By Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri played its first football game as a member of the Southeastern Conference on Saturday against SE Louisiana and put on an offensive show for the rest of the conference’s defenses to be wary of. Quarterback James Franklin led the way with an early touchdown pass and running back Kendial Lawrence followed his lead to the tune of 121 yards and two touchdowns en route to a 62-10 win for the Tigers.
Missouri sprinted past SE Louisiana right out of the gate and never looked back. In a four-minute stretch in the first quarter, Mizzou coupled two offensive touchdowns with a pair of defensive scores to build a quick 28-0 lead. Lawrence provided the most explosive play of the spurt for Missouri with a 76-yard touchdown sprint.
Lawrence didn’t need to cover as much ground on his next TD run, which came in the form of a 1-yard plunge behind a surging offensive line. The senior’s second score gave the Tigers a four-touchdown lead early in the second half that was more than sufficient for the Tiger defense to work with.
The Missouri defense limited SE Louisiana to just 58 yards on the ground for the game, and Mizzou outgained its opposition by over 200 yards despite running 10 fewer plays.
Statistical Leaders
Missouri
Passing – James Franklin, 13-of-21, 131 yards, 1 TD
Rushing – Kendial Lawrence, 10 car, 121 yards, 2 TD
Receiving – Jimmie Hunt, 2 rec, 43 yards, 1 TD
SE Louisiana
Passing – Nathan Stanley, 21-of-33, 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing – Michael Chaney, 14 car, 35 yards
Receiving – Jeff Smiley, 5 rec, 44 yards, 1 TD