Missouri bounces back to throttle Memphis 65-33
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – Drew Lock threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns on 23-for-29 passing, and Missouri defeated Memphis 65-33 in its homecoming game on Saturday.
After losing three straight Southeastern Conference contests, Missouri (4-3) responded with a much-needed victory. It jumped out to a 21-0 lead less than six minutes into the game, and never relinquished it.
Albert Okwuegbunam caught six passes for 159 yards and three touchdowns and Jalen Knox had five catches for 104 yards and a score.
All of Memphis’ scoring came without star running back Darrell Henderson, who exited the game after four carries in the first quarter. He was seen riding on a stationary bike and left to the locker room in the second quarter.
Henderson entered the game leading the nation with 1,133 rushing yards, 15 total touchdowns and 10.3 yards per carry. Tony Pollard and Patrick Taylor Jr. split carries the rest of the way, and Memphis’ rushing attack was limited to 4.6 yards per carry.
Missouri sprinted out of the gates by blocking a punt on Memphis’ first drive and Christian Holmes intercepted Brady White’s pass for a 42-yard touchdown return on Memphis’ second drive.
Memphis (4-4) climbed back with 17 straight points, but Missouri responded with 20 consecutive of its own. Missouri’s defense slowed down the visiting Tigers in the second half, and the Tigers cruised to their first victory since Sept. 15 against Purdue.
THE TAKEAWAY
Memphis: Contrary to its close game against No. 10 Central Florida last week, Memphis looked thoroughly outplayed against Missouri. Memphis fans will be closely watching the status of Henderson’s injury.
Missouri: The Tigers broke out of their three-game losing streak in a big way. Lock and the Missouri offense found its form, and the Tigers look to carry momentum into the second half of SEC play.
UP NEXT
Memphis has a bye week before facing East Carolina on Nov. 3.
Missouri returns to conference play with a home matchup next Saturday against No. 19 Kentucky.
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