive back Jordan Haden, Maty Mauk snapped into form.

Mauk completed 5-of-7 for 87 yards and a touchdown from that point, entering the locker room with 201 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Darius White now has three touchdown receptions this season, all in the first quarter.

If this score holds, it’s a much better performance for Missouri than the team showed in its season opener against South Dakota State.