RECAP: Mizzou loses heartbreaker despite Cook’s inspiring return

COLUMBIA, S.C. (KMIZ)

For the first time in five years, the Mayor's Cup is staying in South Carolina. Mizzou lost a thriller in heart-breaking fashion at Williams-Brice Stadium, giving up a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute.

While the Tigers suffered their third loss of the season, hindering their 12-team College Football Playoff aspirations, Saturday's game featured plenty of resilience, especially from MU's quarterback. Brady Cook played his first full game since Week 7 and made his first start since a wrist injury kept him sidelined against Oklahoma last week. The St. Louis native was considered 'doubtful' to suit up for Mizzou's rivalry game against South Carolina most of the week but was able to battle through the adversity, leading three second half touchdown drives in a near-spectacular comeback for the Tigers.

"It's been a lot. It's been a lot, honestly. Some of the longest weeks of my life, and I wouldn't change it for anything. It's been a challenge. There's been adversity physically and mentally," Cook described his recovery from injury. "I'm blessed to be able to go out there tonight and play the game that I love, and even though it didn't go our way, I'll say this: I had a whole lot of fun with my teammates tonight, and that's what I'm going to remember when I look back at this season."

You can watch ABC 17's Kyle Helms full recap of Saturday's action between Mizzou and South Carolina on FOX 22 at 9:30 p.m. and ABC 17 at 10:30 p.m.