The Missouri Tigers hosted the Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday evening in a game that was important for the Tigers.

Mizzou came in needing to continue to improve after a big win over UT Martin last weekend, as the toughest part of the schedule starts next weekend at Purdue.

After a bit of a slow start, during which they only led 16-0 at halftime (and only 3-0 at the end of the first quarter), the Tigers settled down in the second half and won 40-13.

If they can continue to take care of business moving forward, this could turn into a special season in Columbia. Here’s a quick look at what happened on Saturday:

C’mon, Tucker!

After earning a second-team All-SEC preseason nod, Missouri kicker Tucker McCann struggled early against the Cowboys, missing two of his first three field goal attempts. Punter Corey Fatony also fumbled a late-second-quarter extra point snap.

McCann made a 50-yard kick and the two he missed were over 40 yards, but he still needs to be more consistent. If the Tigers can’t trust him in these situations, it’ll be difficult for them to score points against tougher SEC foes.

Good showing from the defense

Former Wyoming QB Josh Allen is in the NFL now, but even so it’s never easy to hold any FBS team to zero points in the first half.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: The Tigers need to force more turnovers and quarterback pressures. They’re playing solid, fundamental defense, but until the turnovers and sacks start coming, they run the risk of having some long games, particularly against teams like Georgia and Alabama.

Offensive grade still incomplete

Wyoming has a good defense, but it still would have been nice to see a bit more from Derek Dooley’s offense, especially in the first half. Scoring 16 points was nice, but the Tigers should be scoring more than that against a Mountain West team.

Missouri needs to put up touchdowns against lesser foes, much less have a chance to beat an SEC team. Things did pick up in the second half, but we’ll still need to see a complete game from the offense before we get too excited about Dooley’s system.

Emanuel Hall can do it all

Hall came into this season hoping to prove he was more than just a deep threat. After a four-catch, 171-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 1, Hall still faced those questions.

But, in the first half of the Wyoming game alone, Hall had eight grabs for 134 yards. He’s still a major deep threat and he can work his way open on intermediate routes, making him one of the best receivers in the SEC.

He finished the game with 10 catches for 171 yards and a touchdown. Pretty impressive that he’s managed to hit 171 yards both weeks.

Ho-hum is OK

The Tigers have had two workman-like performances this season, and that’s better than last year. Last season, the Tigers struggled to beat Missouri State, so getting routine wins is a good thing.

If they can continue to pick up wins that are never really in doubt, that’ll be important this season.