Missouri, with a huge 1st quarter, ends 5-game skid

Missouri ended a five-game losing streak with a 68-21 victory over Idaho on Saturday.

Drew Lock completed 23 of 33 passes for 467 yards and six touchdowns. He fell one touchdown pass short of the school record he set in the season opener. J'Mon Moore caught 11 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown.

Missouri (2-5) dominated in all phases. In addition to piling up 658 total yards, the Tigers scored on Richaud Floyd's 85-yard punt return and were set up for another TD when Ronnell Perkins recovered a muffed kickoff in the first quarter.

The game began ominously for the Tigers. Armond Hawkins intercepted Lock on the first play, and the Vandals (2-5) proceeded to score on a 7-yard pass from Matt Linehan to Kaden Elliss, a linebacker who moonlights on offense. But Missouri responded with five first-quarter touchdowns, including three TD passes from Lock to tight end Albert Okwuegbunam.

By halftime, the Tigers led 51-14 and had accumulated 465 yards.

Missouri entered Saturday ranked 122nd nationally in total defense after giving up an average of 499 yards per game. Idaho managed just 278 yards. Linehan completed 19 of 32 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns.

THE TAKEAWAY

Missouri: Defensive tackle Terry Beckner, a preseason All-SEC pick, had only two sacks in the first six games. He was far more active against Idaho, posting two sacks and six tackles.

LOSING TEAM: Ellis was one of the few bright spots for Vandals. In addition to his touchdown catch, he had three tackles for loss, including a sack.

UP NEXT

MISSOURI: The Tigers will try to put together their first winning streak of the season when they visit Connecticut.

IDAHO: The Vandals will meet Louisiana-Monroe at home.