Kentucky vs. Missouri final score: Tigers defeats Wildcats, 33-10, for first SEC victory

The Missouri Tigers finally broke through to get their first-ever SEC win, using a big second half to defeat the Kentucky Wildcats 33-10. Credit needs to go to the Missouri defense, who shut out Kentucky in the second half, and forced three total turnovers, including a fumble returned for a touchdown by E.J. Gaines.

The Missouri offense struggled for much of this game. Starting quarterback Corbin Berkstresser was ultimately benched after showing some inconsistency, throwing interceptions on consecutive drives. James Franklin entered the game late in the third quarter in his place. Franklin was unlikely to see the field as he was still recovering from a sprained MCL, but he was cleared to play if needed.

Kentucky had chances early in the third quarter off of the two Berkstresser interceptions, but their first chance led to a three-and-out, then their other chance resulted in a missed 47-yard field goal. Missouri's defense held Kentucky's offense to a three-and-out or a forced turnover in six of their seven second-half possessions.

Franklin did not put up many yards, but most importantly he did not turn the ball over. The offense kept feeding the ball to running back Kendial Lawrence. Lawrence scored a pair of touchdowns and rushed for 108 yards.

Box Score Hero: Missouri running back Kendial Lawrence rushed for 108 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Rankings Ramifications: None.

But Did They Cover? Missouri won, and covered the 15.5-point spread.

For More On This Game: Visit Rock M Nation for more Missouri football news, and Kentucky fans can gather at A Sea of Blue for more football news.

Next Week's Schedule: Missouri travels to Florida on Nov. 3. Kentucky will host Vanderbilt on Nov. 3.

This post first appeared on SB Nation.