SB Nation Kansas City - Kentucky at Missouri: Tigers win first SEC game on Homecoming Dayhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48935/kc-fave.png2012-10-28T08:17:13-05:00http://kansascity.sbnation.com/rss/stream/32802072012-10-28T08:17:13-05:002012-10-28T08:17:13-05:00Defense keys Tigers' first SEC win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VvXUFHw6_lFiC47U-7DL1U4N0YU=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2175937/20121027_mjm_ad9_173.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dak Dillon-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Missouri defense turned all three Kentucky lost fumbles into touchdowns in a 33-10 win over the Wildcats on Saturday. The win was the Tigers first in the SEC.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a> finally won their first SEC game this weekend, defeating the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a> 33-10 on Saturday at Faurot Field. Missouri's defense was the key to victory, turning all three Kentucky lost fumbles into touchdowns and shutting out the Wildcats in the second half of the game.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.rockmnation.com/2012/10/27/3562430/mizzou-33-kentucky-10">Via SB Nation's Missouri blog Rock M Nation:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>In all, this was a solid performance. The Mizzou defense allowed 115 yards in Kentucky's first two, incredibly well-scripted drives, then allowed just 64 yards the rest of the way. The offense, meanwhile, took steps forward and backward but controlled the line of scrimmage and eventually found a rhythm.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The solid play of the defense more than made up for an offense that struggled mightily under <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134321/corbin-berkstresser">Corbin Berkstresser</a> much of the game, until he was replaced by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin">James Franklin</a>, still recovering from a sprained MCL. Berkstresser was intercepted on consecutive passes to begin the second half before getting replaced by Franklin.</p>
<p>With Franklin at less than 100 percent, Missouri focused on the ground game Tigers Mizzou running backs <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76613/kendial-lawrence">Kendial Lawrence</a>, Marcus Murphy and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158642/russell-hansbrough">Russell Hansbrough</a> combined for 188 yards on 38 carries, with Lawrence scoring twice on the ground.</p>
<p>With a SEC win under their belts, Missouri now must travel to Gainesville next Saturday to take on a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a> team coming off a tough loss to Georgia.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/missouri-tigers/2012/10/28/3566028/missouri-vs-kentucky-2012-blog-reactionT.J. Doyle2012-10-27T14:43:11-05:002012-10-27T14:43:11-05:00Tigers roar past Wildcats, 33-10
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gVi_wagtmWY4Rdhtp3VLwiN1EQE=/0x0:3991x2661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2145483/20121027_gav_ad9_081.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dak Dillon-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Missouri Tigers earned their first SEC win on Saturday by crushing Kentucky, 33-10.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Missouri Tigers</a> finally broke through to get their first-ever SEC win, using a big second half to defeat the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kentucky-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentucky Wildcats</a> 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 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115141/e-j-gaines" class="sbn-auto-link">E.J. Gaines</a>.</p>
<p>The Missouri offense struggled for much of this game. Starting quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134321/corbin-berkstresser" class="sbn-auto-link">Corbin Berkstresser</a> was ultimately benched after showing some inconsistency, throwing interceptions on consecutive drives. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76613/kendial-lawrence" class="sbn-auto-link">Kendial Lawrence</a>. Lawrence scored a pair of touchdowns and rushed for 108 yards.</p>
<p><b>Box Score Hero</b>: Missouri running back Kendial Lawrence<b> </b>rushed for 108 yards and scored two touchdowns.<b><br></b></p>
<p><b>Rankings Ramifications: </b>None.</p>
<p><b>But Did They Cover?</b> Missouri won, and covered the <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/kentucky-missouri-odds-october-27-2012" target="_blank">15.5-point spread</a>.</p>
<p><b>For More On This Game:</b> Visit <a href="http://rockmnation.com" target="_blank">Rock M Nation</a> for more Missouri football news, and Kentucky fans can gather at <a href="http://aseaofblue.com" target="_blank">A Sea of Blue</a> for more football news.</p>
<p><b>Next Week's Schedule:</b> Missouri travels to Florida on Nov. 3. Kentucky will host Vanderbilt on Nov. 3.</p>
<p><i>This post first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/10/27/3563632/missouri-kentucky-2012-final-score">SB Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/missouri-tigers/2012/10/27/3563806/missouri-kentucky-2012-score-resultsJeremy Mauss2012-10-27T13:32:20-05:002012-10-27T13:32:20-05:00Missouri leads Kentucky 20-10, after 3 quarters
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZBaqRiTpOFnPyUmNpC67HNTMvJ4=/0x97:2495x1760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2141733/20121008_jel_ay3_022.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Blake-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Missouri defense held Kentucky scoreless in the third quarter, and the offense converted a field goal. The Tigers lead 20-10 after three quarters of play.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Missouri Tigers</a>' starting quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134321/corbin-berkstresser" class="sbn-auto-link">Corbin Berkstresser</a> threw interceptions on back-to-back possessions in the third quarter, but luckily the defense was able to keep the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kentucky-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentucky Wildcats</a> off the board. The Tigers defense forced the Wildcats to go three-and-out on all of their third quarter possessions. Then on the final play of the third quarter, the Tigers forced a fumble and recovered the ball deep in Wildcats territory.</p>
<p>With Berkstresser struggling to hold on to the ball, he was benched in favor of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a>. Franklin has been hampered by a sprained MCL, and leading into the game head coach Gary Pinkel did not expect Franklin to see action this week.</p>
<p>Franklin entered the game when the Tigers had the ball at the Wildcats 12-yard line, and on 3rd-and-9, he threw a pass for a one-yard loss. Missouri then lined up and kicked a 31-yard field goal to go up 20-10.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kentucky-vs-missouri-the-rundown/2012/10/27/3563468/missouri-kentucky-2012-score-updateJeremy Mauss2012-10-27T12:38:16-05:002012-10-27T12:38:16-05:00Missouri leads Kentucky, 17-10 at the half
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ie0oM2zhTZ1QPXbdNq6_QU_-bUA=/0x172:2808x2044/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2138929/20120915_jla_ad9_096.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dak Dillon-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Missouri scored late in the second half, and lead Kentucky 17-10 at the half.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a> are both searching for their first SEC win of the year, and at the half it is Missouri who leads Kentucky, 17-10.</p>
<p>The Tigers outscored the Wildcats 7-3 in the quarter, and the one lone touchdown of the quarter came after Kentucky botched snap on a long 53-yard field goal attempt. Missouri took advantage of that error, and drove 10 plays for 52 yards which was capped on a 2-yard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76613/kendial-lawrence">Kendial Lawrence</a> touchdown run.</p>
<p>Both teams have struggled to move the ball, Missouri has just 150 yards of total offense, and Kentucky just 143. Tigers have struggled to move the ball with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134321/corbin-berkstresser">Corbin Berkstresser</a> at quarterback, he is just 8-of-13 for 67 yards, and he could possibly be replaced. Late in the second quarter, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin">James Franklin</a> was seen warming up on the sidelines, and he is cleared to play. So, there could be a quarterback change if Bersktresser continues to struggle.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kentucky-vs-missouri-the-rundown/2012/10/27/3563328/missouri-kentucky-2012-score-updateJeremy Mauss2012-10-27T11:47:40-05:002012-10-27T11:47:40-05:00Mizzou leading UK 10-7 after first quarter
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qykhsoen2t1AkjbFRTXI7egtUoU=/3x0:3993x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2136693/20120908_ajw_ad9_368.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dak Dillon-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sheldon Richardson's forced fumble paid dividend for Mizzou's offense, which is without James Franklin.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Missouri Tigers</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kentucky-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentucky Wildcats</a> enter Saturday in search of their first SEC wins of the season. With a large Homecoming crowd packing Memorial Stadium in Columbia, the Tigers have taken a 10-7 lead after one quarter of play.</p>
<p>Kentucky received the ball to begin the game. They drove it down the field with relative ease, but a great strip by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134326/sheldon-richardson" class="sbn-auto-link">Sheldon Richardson</a>, and then a 60-yard return, helped set up Mizzou for their first touchdown drive of the game. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76613/kendial-lawrence" class="sbn-auto-link">Kendial Lawrence</a> found the end zone with a five-yard rush to make the score 7-0.</p>
<p>The Wildcats responded on their next drive. After a solid kick return put them in good field position, UK needed just four plays to go 50 yards as they tied it up at sevens.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134347/andrew-baggett" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrew Baggett</a> hit a 44-yard field goal late in the quarter to give MU a 10-7 lead. Kentucky has the ball deep in their own territory as the second quarter begins.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/missouri-tigers/2012/10/27/3563160/missouri-kentucky-2012-score-updateScott Coleman2012-10-27T10:59:00-05:002012-10-27T10:59:00-05:00Corbin Berkstresser faces young Kentucky secondary
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZWFZeuVcGSVSA6x9mFjbb-uD_Aw=/0x70:3206x2207/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2133593/20120915_jla_ad9_098.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dak Dillon-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tigers' quarterback Corbin Berkstresser faces a Kentucky secondary that features five true freshman.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Missouri Tigers</a> head into their homecoming matchup against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kentucky-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentucky Wildcats</a> as more than <a href="http://kansascity.sbnation.com/missouri-tigers/2012/10/27/3546056/missouri-kentucky-2012-schedule-game-time-spread/in/3280207" target="_blank">two touchdown</a> favorites ,and one of the big reasons is the youth of the Wildcats' secondary.</p>
<p>Stu Durando of the <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/mizzou-hopes-to-exploit-cats-secondary/article_a49442b5-bf88-5a10-a2f9-0917cad367c1.html" target="_blank">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a> writes the Wildcats have five true freshman in the secondary, with two of those five likely to start. Even with backup <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134321/corbin-berkstresser" class="sbn-auto-link">Corbin Berkstresser</a> starting in place of injured <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a>, Tigers offensive coordinator David Yost says he likes the offense's game plan against the young the Wildcats' defense:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Our game plan is around Corbin and his strengths and what he can do to attack the Kentucky defense."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As Durando points out, the Wildcats are the only team in the country to allow opposing quarterbacks to have a completion percentage of 70 percent against them. Berkstresser only has a completion percentage of 48 right now, so facing such a young secondary could be exactly what he needs to get into a rhythm. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT from Faurot Field.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kentucky-vs-missouri-the-rundown/2012/10/27/3562940/kentucky-vs-missouri-corbin-berkstresserTrevor Zickgraf2012-10-27T07:00:32-05:002012-10-27T07:00:32-05:00Missouri, Kentucky square off for first SEC win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gukScBuTqxakw7Iztru0FCmm4qg=/0x117:3450x2417/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1897079/153590415.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tigers return from a bye week to host Kentucky on Saturday, as both teams will try to notch their first SEC win of the season.</p> <p>As they return from a bye week, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Missouri Tigers</a> play host to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kentucky-wildcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Kentucky Wildcats</a> on Saturday as both teams will be vying for their first Southeastern Conference victory of the season.</p>
<p>Missouri (3-4, 0-4 in the SEC) was last seen on a stormy Oct. 13, when they were blown out by nation's top team, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide" class="sbn-auto-link">Alabama Crimson Tide</a>, 42-10. Redshirt freshman quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134321/corbin-berkstresser" class="sbn-auto-link">Corbin Berkstresser</a> is <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/53744/james-franklin-likely-out-against-kentucky">expected to get the start</a> in place of the injured <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a>, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee in the Tigers' 19-15 loss to Vanderbilt Oct. 6.</p>
<p>Berkstresser was 12-of-29 passing for 126 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions against the Crimson Tide.</p>
<p>The Wildcats (1-7, 0-5 in the SEC) are coming off of a 29-24 loss to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs" class="sbn-auto-link">Georgia Bulldogs</a> on Saturday and have dropped six straight games overall, with their lone victory of the season coming over Kent State on Sept. 8.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/odds">According to OddsShark</a>, the game spread opened at 15½ points in favor of the Tigers but has since dropped, currently sitting with Missouri as 13½-point favorites.</p>
<p>Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT at Faurot Field, and the game will be televised on ESPNU and WatchESPN.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/missouri-tigers/2012/10/27/3546056/missouri-kentucky-2012-schedule-game-time-spreadGriffin Gotta2012-10-25T08:13:21-05:002012-10-25T08:13:21-05:00Mizzou, Pinkel seek SEC win vs. Kentucky
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fKWnI_1Siafj-oGpKveDf0kso3A=/0x154:2747x1985/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1994745/152051785.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Missouri coach Gary Pinkel credits the Kentucky Wildcats while his team seeks their first SEC win.</p> <p>Four games into their SEC lives, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a> still find themselves without a conference win. They hope that changes Saturday with their homecoming game against the perennial league-doormat <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a>.</p>
<p>The Wildcats are also winless in the conference at 0-5, with an overall record of 1-7. That's nothing new for Kentucky, but Missouri is coming off a successful final few years in the Big 12. Kentucky might be the Tigers' best chance this season to get an in-conference win in the SEC this season. After the Wildcats, the Tigers still have road games with the No. 23 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a>, Tennessee and No. 22 Texas A&M.</p>
<p>Still, even though Kentucky has had its usual troubles this season, Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel credited the Wildcats recently as a "good football team" <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102212aac.html">at his weekly press conference</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"They've also had their problems throughout the season. I think they are a very good football program, especially as they build. But then again, as I look at this whole thing, it's all about us, and how we play and how we go out there and compete for this win. We're going to work real hard to do that and we're excited about the opportunity to get back to work. ... They have talent and they are a good football team. They played a really good Georgia team tough, but what we need to do is get back to us, and to get ourselves playing better."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Missouri Tigers take on the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT, and the game will be televised by ESPNU.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/missouri-tigers/2012/10/25/3553120/kentucky-vs-missouri-sec-footballKevin Jeffers