Missouri State head coach Dave Steckel’s return to Columbia ended with a Bears loss on Saturday in the season opener for both teams at Memorial Stadium.
Mizzou, where Steckel worked as an assistant coach for 14 years, pulled away in the second half to beat MSU 72-43 in the much-anticipated matchup.
Saturday was the first game between the varsity teams at Mizzou and MSU since 1923, and both offenses flexed their muscles in the first half.
Each team scored touchdowns on its first three possessions, and the Bears led 21-20 after the first quarter.
Missouri State continued to stay with the Tigers in the second quarter, leading 35-34, before Mizzou went into halftime up 48-35.