With Mizzou’s offense off to a slow start, the new-look defense of coordinator Blake Baker came up with a trio of first-half interceptions, including one that Joseph Charleston returned for a score. And that was all the spark needed for the Missouri offense, who got on a roll behind heralded recruit Luther Burden III in a 52-24 victory over Louisiana Tech.
Brady Cook, who won the starting job in fall camp, threw for 196 yards with an interception and a touchdown run. And the trio of Cody Schrader, Nathaniel Peat and BJ Harris in the backfield each reached the end zone.
Yet it was Burden, the five-star prospect from St. Louis, who delivered on the hype. He caught a swing pass from Cook before making one defender miss and splitting two more for his first score, then he took a direct snap and ran for another.
Charleston’s pick-six early in the second quarter came two plays after Schrader catapulted into the end zone to give Missouri an early 7-3 lead.
Missouri visits the former Big 12-rival Kansas State Wildcats Saturday September 10th.