Connecticut Huskies vs Missouri Tigers Box Score on Sep 19, 2015

The Sports Xchange
Sep 19, 2015

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- No. 22 Missouri needed a fourth-quarter defensive stand to hold off Connecticut, 9-6, in a nonconference game on Saturday.

The Huskies lined up on fourth-and-four for a 42-yard field-goal attempt, but instead ran a fake.

Back-up quarterback Tim Boyle, the holder, fluttered a soft pass over the middle, but Missouri safety Anthony Sherrils intercepted the pass and returned it 50 yards to UConn's 37-yard line.

Missouri ran out the clock to end the game, escaping with a win in a game that saw only two touchdowns. The Tigers came to life offensively just long enough to eek out the win.

Trailing, 6-2, at halftime with only 114 total yards, Missouri gained 134 yards and its only touchdown of the game in the third quarter.

Facing a fourth-and-goal from the two-yard line, quarterback Maty Mauk ran the ball for a touchdown on the option.

Missouri has outscored opponents, 48-3, in the third quarter.

Mauk completed 14-of-22 passes for 145 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception.

But it was one of the few bright spots for an offense that has struggled through two games, and was without starting running back Russell Hansbrough.

Hansbrough injured an ankle in the opener, played sparingly a week ago and was ruled out for Saturday earlier in the week.

Connecticut tried to spark itself with two fourth-down fakes.

The Huskies also sent their field-goal unit onto the field, but instead lined up Boyle in the shotgun. Boyle's pass intended for an open receiver was thrown too soft and Missouri linebacker Donavin Newsom batted it down.

The Huskies' only touchdown came after a turnover by Mauk. UConn safety Jhavon Williams intercepted his pass and returned it 17 yards to Missouri's 35-yard line.

Five plays later, Ron Johnson scored on a six-yard rush. However, the extra point attempt was blocked by Missouri linebacker Kentrell Brothers.

Johnson finished with 23 yards on 14 carries, and the Huskies ran for only 77 yards on 33 carries.

Missouri's only first-half points came on a blocked punt by linebacker Clarence Green in the first quarter, resulting in a safety when the ball rolled through the back of the end zone.

NOTES: DT Terry Beckner Jr. and three other Missouri freshmen were involved in a car accident on Friday. WR Keyon Dilosa and DeSean Blair did not play against UConn, but Beckner was available. The other player, RB Trevon Walters, has been out since tearing an ACL during the spring. ... Missouri freshman QB Drew Lock played two series.