COLUMBIA, Mo. — A week after South Carolina freshman quarterback Ryan Hilinski defied his age and inexperience and stood tall against mighty Alabama, Missouri’s defense had a plan for the rookie.
On a day when Mizzou’s offense wasn’t sharp, coach Barry Odom’s defense overwhelmed a third straight opponent on Faurot Field and produced two defensive touchdowns, a dominant day along the trenches and a battered quarterback. In the 34-14 victory, the Tigers held South Carolina to 271 yards of offense. It was the same Gamecocks offense that moved the ball 459 yards against Alabama seven days earlier.
Unlike the Crimson Tide, Mizzou kidnapped Hilinski’s best friend, the Gamecocks’ usually trusty and rugged running game.