Final: UConn Drop Kicked By Missouri, 52-12

With a chance to change the course of the season and make a statement against a “power five” visitor, the UConn Huskies fell flat at home in a big loss to Missouri, 52-12.

UConn got on the board first with a safety after a long snap went over the head of Missouri punter Corey Fatony and through the back of the end zone, but the Tigers responded with three touchdowns in the first quarter to quickly put the game out of reach. The only other Husky points in the first half were from a Michael Tarbutt field goal.

Missouri quarterback Drew Lock finished with 377 passing yards and five touchdowns while completing 31 of 37 attempts. The Tigers were moving the ball at will, completing seven passes for more than 15 yards, including a 72-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

UConn was not nearly as proficient. In fact, Missouri’s 7.6 yards per play doubled UConn’s and the Huskies didn’t score a touchdown until the game was well out of hand late in the third quarter. Kevin Mensah scored that touchdown and was the team’s leading rusher with 64 yards on 16 attempts. Receiver Hergy Mayala caught nine passes for 116 yards to lead the Husky pass-catchers.

There was just nothing good or well done in any phase of the game. The Huskies need to pick up the pieces quickly, however, as No. 17 South Florida comes into town next week followed by a visit to No. 18 UCF.