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By: Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri received a rough welcome to the Southeastern Conference last week from Georgia and was looking to rebound against visiting Arizona State on Saturday. The Tigers did just that, but they had to withstand a 13-point fourth quarter from ASU to win 24-20.
Mizzou (2-1, 0-1 SEC) won the game without the services of starting quarterback James Franklin, who sat out due to injury. Backup Corbin Berkstresser filled in and threw for 198 yards while leaning on the production of veteran runner Kendial Lawrence, who scored two rushing touchdowns for the Tigers.
Missouri struck first on the game’s opening drive when Andrew Baggett converted a 46-yard field goal. On the ensuing drive, Berstresser found the end zone on a six-yard scamper to push the Tiger lead to 10-0.
Lawrence capped off a four-play, 18-yard drive for Mizzou in the second quarter with a seven-yard scoring run but Arizona State (2-1) answered before the half with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Kelly to D.J. Foster, and the Sun Devils trailed by 10 at the break.
Maurice Grice ran for two scores in the fourth quarter, but Missouri was able to hold the Sun Devils off long enough to secure the win.
Statistical Leaders
Missouri
Passing – Corbin Berkstresser, 21-for-41, 198 yards, INT
Rushing – Kendial Lawrence, 16 car, 62 yards, 2 TD
Receiving – T.J. Moe, 8 rec, 88 yards
Arizona State
Passing – Taylor Kelly, 14-for-23, 177 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing – Taylor Kelly, 14 car, 52 yards
Receiving – Marion Grice, 2 rec, 45 yards