Missouri rolls past McNeese State 50-6
Freshman tailback Henry Josey led the Tigers with 112 yards and three touchdowns.
Published Sept. 11, 2010, last updated 6:31 p.m., Nov. 13, 2010
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Michael Sam, redshirt freshman and defensive lineman, watches his team from the sideline during the first quarter of the Tigers' game against McNeese State University. During the game, Sam led the defense with a blocked punt and a safety.
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Freshman running back Henry Josey strides into the end zone for his second of three touchdowns against McNeese State University on Saturday at Faurot Field. The Tigers defeated the Cowboys in their home opener winning by a score of 50-6.
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The Missouri football team surged to a big victory over the McNeese State Cowboys on Saturday, winning 50-6.
The Tigers were nearly flawless in the first half, shutting out the Cowboys while putting up 33 points. Freshman tailback Henry Josey led the charge for the Tigers, scoring three first half touchdowns while rushing for 105 yards. Josey became the first Tiger true freshman in 15 years to score three touchdowns in a game. Corby Jones accomplished the feat for the Tigers back in 1995.
Gabbert was nearly perfect in the half, completing 24 of 27 for 190 yards. The junior found sophomore wide receiver T.J Moe 10 times in the half for a total of 79 yards.
Gabbert finished 26-31 for 220 yards and one touchdown, sitting out for most of the second half. Josey finished with 112 yards on seven carries and three touchdowns, also sitting out most of the second half.
Gabbert was impressed with the play from the true freshman tailback.
“Henry did a great job all game long, protecting the football and breaking a bunch of big plays out,” Gabbert said. “He’s a big play threat. With his speed and vision, when he hits a hole there’s always a chance for him to break it.”
The Tigers continued to put the pressure on the Cowboys in the second half. The Tigers tacked on 17 more points in the third quarter, extending the lead to 50-0. One minute after a 32-yard field goal by junior kicker Grant Ressel, Gabbert found junior wide out Jerrell Jackson on a 24-yard touchdown pass.
Missouri utilized most of the reserves for the remainder of the game. Freshman quarterback James Franklin saw his first snaps as a Tiger, and scored late in the third quarter on an 8-yard rush.
Franklin said he did not feel nervous despite playing in his first collegiate game.
“To be honest no, I didn’t think so,” said Franklin. “The first time I went out there I kind of looked around at the crowd more than I needed to, but after that I dialed in.
Franklin finished 6-8 passing for 25 yards with the lone rushing touchdown.
Coach Gary Pinkel was happy with the performance from his reserve quarterback.
“I think he did good,” Pinkel said. “We kind of controlled what we did with him, because we didn’t want to throw the ball downfield, and we just let him manage the clock. It was a good experience for him.”
Another reserve that made an impact throughout the game was defensive end Michael Sam. The redshirt freshman highlighted the defense with a blocked punt and a safety in the game.
Sam said he hopes to keep making plays on defense throughout the year.
“It felt awesome,” Sam said. “I have to watch it and learn from it and not let it go to my head. I have to keep making big plays throughout the year.”
The Tigers improved to 2-0 on the season with the win over the Cowboys. Missouri will look to continue its success as the team faces San Diego State next Saturday at Faruot Field.