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Box Score
By: Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
ORLANDO, Fla. – Missouri made its way to Orlando this week to take on the University of Central Florida, and although the Tigers were close to Disney World, the Knights were anything but accommodating. After a four quarter battle that saw UCF run 83 offensive plays, Mizzou (3-2, 0-2 SEC) escaped from Brighthouse Networks Stadium with a 21-16 win.
UCF (2-2) took a lead into the half after outgaining Mizzou 269 yards to 154 in the first two quarters. The Knights controlled the clock for 21:59 in the half and ran 54 plays to the Tigers’ 23. The lone score of the half for Missouri came on an explosive 80-yard pass from James Franklin to freshman wide-out Dorial Green-Beckham.
Missouri would respond in the second half, however, outscoring the Knights 14-6 in the decisive half to notch a road victory and stay perfect in non-conference play this season. Franklin completed 19 of his 30 pass attempts on the day to go along with his one touchdown, and Kendial Lawrence hit the century mark on the ground for the Tigers, averaging 5.5 yards on 19 carries.
Green-Beckham’s 80-yard score marked his only reception of the afternoon, and it was his first collegiate touchdown.
Statistical Leaders
Missouri
Passing – James Franklin, 19-for-30, 257 yards, TD, INT
Rushing – Kendial Lawrence, 19 car, 104 yards, TD
Receiving – Dorial Green-Beckham, 1 rec, 80 yards, TD
UCF
Passing – Blake Bortles, 29-for-43, 267 yards, 2 TD
Rushing – Storm Johnson, 15 car, 93 yards
Receiving – J.J. Worton, 5 rec, 56 yards
Quick Notes
· Shawn Moffitt’s 42-yard field goal in the first quarter for UCF marked the first time all season that the Missouri defense has allowed a point to its opponent in the first quarter.
· Mizzou’s trip to Brighthouse Networks Stadium marked the first time that UCF has ever hosted an SEC team at home. The Knights are now 25-10 in the stadium since it was built in 2007.
· Coincidentally, this game was the first of three straight for Missouri against teams that will be coming off a bye week.