Missouri Football: Offense explodes for 51 first half points against Idaho

Playing outside the conference seems to be just what the doctor ordered for Missouri football. The Tigers jumped all over Idaho with 51 first-half points in their homecoming game in Columbia.

Missouri set a school-record for points in a half with 51 as quarterback Drew Lock has put up over 400 yards through the air, and already has five touchdown passes. The previous record for points in a half came in 1979 when the Tigers laid 45 on San Diego State. The Tigers are also the first FBS team to score 50 points in a half this season.

Lock’s four first-quarter touchdown passes ties him with Josh Rosen of UCLA and Josh Jackson of Virginia Tech with the most in a quarter by Power 5 quarterbacks.

The Tigers are desperately seeking a win, as they sit at 1-5 overall, having lost five straight. A sparse homecoming crowd seems to be taking in the action at Faurot Field.

The Tigers did put up 72 points in a Week 1 dismantling of Missouri State. However, most considered Idaho a formidable opponent that had a decent chance of pulling an upset.

With another out-of-conference game next Saturday against Connecticut, now’s as good as time as any for an offensive showcase. The Tigers finish with 4-straight games against SEC opponents, and wins will be hard to come by.

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Lock is also within striking distance of his season-high of 521 yards he put up against the Bears in Week 1. He needs two more touchdown throws to equal the seven he threw in that game. Obviously, Missouri fans are liking what they’re seeing today. More of it down the stretch by Lock and company will be just what the doctor ordered for the Tigers and embattled coach Barry Odom.