Missouri’s football renaissance continued Saturday night as the No. 23 Tigers powered past South Carolina 29-20, notching their first 4-0 start since 2013 and sending a clear message to the SEC: this team is for real.
Tigers Dominate on the Ground
From the opening whistle, Missouri leaned heavily on its
ground game, racking up a staggering 285 rushing yards on 52 carries. Ahmad Hardy was the workhorse, bulldozing his way to 138 yards and a touchdown, while Jamal Roberts added a crucial 16-yard score late in the contest.
Quarterback Beau Pribula managed the game with poise, throwing for 171 yards and a touchdown, but it was his leadership on a clutch fourth-quarter drive—capped by a successful two-point conversion—that put the Tigers ahead for good.
South Carolina’s Air Raid Falls Short
South Carolina’s offense, led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers, found success through the air. Sellers threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns, keeping the Gamecocks within striking distance all night. However, Missouri’s defense completely stifled the run, holding South Carolina to an astonishing
minus-9 rushing yards—a stat that ultimately doomed the visitors.
Despite Sellers’ heroics, the Gamecocks couldn’t sustain drives in the fourth quarter. Missouri’s defense clamped down, forcing two critical three-and-outs and finishing the night with eight tackles for loss, including five sacks.
Key Moments and Turning Points
-
Fourth Quarter Surge: With the game hanging in the balance, Missouri’s offense orchestrated a methodical drive, capped by Roberts’ touchdown and Pribula’s two-point conversion, swinging momentum firmly in the Tigers’ favor.
-
Defensive Stand: Missouri’s front seven dominated late, shutting down any hope of a South Carolina comeback with relentless pressure and disciplined tackling.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
-
Missouri Tigers: The Tigers will look to keep their perfect season alive as they host UMass next Saturday, riding high on confidence and a surging run game.
-
South Carolina Gamecocks: The Gamecocks return home to face Kentucky on September 27, searching for answers after a tough road loss and a struggling ground attack.
Expert Take: Missouri’s Statement Win
This victory is more than just another tick in the win column for Missouri. It’s a statement that the Tigers are a legitimate threat in the SEC, blending a punishing run game with a defense that can close out games. For South Carolina, the loss exposes a glaring weakness in the run game and raises questions about their ability to compete against the conference’s elite.
Key Stats:| Team | Rushing Yards | Passing Yards | Sacks (Defense) | Final Score |
|----------------|---------------|---------------|-----------------|-------------|
| Missouri | 285 | 171 | 5 | 29 |
| South Carolina | -9 | 302 | 0 | 20 |
Takeaways and Future Implications
-
Missouri’s physicality up front is setting the tone for their season.
-
South Carolina must address its run-blocking woes to stay competitive in the SEC.
- The Tigers’ 4-0 start puts them in early contention for a major bowl bid if they can maintain this momentum.
Sources
1. South Carolina Gamecocks at No. 23 Missouri Tigers - YouTube
2. Daily Podcast On South Carolina Gamecocks Football & Basketball
3. Mizzou Football: Five Takeaways from the 29-20 win over South Carolina
4. #SECBASKETBALLFEVER: Weekend Edition - Rock M Nation
5. Football Falls to Missouri on Saturday Night
6. [PDF] Banned Books Week - UFDC Image Array 2 - University of Florida
7. South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Missouri Tigers Live Score and Stats
8. CBS Sports - News, Live Scores, Schedules, Fantasy Games, Video ...
9. Postgame: (Missouri) Shane Beamer News Conference 09/20/25
10. [PDF] 'Hard power is a reality' - Stars and Stripes ePaper
