Mizzou Football Defeats South Dakota: Key Takeaways

Mizzou football dominates South Dakota with a 35-10 win, showcasing a strong quarterback rotation and a solid defense.

Mizzou football began its season with a dominant 35-10 victory over South Dakota at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers never had to fully exert themselves against their overmatched FCS opponent, showcasing their superiority throughout the game.

One notable aspect of the game was MU coach Eli Drinkwitz's strategy for the quarterback rotation. He decided to split the playing time evenly between the two quarterbacks, with each getting one half of the game. This plan worked well for the Tigers, as both quarterbacks made significant contributions to the team's success.

In the first half, starting quarterback Brady Cook led a successful two-minute drill that ended with a 15-yard QB keeper, extending the Tigers' lead to 28-3. He also made an impressive 30-yard pass to Luther Burden III, splitting two defenders. Cook finished the game with 17-of-21 completions for 172 yards and a touchdown, along with 17 rushing yards.

In the second half, Sam Horn took over as the quarterback once the game was essentially out of reach for South Dakota. He entered the game with 6:35 left in the third quarter, allowing the Coyotes to chew up some clock. Horn had a mixed performance, throwing an interception that resulted from a dropped pass by Mekhi Miller. However, he redeemed himself by connecting with Burden for a 15-yard touchdown. Horn finished the game with 3-of-5 completions for 54 yards, one touchdown, and an interception that was more of a technicality.

The Tigers' new offensive coordinator, Kirby Moore, played it safe on the opening drive by not going for a fourth-and-1. This decision drew some boos from the crowd but was quickly forgotten as the offense found its rhythm. Four out of the next five possessions resulted in touchdowns, with a mix of passing and running plays. Moore showcased some elements of his new scheme, including motioning receivers and spreading out running backs, but ultimately stuck to the team's tried and true strategies. The Tigers finished the game with 447 yards of offense, with 226 of those yards coming from rushing plays.

Missouri's defense was dominant throughout the game, allowing South Dakota to gain a first down in only one of their five first-half drives. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker's unit had a minor slip-up in the second quarter but quickly made amends when faced with a first-and-goal situation. The defense showcased its depth by utilizing 19 different players who recorded at least one tackle. Overall, they held the Coyotes to just 194 yards of total offense.

In conclusion, Mizzou football started their season on a high note with a convincing win over South Dakota. The team's quarterback rotation strategy paid off, with both Brady Cook and Sam Horn making valuable contributions. The offense found success with a balanced approach, and the defense was dominant throughout the game. This victory sets a positive tone for the rest of the season and gives the Tigers confidence as they move forward.