The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference
The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference
Columbia, MO

Mizzou tops South Carolina for first SEC win of season

2918 days ago
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri's 24-10 victory against South Carolina Saturday marked the first time in the history of the Southeastern Conference that two true freshman quarterbacks started in the same game.

In the end, one proved more effective than the other.

Drew Lock started at quarterback for Missouri in place of Maty Mauk, who was suspended Tuesday for violating team policies. Lock completed 21 of 28 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Tigers (4-1, 1-1) win their first conference game of the season.

Lorenzo Nunez threw three interceptions in his second start for the Gamecocks (2-3, 0-3), finishing 15 of 24 for 172 yards and a touchdown. He also led the team in rushing with 15 carries for 60 yards.

Nunez's only touchdown pass was nearly intercepted by Aarion Penton near the goal line, but bounced off his hands into the hands of Shon Carson, who crossed the plane for an 8-yard score.

Pharoh Cooper led the Gamecocks in receiving with nine catches for 102 yards. David Williams had nine rushes for 40 yards, but South Carolina was limited to just 5 yards rushing in the first half.

Missouri captains Kenya Dennis and Ian Simon recorded their first interceptions of the season, as did defensive end Walter Brady. Brady also had two sacks, both on third down.

The Tigers gained a season-high 163 rushing yards on 42 attempts. Ish Witter had 17 carries for 98 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Russell Hansbrough had 11 rushes for 43 yards.

Tight end Jason Reese had career-highs in catches and receiving yards in place of Sean Culkin, who will miss at least two weeks with a sprained right knee. Reese finished with six receptions for 47 yards.

Nate Brown had six catches for 33 yards and two touchdowns. Brown is the team's leading receiver with 17 catches for 192 yards and four touchdowns on the season.

Kentrell Brothers started for Missouri and recorded seven tackles, including 1 1/2 for loss. Brothers leads the nation in tackles with 59, but was listed as questionable heading into the game after injuring his left ankle in a 21-13 loss at Kentucky last Saturday.

The Tigers host No. 25 Florida next Saturday in the school's 104th homecoming. South Carolina will return home to face No. 9 LSU.