Newcomers and returners shine in Black & Gold Spring Game

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou Football closed out its third week of spring camp with its annual Black & Gold Spring Game on Saturday afternoon at Faurot Field. Team Black defeated Team Gold 10-9 in a contest that was mostly highlighted by defense.

"These guys have put in work for the past two-and-a-half, three weeks, so just to see them cut it loose and have fun and be into it and be excited at the end," Mizzou linebackers coach D.J. Smith said. "Overall, skill development, individual player development is what we wanted to see, and I think we saw that today."

A pair of newcomers in the Mizzou secondary forced turnovers in the game. Clemson transfer Toriano Pride Jr. and Houston Christian transfer Caleb Flagg both posted interceptions. Flagg was also named the game's defensive MVP.

Team Black and Team Gold both scored one touchdown in Saturday's action. Brady Cook's group was the first team to find the end zone, connecting with Joshua Manning for a long touchdown pass in the first half. Manning earned offensive MVP honors for his performance. Team Gold used some trickery to score its touchdown in the second half, finding the end zone using a double pass from Brett Brown to Theo Wease Jr. to Mookie Cooper.

The Tigers wrap up spring practices next week. Mizzou's first game of its 2024 campaign is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 31 against Murray State at Memorial Stadium.