Report Card: Tigers defense stomps Golden Gophers to cap great season
OFFENSE: B+
Missouri’s passing offense wasn’t effective until late in the game, as Maty Mauk threw two early interceptions and several other ill-advised passes.
But the Tigers running game was the trump card of this year’s Citrus Bowl. Russell Hansbrough and Marcus Murphy combined for 271 rushing yards, and Mauk made a headache-inducing 18-yard touchdown run. Bud Sasser made his usual contributions at receiver, and the offensive line produced a tremendous effort.
The group didn’t take advantage of some great field position, throwing an interception on a drive that started at its own 44 and getting two field goals from drives that started in Minnesota territory.
DEFENSE: A-
Other than a hurdle-swan dive 54-yard touchdown by All-American tight end Maxx Williams, Minnesota didn’t do much of significance all game.
Quarterback Mitch Leidner got better-than-expected traction early, completing 14 consecutive passes, but couldn’t deliver more than one real body blow.
Missouri corralled standout running back David Cobb and also forced three turnovers, all fumbles. Markus Golden, Shane Ray, Harold Brantley and Braylon Webb all played outstanding.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B
Missouri executed a gorgeous onside kick to open the second half that was both gutsy and athletic, with Sasser snatching the ball just before it went out of bounds. The Tigers also converted a fake punt and Andrew Baggett drilled two field goals.
The team got greedy with a fake field goal that failed, committing a holding penalty anyway. And Murphy unleashed a patented punt return for a touchdown, but the Tigers committed three separate blocking penalties to erase it.
Mizzou also allowed a 57-yard kickoff return to Jalen Myrick.
COACHING: A
The defense produced a near-dominant performance despite defensive coordinator Dave Steckel preparing to leave for a head coaching job. Gary Pinkel threw in some aggressive, fun calls on special teams, and converted two out of three. If a blowout loss in the SEC championship game wiped some of the tarnish off this team’s special season, but a solid Citrus Bowl win restored it.
This team looked prepared and motivated, and for the most part the game plan limited Minnesota’s opportunities and leveraged Missouri’s strengths. Missouri was a win against Indiana away from an identical 12-2 finish, and the coaching staff deserves heaps of credit.
OVERALL: A
Trailing 14-13 in the second half, Missouri outscored Minnesota, 21-3, the rest of the game.
Playing in front of a national TV audience, with much of the SEC West stumbling during bowl season, the Tigers did the SEC banner proud. It’s hard to ask more from Missouri than a 16-point bowl victory to cap an 11-win season.