Live blog: Missouri at Kansas State — November 14, 2009
Tigers Strike First
In Manhattan, the Missouri Tigers opened the game with a 23-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Grant Ressel. MU went 75 yards, but stalled at Kansas State's five yard line. Sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert was six of seven on the drive, but the one incompletion came on third down in the red zone.
Senior wide receiver Danario Alexander picked up where he left off last week, catching three passes in the drive for 28 yards. But the Tigers got it done on the ground as well, as junior tailback Derrick Washington had a 12-yard run, and Gabbert added a 25-yard rush himself.
Throughout the game, we will provide you live score updates here on themaneater.com and maneatersports on Twitter.
Kansas State Ties it Up
The Wildcats wasted no time in responding to Missouri's opening drive field goal. On their first drive, Kansas State kicked a field goal of their own, a 47-yarder by Josh Cherry to tie the score at three.
KSU kick returner Brandon Banks returned the kickoff 34 yards to Kansas State's 45 yard line. The Wildcats added 25 yards of offense, before settling for the field goal.
Keep an eye on themaneater.com and maneatersports on Twitter for more live updates on the Tigers and Wildcats.
First Quarter Comes to a Close
Missouri and Kansas State have completed 15 minutes of play, and closed out the first quarter with the score tied 3-3.
Penalties have been an issue for the Tigers, as they have already committed four for 51 yards.
The Wildcats currently have the ball and are threatening. We'll keep you posted with updates from the game.
Tiger Catch a Break
With Kansas State deep in Missouri territory, the Tigers caught a break when Wildcats wide receiver Brandon Banks fumbled the ball into the end zone for a touchback. The fumble occurred at the Missouri one-yard line.
The drive got off to a good start for KSU. Banks was hit by Missouri tight end Beau Brinkley after he called for a fair catch on the punt. That allowed the Wildcats to start the drive in Missouri territory. Then, facing a third and 10 situation, defensive lineman Jacquies Smith was called for a roughing the passer penalty, giving Kansas State 15 yards and a fresh set of downs.
But the Tigers defense clamped down when it mattered. Zaviar Gooden forced the fumble at the one-yard line to give Missouri the ball.
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Gabbert and Alexander Connect
Stuck in an offensive rut for most of the game, Blaine Gabbert and Danario Alexander connected on a 54-yard touchdown pass to regain the lead for the Tigers. Alexander made an acrobatic, leaping catch to grab the ball over a Kansas State defender. After Grant Ressel's extra point, the Tigers lead the Wildcats 10-3. It was the first time Missouri has scored a touchdown after a turnover by an opponent since the Sept. 25 game at Nevada.
The drive was helped in part by a defensive pass interference penalty on KSU. On third down, wide receiver Jerrell Jackson drew the penalty when the KSU defender brought him to the ground before he had a chance to catch the ball.
We'll be providing updates on the game, so feel free to check out themaneater.com and maneatersports on Twitter.
KSU Adds Another Field Goal
After the Tigers scored the game's first touchdown, Kansas State responded with a field goal to narrow the score to 10-6. This time, Josh Cherry hit a 34-yard field goal, after kicking one from 47-yards out earlier.
Missouri's defense played will again, coming up with another big stop. As Kansas State crept further into Tiger territory, the defense repeatedly stopped the Wildcats, and held them to a field goal.
Be sure to check out themaneater.com and maneatersports on Twitter for live updates of the game.
Gabbert and Alexander Connect Again
While it was not a 54-yard bomb, Blaine Gabbert and Danario Alexander connected for another touchdown, this time from 16 yards out. Gabbert and the Tigers marched 92 yards on 10 plays in the drive, to score with 20 seconds remaining in the first half. Missouri's lead was extended to 17-6 as the second quarter came to a close.
In the first two quarters, Gabbert completed 14 of 17 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Alexander accounted for six of those catches, 114 receiving yards and both touchdowns. Overall, the Tigers have generated 259 yards of total offense.
Penalties continue to be an issue for Missouri, however. In the first half, they committed five penalties for 66 yards.
As the game progresses, we will continue to keep you posted with our live blog on themaneater.com and maneatersports on Twitter.
Another Field Goal for Kansas State
On the opening drive of the second half, the Kansas Sate Wildcats kicked their third field goal of the game. Those three points cut Missouri's lead to 17-9.
Missouri's struggles in the second half have been well documented. They have not scored a touchdown in the second half since the Sept. 25 game at Nevada, a span of 160 minutes and seven seconds. After the KSU field goal, the Tigers will have their first chance to do some damage in the second half.
Themaneater.com and maneatersports on Twitter will continue to provide live updates from today's contest
Alexander Scores His Third
After Kansas State kicked its second field goal of the second half to make the score 17-12, the Tigers responded quickly.
Without a touchdown for in the second half for nearly two months, Danario Alexander changed that in a hurry. On the first play of Missouri's second drive of the half, Alexander took Blaine Gabbert's pass 80 yards for a touchdown to make the score 24-12 Tigers. It was his third score of the game, which ties a Missouri record for most touchdown receptions in a game.
In the third quarter, Kansas State ran 22 plays, which resulted in six points. The Tigers, on the other hand, ran four plays, the latest of which went for a touchdown.
As we head to the fourth quarter, stay tuned for more live updates on Missouri/ Kansas State.
Washington Finds the End Zone
Derrick Washington scored from four yards out to extend Missouri's lead to 31-12 over Kansas State. It was the Tigers second touchdown of the second half. Washington now has eight rushes for 38 yards and a touchdown.
The touchdown capped a nine-play, 61-yard drive that featured a steady balance between the passing game and the running game.
Stay tuned for more updates on the game.
Washington Scores Again
When it rains, it pours for Missouri's offense. Derrick Washington scored his second touchdown of the game, and second of the fourth quarter on a 13-yard run. The touchdown gave the Tigers a comfortable 38-12 lead over the Wildcats with 7:50 left in the game.
The Tigers have taken control of the game with 21 second half points, after watching their lead shrink to 17-12.
We'll still provide live updates from the game, so don't leave just yet.