Title: Tigers Fall Short in Regular-Season Finale at No. 24 Missouri — A Battle That Sets the Stage for What’s Next
Columbia, MO — Under the bright lights of Faurot Field, the energy was electric as No. 24 Missouri hosted the visiting Tigers in a high-stakes regular-season finale that could shape postseason trajectories. What unfolded was a gritty, hard-fought clash that ended in disappointment for the Tigers, who dropped the game 31–20, bringing their regular season to a close with a bittersweet thud.
Missouri, ranked for the first time in three years under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz, entered the game riding the momentum of a four-game win streak. With bowl implications and national perception on the line, the Tigers knew a statement win could add polish to an already impressive campaign.
The visiting Tigers, however—plagued by inconsistent offensive execution and a rash of penalties—struggled to sustain drives in key moments. Quarterback Chase Bennett showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for 244 yards and two touchdowns, but was frequently under pressure from Missouri’s relentless pass rush, led by defensive end Darius Bledsoe, who notched 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
“We knew Missouri was going to bring heat,” Bennett said postgame. “But we just didn’t execute when we needed to most. The little mistakes piled up.”
Missouri’s offense, orchestrated by junior quarterback Tyler Cooke, was methodical and efficient. Cooke completed 18 of 27 passes for 276 yards and a touchdown, while senior running back Malik Jefferson powered the ground game with 123 rushing yards and two scores. Missouri’s offensive line dominated the trenches, opening gaps that allowed Jefferson to chew up clock and control the game tempo.
Still, the visiting Tigers didn’t go down without a fight.
After falling behind 24–10 in the third quarter, they mounted a brief comeback. A 64-yard bomb to wide receiver Kameron Fields midway through the fourth pulled them within seven, but Missouri quickly responded with a clock-killing, 12-play drive capped off by Jefferson’s second touchdown. That final blow sealed the game and sent a roar through the sold-out stadium.
“We talked all week about finishing strong,” Coach Drinkwitz said. “That was a full team effort tonight—defense, special teams, offense. We played Missouri football.”
The visiting Tigers now find themselves looking inward. With a 7–5 finish, questions swirl about bowl placement, injuries, and momentum. Still, there were positives to build on—especially the performance of young defenders like freshman linebacker Devin Marks, who tallied 10 tackles and an interception.
Coach Terrence Lloyd remained optimistic in his postgame remarks. “We didn’t finish how we wanted, but this team has heart. We’ve got time to regroup, heal, and get ready for the next challenge. Our season isn’t over.”
Meanwhile, for Missouri, the victory elevates them to a 9–3 finish—one of their best regular-season marks in recent memory. The Tigers are now in prime position for a high-profile bowl bid and possibly even a top-20 finish in the final CFP rankings.
As the regular season wraps, both teams leave the field with lessons learned and unfinished business. For Missouri, it’s about seizing the moment. For the visiting Tigers, it’s about bouncing back. But one thing is certain—on this chilly night in Columbia, Missouri’s roar was just a little louder.
