Mizzou football grades: Analyzing Missouri Tigers' Game 2 victory against Middle Tennessee

Mizzou wide receiver Luther Burden shines in a 23-19 win over Middle Tennessee, while the offensive line struggles.

In a thrilling game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, Mizzou wide receiver Luther Burden had an outstanding performance, while the Missouri Tigers' offensive line struggled. Despite the challenges, the Tigers managed to scrape by with a 23-19 victory over Middle Tennessee, improving their record to 2-0 heading into their upcoming clash against Kansas State.

On the other hand, the Wildcats dominated in their game against Troy, securing a convincing 42-13 win and also maintaining a perfect 2-0 record.

Let's take a closer look at the postgame grades from Missouri's Week 2 triumph over Middle Tennessee.

Mizzou's highly regarded secondary duo of Kris Abrams-Draine and Ennis Rakestraw had a somewhat inconsistent game. However, when it mattered most, they rose to the occasion and got the job done.

Although Middle Tennessee still managed to complete passes against Rakestraw and Abrams-Draine in one-on-one situations, it is in these moments that you rely on your experienced cornerbacks to make the right plays.

Despite the challenges, Abrams-Draine had a crucial pass breakup, and Rakestraw remained consistent in coverage. It's worth noting that MTSU had a towering receiver who stood at 6-foot-5 and weighed 259 pounds, which posed a disadvantage for both Rakestraw and Abrams-Draine.

Grade: C

One of the key adjustments made by the Tigers was in their ground game, and it proved to be a successful change thanks to the efforts of their two running backs.

Nathaniel Peat and Cody Schrader combined for over 100 yards, consistently breaking through the Blue Raiders' tackles and gaining valuable yardage. These gains translated into consistent offensive production for Missouri.

Peat's impressive 49-yard reception, where he effortlessly reached the end zone untouched, showcased his readiness and speed. Both Peat and Schrader have been the most reliable components of Missouri's revamped offense, demonstrating their experience and skill in their own unique ways.

Grade: B

Facing a defensive line that had been exploited by Alabama in previous games, Missouri's offensive line struggled to contain the opposing rush.

During the Tigers' first scoring drive, a false start and holding penalty by the offensive line prevented them from reaching the end zone and resulted in a field goal instead.

Additionally, the line allowed three sacks in the first half and struggled to defend against run plays to the outside in the second half. This inability to protect the quarterback and establish a strong running game ultimately led to a safety and gave Middle Tennessee the opportunity to take the lead. These mistakes proved to be costly and could potentially result in future losses if not addressed.

It is imperative that MU's offensive line improves significantly before their upcoming game against Kansas State.

Grade: F

Without a doubt, Missouri's standout offensive player was Luther Burden, who showcased an exceptional level of skill and performance on Saturday evening.

Burden proved to be incredibly difficult to bring down, consistently finding success along the edges of the field. He clearly demonstrated that he is the weapon that MU's offense relies on every Saturday.

His remarkable 44-yard reception in the third quarter set the stage for a crucial score that allowed the Tigers to maintain their lead over Middle Tennessee. This play exemplified Burden's new role in the offense, where he will be targeted more frequently and utilized in a variety of ways.

Furthermore, Burden's presence as a punt returner poses a constant threat to opposing teams and demands respect. The Tigers will undoubtedly rely on his contributions in the upcoming game against Kansas State.

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