Sep 27, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Russell Hansbrough (32) runs into the end zone for a score in the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
With seven minutes to go on Saturday, Missouri was down 20-7 against South Carolina. They had been shut down for three quarters by a defense that came into the game allowing 46.1 yards per drive, the most in the FBS. Missouri had punted 10 times, two more punts than South Carolina had forced all season. They had not scored since their first possession of the game.
Then the Tigers went 68 yards in 36 seconds, capping off a three-play drive with a one-yard touchdown run by Russell Hansbrough. On the ensuing drive, South Carolina punted the ball away without gaining a yard, and Missouri marched down the field for the game-winning score.
The Tigers were coming off a tough loss at home against Indiana. A loss to South Carolina would have dropped the Tigers to 3-2 on the season, and more notably 0-1 in the conference.
But, of course, they didn’t lose. They pulled out a huge win in their first big test of the year, and have put themselves in great position to take the SEC East division.
Missouri has a hard road ahead, but this was a step in the right direction. After a bye week, they face Todd Gurley and Georgia at home, then go to Florida. The Tigers will probably have to win both of these games to have a shot at the conference title, but after this week, they have a chance.