Missouri wins thriller against Purdue

Last year, the Missouri Tigers were run off the field at home by the Purdue Boilermakers 35-3. This was just part of a 1-5 start to a wild 2017 season. A year later, the Tigers are 3-0 after coming out on top of a thrilling 40-37 game against Purdue.

Missouri started off hot, grabbing a 27-10 lead a few minutes into the second quarter. But Jeff Brohm’s Boilermakers would not go down without a fight. In a few minutes, Purdue scored two touchdowns and brought it to a one possession game. The offenses traded punches from then on out.

While highly-touted quarterback Drew Lock did throw for 375 yards, 3 touchdowns, and rushed for another, he was not the most prolific passer of the day. Purdue’s David Blough carved up the Missouri defense for 572 passing yards, 3 touchdown passes, and a rushing touchdown for good measure.

While the Missouri defense did little to help Drew Lock, he did ultimately get some assistance. The Tigers combined for 233 rushing yards with Larry Rountree III leading the way.

In the final minutes, Lock threw a costly interception with only a 3-point lead. Blough then marched his team down the field and tied it up, 37-37. All signs pointed to Drew Lock giving the game away, but he had other plans.

With a little over three minutes left to play, Lock calmly guided the Tigers right down the field with clutch passes to Tyler Badie and Emanuel Hall. Missouri drained the clock, and Tucker McCann kicked a 25-yard field goal to seal the victory.

In a intense game, Missouri was able to come out on top due to Lock’s cool play and the overall skill talent of the offense. There should be concern about Missouri’s defense after getting torched all night long. The Tigers face a gauntlet of SEC offenses in the next few weeks, so they better hope their offense can keep up.

The 3-0 Missouri Tigers host No. 3 Georgia next week in their first SEC game this season. That same day, the 0-3 Purdue Boilermakers host undefeated Boston College.