Preview: Mizzou vs. Central Florida

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Mizzou Football (2-0) returns to The ZOU this weekend to take on the Knights of Central Florida. Mizzou is coming off a dominant 49-24 road victory at Toledo.

UCF had its best season in school history in 2013. Led by now-Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles, the Knights posted a 12-1 record en route to the American Athletic Conference title and a Tostitos Fiesta Bowl victory. Central Florida lost seven starters from last year’s squad but is still picked to finish second in the AAC this season, behind Louisville.

Last Time vs. UCF

Saturday will be just the second-ever meeting between Mizzou and UCF. The two schools played for the first time in 2012, when Mizzou held on for a 21-16 road win in Orlando, Fla. The Knights held a 10-7 halftime lead in that contest, but Marcus Murphy broke a 66-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter to put the Tigers out in front.

Mizzou extended the lead to 21-10 on a fourth-quarter touchdown run by tailback Kendial Lawrence, and UCF responded, making it a one-possession game with a touchdown at the 4:34 mark. The Mizzou defense denied the Knights on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, and then forced a turnover near midfield in the final minute to seal the victory.

Difference Makers

Four Tigers to watch on Saturday are Maty Mauk, Jimmie Hunt, Bud Sasser, and Shane Ray. All four had career games against Toledo, and they will look to continue their dominance against UCF.

Mauk became just the third player in Mizzou history to record a six-touchdown game last week, as he threw for five scores and ran in another at the Glass Bowl. The sophomore finished 21-32 for 325 yards while adding 36 yards on the ground and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

Two of Mauk’s touchdowns went to Hunt, who scored from 13 and 25 yards out. The two-TD game was the first of Hunt’s career, and he matched his career-high in receptions with six grabs for 71 yards.

Sasser also set a couple of career-bests against Toledo. Bud-Sasser-MizzouThe 6-foot-2 senior hauled in five catches for a game and career-high 121 yards on Saturday. Sasser was particularly impactful on Mizzou’s second-to-last drive of the third quarter. The Rockets had scored on two consecutive drives to narrow the Mizzou lead to 35-21, and were threatening to inch even closer when they forced Mizzou into a third-and-seven from their own 28-yard line. Sasser broke free for a 47-yard gain on third down, and then scored on screen from 25-yards away on the very next play to give Mizzou momentum and a 21-point lead.

Ray wreaked havoc in the Toledo backfield from the opening kick and was a big reason why the Rocket quarterbacks completed just over half of their passes on the day. The speedy rush end had a career-high two sacks, and made Toledo’s quarterbacks feel uncomfortable all game.

Ray also played a big part in Mizzou’s lone interception, which, along with a fumble recovery by Hunt, extended the Tiger’s FBS-leading streak of games with a takeaway to 46. Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for 11:00 a.m. CT, and the matchup will air on the SEC Network.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mizzou Athletics To Host RALLY Club for UCF Game

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About 175 members of the Cedar Ridge Elementary School will enjoy the Mizzou-Central Florida matchup on Saturday, September 13 as part of the RALLY Club program.

RALLY Club stands for Recognizing Achievement, Learning and Leadership in our Youth. Mizzou Athletics partners with RALLY Club to reward young boys and girls who have accomplished personal goals in their school and in the community.

MU College of Education professor Leigh Neier says she appreciates Mizzou Athletics’ involvement with the RALLY Club program.

“RALLY Club’s continued presence in the Cedar Ridge community serves as an incredible example of the Mizzou Athletics’ spirit for academic integrity and community involvement,” Neier said. “Student-athletes who volunteer to visit with RALLY Club students on a weekly basis demonstrate that hard work and leadership matter in and beyond the classroom. As we gear up for the year ahead, we have many student-athletes who have committed their time and talents to the program for a second year. This will mean the world to the Cedar Ridge students who will be able to reunite with their mentors for another year of growth together.”

Mizzou Athletics, and specifically the Mizzou Football program, have always made giving back to the community a big focus. Throughout the season, Mizzou athletes will hang out with the children involved with RALLY Club in various ways, including visiting their schools and sitting with them during the game. Mizzou Football strives to develop the best players on and off the field.

The RALLY Club will join tens of thousands of Mizzou fans in The ZOU on September 13 when Mizzou Football takes on the Knights of the Central Florida. The game, scheduled to kickoff at 11 a.m., will air on the SEC Network and on the radio via Tiger Network.

Overcoming Differences

“When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.”
– Winston Churchill

When a team works in harmony, it doesn’t mean that conflict is absent. It is inevitable that conflict and differences will arise at some point. A team is comprised of people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and unless each individual strives to overcome differences, there will be no team harmony. In the end, all group movements depend on the quality and commitment of individuals.

One of the most satisfying experiences—both in sports and the workplace—is to be part of a team that gets along well and works as a cohesive unit. This is accomplished through positive communication, mutual acceptance, and genuine encouragement.

Harmony is rooted in mutual trust and respect. Team harmony grows when you take the time to stop and listen to others and when they listen to you; when you respect their feelings and when they respect yours; when you accept their differences and they accept yours; and when you choose to help them and they help you. When people work together to create a positive atmosphere, a feeling of unity, better practices, improved work sessions, and high-quality performance will follow.

If you desire team harmony, begin to foster a team mindset in others by showing a willingness to serve the big picture rather than yourself. Winning teams have players who put the good of the team ahead of themselves.

While there is no secret formula to lead a team with no conflict, there are ways to handle yourself when adversity surfaces:

  1. Resolving conflicts: Work on improving your own communication skills and your own emotional control. When a communication problem exists, even though someone else may have been more responsible for starting it, both sides should work to implement a workable solution.
  2. Making differences work for you: While there are vast individual differences among members of all teams, these differences can work to your advantage and make you stronger as a team. However, the only way you will grow in strength is if everyone is willing to learn from each other, to work together, and to share strengths. Decide as individuals and as a group that you really want to excel, or to be the best you can be. Encourage and support one another.

Everyone on a team is linked together like a family. What you do and how you respond to others affects how they respond to you. In order to achieve harmony, each of us has to do our part in the process. This individual performance brings the team one step closer to unity.

Jake Hurrell Snaps His Way to Scholarship

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snapper Jake Hurrell always knew he wanted to play at the next level. However, he didn’t imagine it would be at the long snapper position.

“My high school coach told me that long snapping can take you somewhere and pay for your college,” said Hurrell.

The redshirt sophomore now has his high school coach to thank for that advice. Hurrell not only received the opportunity to play football at the next level, but also started 14 games last season as a freshman and had two tackles on punt returns. He won the team’s Special Teams Player of the Year award and received the 2013 Spring Team Most Improved Special Teams award.

This season, Mizzou expects big things from Hurrell as he will be the long snapper for all kicks and punts.

“When we’re out there and I look between my legs and see Baggett it’s like alright, another day in the office,” says the St. Charles, Mo., native.

Mizzou fans can look for Hurrell’s snaps on Saturday, September 13, as Mizzou Football takes on The University of Central Florida at The ZOU. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. CT and will air on the SEC Network.

Mizzou-Indiana Game to Kick Off at 3 p.m.

Mizzou Football will face off with the Indiana Hoosiers at 3 p.m. CT. The game will be televised live from The ZOU on the SEC Network.

The Tigers and the Hoosiers have had quite a history together. The upcoming face-off will mark the second straight season and the 12th time overall that the schools will meet on the gridiron. Mizzou claimed a 45-28 victory in Bloomington, Ind., last year.

The September 20 game will be the Hoosier’s first appearance in The ZOU since 1991, where the teams tied 27-27. The tie wasn’t a first for the teams, either; Mizzou and Indiana also played in 1988, ending with a 28-28 standstill. Indiana leads the overall series by a 6-3-2 count.

There are seats still available for the Mizzou-Indiana game, which can be purchased online at www.MUTigers.com, or by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS locally). For Mizzou Football ticket updates, visit MUTigers.com and follow Mizzou Athletics on Twitter @MUTigersdotcom.

Mizzou Football, currently 2-0, is preparing for the arrival of the UCF Knights on September 13 at 11 a.m. in the ZOU. The game will air on the SEC Network and on the radio via Tiger Network affiliates.

#MizzouMade: Darius White

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wide receiver Darius White, Mizzou is his “second home besides Texas.” The redshirt senior from Fort Worth, Texas, says he is proud to be a Mizzou Tiger because of the coaches, players and fans.

In high school, White had 93 catches for 2,293 yards and 35 touchdowns. He was highly recruited out of high school and was ranked the No. 3 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 20 overall prospect at any position by ESPN.

This year, he enters the season at the top of the wide receiver depth chart. Mizzou looks for him to have an explosive season and will rely on his experience this year.

White also had another important reason for why he is proud to be #MizzouMade.

“They’re teaching you right from wrong every day,” said White.

The Mizzou Football program prides itself on developing its athletes both on and off the field. This is clearly demonstrated in the team’s core values: honesty, treating women with respect, no drugs, and respecting cultural differences within the program.

White and the Mizzou Football Family will host the University of Central Florida on Saturday, September 13 at The ZOU. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. CT and can be seen on the SEC Network.

SEC Offensive Player of the Week: Maty Mauk

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quarterback Maty Mauk is the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, due to his incredible 6-touchdown performance against Toledo on Saturday, September 6.

Maybe it was the smell of home cooking that inspired Mauk’s career day—Toledo is only 75 miles from where he competed on Kenton’s high school football field back in the day, setting national records for passing completions, yards, and touchdowns along the way. Mauk’s five passing touchdowns tied his own record, which he set last year when he threw for five TDs against Kentucky, a record he shares with Mizzou Made Chase Daniel, now quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mauk hit four different receivers for five touchdowns through the air, and he added one on the ground on his way to becoming the first Mizzou player to be SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

Mauk also now shares Mizzou’s own single-game touchdown record with former standouts Terry McMillian and Corby Jones, both of which posted their share of the record in 1969 and 1997, respectively.

Mauk credited the performance to his teammates.

“It means a lot, but obviously you can’t do it without the five guys up front protecting me,” Mauk said. “They gave me a ton of time to throw, and our receivers were in the right spots in the right time and it’s my job to get them the ball, so it was a great group effort.”

Mauk and Mizzou will host to the University of Central Florida Knights on September 13. The game is slated to kickoff at 11 a.m. in The ZOU and will air on the SEC Network and on the radio via Tiger Network.

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Mizzou Legacy: 175 Years

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is only One Mizzou, and it has been that way for the past 175 years.

The 2014-2015 academic school year marks the 175th anniversary of The University of Missouri. The years of rich history are visible throughout the 1,262-acre main campus, and through the eyes of Mizzou alumni and faculty who have watched it transform into what it is today.

MU has seen it all. From Vietnam War protests, to the genesis of the computer, to Mizzou Football joining the SEC, it has progressed with the changing generations.

The institution had two students in its first graduating class in 1843. Since then, it has transformed into an economic and academic powerhouse with a $2.1 billion budget, 34,658 students and 271,000 alumni worldwide.

MU boasts 357 buildings and 19,261 acres statewide; 317 degrees and certificates through 18 colleges and schools; more than 100 extension offices; six hospitals and 50+ clinics; nine libraries; and two museums. In addition, the Mizzou campus is a botanical garden with 42,000 plants and trees.

The school is unique because no matter where alumni relocate, they will always be a part of the Mizzou Family, bonded by intellectual drive and electric school pride. The “Mizzou Mafia” and other professional networking systems stay with graduates throughout life.

Rick McGuire, former MU Track and Field Coach and sports psychology professor, is confident that Mizzou’s graduates are the cream of the crop.

“We’re teaching and growing young people who will then go and become great leaders in our communities,” McGuire said. “They will be great doctors in our hospitals and great lawyers in our courtrooms.

When students receive their degrees, they are going out to change the world, not to simply be in the world. Kee Groshong, MU Vice Chancellor Emeritus, says it best:

“It always made me proud when I came and saw the students because they’re such a bright faucet into our future,” Groshong said. “Anybody who believes our country is in trouble should come and spend a day on the college campus and talk to some of these young folks. Then that myth will be dispelled rather rapidly.”

As time passes and life changes, one thing is certain: There will forever be only One Mizzou.

 

 

Mizzou Defeats Toledo 49-24 in the Glass Bowl

was a homecoming of sorts for Head Coach Gary Pinkel and quarterback Maty Mauk, and they made sure it was a memorable one with a dominating 49-24 victory.

Pinkel served as the head coach at Toledo for 10 years before coming to Mizzou, and has the distinction of being the all-time wins leader at both universities. Saturday was his first game back at the Glass Bowl since taking the helm in Columbia in 2001.

Mauk is from Kenton, Ohio, just 75 miles south of Toledo. The sophomore set national high school records for completions (1,353), passing yards (18,932), total yards (22,681) and passing touchdowns (219), and in his first time back playing in Ohio, Mauk tied a Mizzou record with five touchdown.

First Half

Runningback Russell Hansbrough got Mizzou on the board first with a 16-yard touchdown run on their second possession of the game. The junior finished with 84 yards on 14 carries.

Toledo tied the game 7-7 six minutes later, but Mizzou answered with three straight touchdowns to take a 28-7 lead going into halftime.

Mizzou DefenseWith a minute and a half left in the first quarter, Mizzou drove 75 yards on just five plays to regain the lead. Mauk started the drive with a 45-yard bomb to Darius White, and then finished it off by rolling out and finding a wide-open White in the endzone from seven yards out.

After both teams traded punts, Toledo took over at the Mizzou 46-yard line at the 14-minute mark of quarter number two. A two-yard rush and an incomplete pass made it third-and-eight, and Mizzou brought the blitz, forcing the Toledo quarterback throw it up for grabs. Aarion Penton picked off the jump ball and returned it 38 yards to the Toledo 25.

Mauk took over from there, hitting Bud Sasser for 24 yards, and then ran it in himself on a naked bootleg two plays later to extend the Mizzou lead to 21-7.

Toledo got the ball to the Mizzou five-yard line on their ensuing possession, but a 17-yard sack by Markus Golden on third-and-goal forced the Rockets to attempt a 44-yard field goal, which the Tigers blocked, keeping their two-touchdown lead intact.

Mizzou’s defense clamped down yet again on the Rocket’s following possession, and then Marcus Murphy worked his special teams magic, returning the Toledo punt 39 yards to give the Tigers great field position once more. Mauk connected with the jack-of-all-trades for a 26-yard catch-and-run on the very next play, and then hit Jimmie Hunt in the endzone for a 13-yard score.

Second Half

Mizzou continued to exert its dominance on their first possession of the second half, orchestrating a 13-play, 85-yard scoring drive to go up 35-7. The Tigers used a very balanced attack to march down the field, getting 33 yards from Murphy and Hansbrough on the ground, while gaining 31-yards through the air. Mauk also ran it twice for 11 yards and executed a perfect screen to Murphy for a 13-yard score to finish it off.

Maty MaukToledo pulled within two touchdowns with consecutive scoring drives, but Mizzou quickly put an end to the run when they drove 75 yards in just over a minute to extend the lead to 42-21. On third-and-seven from their own 28, Mauk connected with Sasser for 47-yards on a post-route up the middle, and then hit him for a 25-yard touchdown on the very next play.

Mauk threw his fifth and final touchdown with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter when he rolled to his left and threw a perfect ball to Hunt in the endzone for a 12-yard pitch-and-catch.

Mauk finished 21-32 for 325 yards, while also gaining 46 yards rushing on 12 carries. He spread the ball around nicely, as five different receivers had at least two receptions. Sasser led the group with five catches for 121 yards, Hunt hauled in six balls for 71 yards, White had five grabs for 69 yards, and Murphy and tight end Sean Culkin rounded out the receiving corps with three and two catches, respectively. Murphy also added 63 yards on the ground on 13 carries.

Mizzou extended its FBS-leading streak of 46 games with a takeaway with two forced turnovers Saturday. Sasser chased down a Toledo defender in the first quarter and forced a fumble that was recovered by Hunt. Penton’s interception on the next series accounted for the other.

Shane Ray had two sacks to lead the Mizzou pass-rush, and Markus Golden added one of his own. The dynamic duo had a combined 4.0 tackles for loss for 32 yards.

With the victory, Mizzou…

  • Starts 2-0 for the seventh time in the last nine seasons.
  • Has won its first road game of the season for the second consecutive year.
  • Improves its record in non-conference road games to 6-1 since 2006.
  • Improves to 104-63 under Pinkel.

The Tigers return home September 13 to take on the Knights of Central Florida at 11 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and Tiger Network radio affiliates.

 

 

Mizzou Football Nike Uniform Combination: September 6

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Football will return to Head Coach Gary Pinkel’s stomping grounds in the Nike uniform combination of white jerseys and anthracite pants when they take on the Toledo Rockets in Toledo, Ohio, on September 6.

The white jerseys feature anthracite coloring on the shoulders. The pants are also anthracite and feature a tiger-stripe down the side. The helmet is black with the traditional oval tiger head logo and tiger-stripe accents.

Fresh off a dominant 38-18 victory over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The game is set to kickoff at 11:00 a.m. CST and will be broadcast on ESPN and Tiger Network radio affiliates.