COLUMBIA, MO. • The last time Missouri hosted an FCS team to open a season, Missouri State raised blood pressures across Boone County with a game closer than anyone expected.
For the price of $475,000, the Tigers comfortably survived their easiest game on the schedule, unlike last year’s visit from Missouri State, when the Bears left Mizzou’s defense in flames in a 72-43 shootout. The competition picks up next week when Wyoming visits Columbia, but for a season opener following multiple coaching changes, including a new offensive coordinator, the Tigers (1-0) barely broke a sweat, outgaining UT-Martin 558-277 in total yardage.