Mizzou dominates in season opener behind stellar offensive play

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Tigers picked apart Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the first game of the 2026-27 season 54-14.

There were plenty of questions heading into the week one for Mizzou. An nearly entirely new cast on both sides of the ball, and a slew of new coaches had fans wondering if head coach Eli Drinkwitz' vision would come to pass.

Within the first 15 minutes, those questions were answered.

Transfer quarterback Austin Simmons made his debut in the black and gold, and looked like he had been playing in this system for years. A perfect 7-7 on his first drive that went 60 yards and ended with Sean Terry II getting into the end zone for the first touchdown of the year.

The senior quarterback continued his hot streak on the next possession, finding Donovan Olugbode for a touchdown towards the end of the first quarter.

In the second, Mizzou's offense was even better. Jamal Roberts broke in for six points at the start of the quarter, before Simmons put two more scores across with a second touchdown to Olugbode, and a 47 yard connection to his former Ole Miss teammate Cayden Lee, which put the Tigers ahead 37-0. A field goal from Blake Craig made it a 40-point game heading into the half as the clock hit zeros.

Quarters three and four were slower for the Tigers as the starters did not return with their helmets, signifying the end of their night. Mizzou broke in for another two touchdowns, but also allowed the Golden Lions to score twice for themselves, making the final score 54-14.

Simmons finished his day 17-19 with 252 yards and four touchdowns. Olugbode was the top target with eight catches for 116 and a pair of scores.

Up Next - Mizzou will head to Lawrence, Kans. for the Boarder War in week two. Kick off is set for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.