Thanks in large part to a long 4th-down completion from Brady Cook to Luther Burden III and Harrison Mevis’ 30-yard field goal in the waning moments, Missouri managed to slip past Florida 33-31 Saturday night and claimed a spot in the AP Top 10.

It wasn’t pretty. The Tigers (10-2, 6-1 SEC East) were not as impressive as they had been in their previous 4 games, which included comfortable victories over Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee and a close loss to No. 1 Georgia.

The defense was shaky in the second half, allowing 24 points, including a go-ahead touchdown drive led by Florida backup quarterback Max Brown. But the Tigers kept their hopes of a New Year’s 6 bowl alive heading into Friday’s game at Arkansas.

Here our stock report after Week 12:

Player of the Week: QB Brady Cook

Tough choice here. Cook’s 3 key completions in the final 40 seconds — including a 27-yarder to Burden on 4th-and-17 — on Mizzou’s game-winning drive set up Harrison Mevis for the short field goal. Cook finished 20-for-34 for 331 yards, throwing for one TD and running for another. He showed poise under pressure, and led a turnover-free Tigers attack.
Cook had plenty of help. Mizzou’s other two offensive stars — Burden (158 yards receiving and Cody Schrader (148 yards and a TD) — also each had big games and supplied big plays. Mevis made all four of his field-goal attempts.

Freshman of the Week: TE Brett Norfleet

The 6-7, 235-pound Norfleet had 3 catches for 43 yards, giving him 14 receptions for 163 yards and a TD for the season. Norfleet had a 16-yard catch on third down in the Tigers’ opening drive for a field goal, a 12-yarder to convert another third down in the second quarter, and a 15-yarder in a third-quarter TD march. With Burden and fellow receivers Theo Wease and Mookie Cooper getting the most attention from opposing secondaries, Norfleet has emerged as another threat.

Biggest Surprise: Mizzou’s defense struggled in the second half

The Florida offense had a monster second half with 24 points, continuing even after losing starting QB Graham Mertz in the third quarter. Mizzou often used a three-man front that didn’t get much pressure on the QB. Plus, the Gators rushed for 261 yards on 40 carries. The most embarrassing moment may have come on the play that resulted in Mertz’ broken collarbone. Confronted by 2 Mizzou defenders well short of a first down, Mertz ran through both to convert the third down.

Biggest Concern: Containing opposing QBs

Florida freshman QB Max Brown rushed for 42 yards, on 7 attempts after entering the game. Granted, the Tigers probably spent most of their preparation on stopping Mertz. Still, there’s no excuse for giving up a 27-yard yard to Brown on a 3rd down play on Florida’s go-ahead TD drive. Stopping Arkansas next week will require the Tigers to contain KJ Jefferson, the Razorbacks’ 247-pound QB, who rushed for 92 yards, including a 48-yard run, in a victory over Florida.

Developing trend: The Tigers’ struggles in the red zone

They converted only 1 of 5 trips into TDs against Florida, though two of the trips came in scrambles to get field goals at the end of each half. For the season, the Tigers have kicked 18 field goals on 48 trips to the red zone. The good news is they lead the nation in percentage converting red zone trips into points at 97.9% or 47 for 48.

Key stat: Burden was the focus in the passing game

The Tigers’ star WR was targeted 15 times, catching 9 passes, including the key 4th-down catch over the middle. Banged up the past few weeks, he received only 5 targets against Tennessee and 3 at Georgia. When healthy, Burden needs to be the focus in the passing game.

First impression About Week 12

Will Arkansas show up? Or will the Hogs be flat like they were in a home embarrassment against Auburn? Sam Pittman has been told his job is safe, so there’s no emotional farewell the Razorbacks can rally behind.  And there’s no bowl berth on the line. It’s been a very disappointing season, especially for senior KJ Jefferson, who has had little help. Still, it’s an opportunity at home to knock off a top 10 team and quash their New Year’s 6 hopes. The Hogs lost at home by only 3 points to Alabama and LSU. Mizzou has the moment and is riding a 5-game winning streak over the Hogs. Mizzou needs to come out ready to play and take control early.