The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
41°F
Current Conditions
Overcast clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

No. 16 Missouri rumbles past Minnesota in Citrus Bowl

Kyle Hightower Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. – When Missouri played its best this season, the Tigers stopped the run or ran well themselves. Minnesota found out what happens when the Tigers are successful at both.

Marcus Murphy ran for 159 yards, Russell Hansbrough added 114 yards and a touchdown and No. 16 Missouri beat Minnesota 33-17 on Thursday in the Citrus Bowl.

“We took advantage of some critical turnovers. It’s 23 (wins) – the best back-to-back seasons in Missouri history,” Tigers coach Gary Pinkel said.

Missouri (11-3) also got a big day out of its defense, which held one of the nation’s top rushing offenses to 106 yards on its way to winning its third straight bowl game and reaching 11 victories for the fourth time in school history. Minnesota entered the game averaging nearly 225 yards on the ground.

The Tigers forced three turnovers, led by game MVP Markus Golden, who finished with 10 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. It helped Missouri’s offense settle in after from some early miscues.

“It’s a blessing to be a part of this team. Just to be out here playing,” Golden said. “One of the best days of my life.”

Minnesota (8-5) trailed 19-17 entering the fourth quarter, but Missouri pulled away on Hansbrough’s 78-yard touchdown run and Maty Mauk’s 7-yard scoring pass to Bud Sasser.

Mauk settled down to throw two touchdown passes after interceptions on the Tigers’ first two possessions.

Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner was 21 of 31 for 258 yards and a TD, but was under constant pressure in the second half.

The Tigers used an onside kick to open the third quarter to stretch out their halftime lead to 13-7.

The Golden Gophers responded on the ensuing series with a 54-yard touchdown pass from Leidner to tight end Maxx Williams.

But Missouri quickly answered, needing just three plays after a muffed Minnesota punt for Mauk to give the Tigers a 19-14 lead on an 18-yard TD run.

It tightened to 19-17 by the start of in the fourth quarter before Hansbrough got free and rumbled for his score that put the Tigers’ up by nine with 9:28 to play.