And in a game of need, the Tigers’ tailback who has taken over this offense delivered.
Hardy — supported by Jamal Roberts, the other half of MU’s backfield tandem, and the mobility of quarterback Beau Pribula, it must be noted — led a banner day for the Mizzou ground game.
A dominant difference in rushing ability between No. 23 Missouri (4-0, 1-0) and South Carolina (2-2, 0-2) helped the Tigers mask other imperfections for a 29-20 win in their Southeastern Conference opener on Saturday.
For all of its flaws — and it does have some — Mizzou found the foothold it needed to dispatch a reeling South Carolina team and bring the Mayor’s Cup trophy back to Columbia, Missouri.