Missouri has sky-high expectations for the 2024 season after winning 11 games in 2023.

To kick the season off, the Tigers have a matchup against FCS Murray State. The Tigers entered the game as a massive favorite and hoped for an easy start to the season. Things got off to a hot start, as star quarterback Brady Cook found his best wide receiver Luther Burden III for a 16-yard touchdown.

The score came only about 2 minutes into the first quarter as the Tigers easily moved down the field on the Racers.

The star duo are picking up right where they left off last season. In 2023, Cook threw for 3,317 yards with 21 touchdowns and 6 picks. Burden burst onto the scene as one of the nation’s best receivers, ending the season with 86 catches for 1,212 yards and 9 scores. Burden easily led all Tiger receivers in every receiving category and hopes to have an even bigger season in 2024.

Missouri also stayed hot after the opening drive. The Racers would turn the ball over on downs on their first drive and the Tigers quickly punched in another score. Nate Noel took 3 consecutive runs and capped it off with a 9-yard touchdown run to put the Tigers up 14-0 in the first.

On the immediately ensuing possession for Murray State, Toriano Pride Jr. picked off a pass and returned it 25 yards to the house to put Mizzou up 21-0 after just over 5 minutes of play.

It looks like a long night could be in store for the Racers.