Mizzou’s Offense Explodes in Second Half, Sneaks Win at Oklahoma

Drew Pyne was given a nearly impossible task when he was asked to fill in for Brady Cook against both Auburn and Alabama. He had to replace the Missouri Tigers’ starters at quarterback. He had three interceptions in Week 9 against Alabama.

This time, Pyne was given enough time to prepare as the starter against the Oklahoma Sooners. Cook was officially listed as sidelined on Friday, marking the first game he has missed since a duel against the Arkansas Razorbacks on November 26, 2021.

Pyne was overwhelmed at the beginning of the game, but his confidence never wavered. By the end of the night, he was one of the leading forces behind Missouri’s thrilling 30-23 victory.

“I’ve been through a lot in my career,” Pyne said. “So, you know, I’ve never had any confidence issues myself. Once you start making plays… get first down and make a little first down sign, a little thing like that gets the offense going.”

By the end of the first half, it looked like Pyne’s night wouldn’t be much different than his last two games. He had 23 total passing yards and 6-of-11 pass completions, while the running game totaled 65 yards — just 88 yards as a combined offense.

The five-yard total that marked the end of the Tigers’ first quarter was also the fewest yards gained in a quarter for the program since 2011.

Not only did Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold finish with more passing yards than Pyne, but punter Luke Elzinga did the same. They each totaled 43 passing yards and built a 9-3 advantage before the start of the second half.

The outlook for Missouri’s offense looked grim.

But neither Pyne nor head coach Eli Drinkwitz had any doubt that they would turn the game around and beat the Sooners in the first meeting between the programs since 2011.

“We had a game plan that fit exactly who (Pyne) is,” Drinkwitz said. “I mean, just perfect. Pushing the pocket, making big throws to Luther Burden… there wasn’t even a shadow of a doubt in this building.”

Pyne played completely differently in the second half. He improved his numbers to 143 passing yards, three touchdowns and 14-of-27 pass completions. Momentum began to build after a 13-yard touchdown run by Theo Wease Jr. for a 10-9 lead at 5:43 of the third quarter.

As the Tigers took a 16-9 lead with 8:47 left in the fourth quarter, Pyne hit tight end Brett Norfleet for a 5-yard touchdown pass.

Setting up the run was also key to the offense and gave Pyne some breathing room from taking full responsibility on the field. Running back Jamal Roberts particularly stood out, finishing with 54 yards on 13 carries.

The acceleration of the running game was as important for the receivers as Pyne.

“The run game is always good for receivers because it will increase the safety. Then we’ll get a different conversion out there,” Wease Jr. said. “So it’s definitely good to set up the run early like we did before and we ended up connecting when we needed to.”

Still, Roberts gave Missouri a scare of his own.

Roberts took the snap at 2:06 after running back Nate Noel had two carries for 15 yards. He picked up three yards, but fumbled the football on a kick by linebacker Sammy Omoshigo at the Missouri 40-yard line. Linebacker Billy Bowman Jr. He returned it 43 yards to tie the game at 23 points.

With the ball back in their hands, Pyne did not hesitate. He found Luther Burden III on a 35-yard gain down the left side of the field with 1:16 left, and two plays later he lifted the football over the Oklahoma defense and into Wease Jr.’s arm for a 10-yard touchdown. 1:03 mark.

“Theo is very driven. I know every time we go to him he will do absolutely everything he can to catch him and get him as far as possible,” Pyne said. “He’s a great leader for our team. Those two guys are great.”

From there, Zion Young’s 17-yard punt returned the ball and sealed the deal for the Tigers with just 22 seconds left.

Missouri wouldn’t have been able to get the win if their “Death Row” defense hadn’t forced four fumble recoveries, but regardless, Pyne and the offense stepped up and did their job. The results and reactions after Alabama may have been disheartening to many, but in the locker room they were ready to win.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of Drew Pyne for all the crap he’s done. I feel like I have to defend my quarterback here all the time,” Drinkwitz said. “He goes out there and puts in the highlights of the fourth quarter.”

“I’m so thankful that these guys believed in me,” Pyne said. “After Alabama, everyone in the locker room came up to me and told me they loved me and that I would be back. We will be back. … I’m so thankful.”

Despite all the criticism, this time Pyne came out on top.

What about the support of his team? It never disappeared.