Well, it was close.
This was the kind of back-and-forth game that causes heartbreak for both sides throughout, but in the end it was the hearts of Tiger fans that were torn to pieces as Franklin's last pass in overtime fell into the corner of the end zone. The Sun Devils endured with a 37-30 edge. At the start of the 4th quarter, Arizona State held a 30-16 lead. Franklin led the Mizzou offense down the field and scored twice to tie the game, and moved the ball again to set up a potential game-winning field goal from 48 yards out. Pinkel's questionable decision to seemingly ice his own kicker, twice, (calling two timeouts just before the kick) undoubtedly outraged Mizzou fans. But in the end the kick hooked left, and the captains headed onto the field for the overtime coin toss. ASU went on offense first and hooked up for the score, and their defense held. The Sun Devils won a heartbreaker in the desert.
- Questionable coaching leads to a missed FG that forced OT, ending what would have been a remarkable Tiger comeback. The Sun Devils hang on 37-30.
Tiger fans are hurt. They're confused. Missouri's 22-game non-conference win streak is finally snapped. But the outlook is not all bad. Missouri recovers at home this week with what should be an easy victory over FCS opponent Western Illinois, and with the vastly improved play of QB Franklin, the offensive numbers should be more like what Tiger fans are used to. Though the "1" in the loss column is a number Tiger fans haven't seen in the first four weeks of the season for a very long time.
- The Tiger's 22-game non-conference win streak is snapped.
The numbers were almost completely even, down the final score. The Tigers had 24 first downs to ASU's 25, and outgained the Sun Devils just 501 to 492. Both teams looked unimpressive on third down, each converting only 3 - though the Tigers faced 3rd down 15 times to ASU's 9. Both teams also put up outrageous numbers in another category - penalty yards. Missouri had 11 penalties for 114 yards, and ASU had 12 for 110. With both teams giving up the length of the football field in penalties, flags undeniably contributed to the outcome of the game. The Sun Devils have struggled with penalties and lost many close games because of it, but the same behavior is uncharacteristic of Missouri. It allowed the Sun Devils to stay in the game despite their own foolish mistakes. It was one such mistake - a muffed punt recovered by MU (right after ASU took a 14 point lead) - that led to Missouri's comeback.
- After a muffed punt, ASU penalties kept a Mizzou touchdown drive alive, then stalled ASU's offense, leading to another MU score to tie the game.
While last week's game was a discouraging win for the Tigers, this game should be very encouraging despite the loss. Franklin has matured as a player and a decision maker by leaps and bounds in the past 6 days. He finished the day with 2 passing TD's, a rushing TD, and zero interceptions. His leadership was impressive as he led the Tigers towards victory late in the 4th. The field goal and the coaching decisions surrounding it were not under Franklin's control. I was most impressed with how good Franklin looked good throwing the ball, missing his targets outright on very rare occasions. More impressive still than his accuracy was his confidence. He looked comfortable throwing the ball, and when scrambling kept his eyes down-field instead of immediately tucking and running. The MU coaching staff had more faith in their sophomore QB as well, putting the game on his arm more often than his legs. It will be interesting to see how this Missouri team fares in conference play under the leadership of this talented young man.
- Franklin finished the night with 2 passing TD's, a rushing TD, and no interceptions. His confidence throwing the ball was encouraging for Tiger fans.
After Mizzou's win over Miami Ohio, I criticized the Missouri defense when most praised them. Arizona State's excellent quarterback play exposed the MU secondary yet again. It is difficult to defend a successful passing attack led by a talented QB, but a little tighter coverage wouldn't hurt. On ASU's first 3 drives they moved the ball very successfully through the air, resulting in 10 points (1 TD, 1 FG, 1 missed FG). On their fourth drive of the game, they went over the top on the very first play and hooked up for a 60 yard TD pass. Missouri's defense tightened up in the second half, but it was the superior speed of ASU's receivers, their ability to make plays in space, and the play of ASU's talented quarterback that allowed them to continue scoring points. ASU QB Osweiler finished the day with 353 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. (ASU receiver Jamal Miles even finished the day with a passing TD on a trick play).
- Early in the game ASU shredded the MU secondary with ease, but the MU defense tightened up after the half. Still, much improvement will be needed to stop Big 12 offenses.
Missouri fans may be heartbroken, but they have to be looking forward to the future. Franklin has answered the question mark that hovered over his head this preseason. Ultimately the loss to non-conference ASU doesn't impact the Tigers too much. They will look to rebound strong in conference play, and with Franklin continuing to develop, there's always next year to look forward to.
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