April 20, 2002
COLUMBIA, Mo.- The Missouri defense capped off of an excellent Spring on Saturday with a 38-28 victory over the Missouri offense in the 2002 Black and Gold Game at Memorial Stadium. The defense scored 16 points on four turnovers, and another 12 points on three-and-outs to hold off the Mizzou offense.
The game was tied 4-4 after the first quarter. Redshirt freshmen Ben Lambert kicked a 38-yard field goal with 2:56 remaining in the quarter for three offensive points. The defense picked up its' four first quarter points when the first team defense held the second team offense to a three-and-out and a forced punt.
The offense scored two second quarter touchdowns to take a 21-15 lead into halftime. Redshirt freshman Brad Smith hit senior wide receiver Justin Gage in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown strike. Gage had 6 receptions for 49 yards on the day. The other first half touchdown came on a 7-yard run by Zack Abron (6 carries, 23 yards).
The defense took the lead in the third quarter. Sophomore Marcus King intercepted a pass thrown by redshirt freshman quarterback Santino Riccio and returned it 35 yards for 10 defensive points. The touchdown gave the defense a 26-25 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
The defense picked up additional points in the fourth quarter thanks to two offensive turnovers. Redshirt freshman A.J. Kincade recovered a fumble in the red zone and sophomore Ryan Edwards intercepted a Riccio pass late in the game as the defense won the game 38-28.
The battle for the number one quarterback position will carry into the fall. Smith was 12-for-21 on the day for 89 yards and a touchdown. Senior Kirk Farmer played very well, completing 11-of-18 passes for 118 yards. His only blemish was a first quarter interception by R.J. Jones.
Sophomore Thomson Omboga proved why he was voted the "Most Improved" wide receiver this spring. Omboga pulled in 7 receptions for 56 yards on the day.
Overall, Head Coach Gary Pinkel was pleased with the play of his Tigers.
"We made some progress this spring. Now we will focus on getting better this summer. I'm pleased overall, but I'm never satisfied. I'm in the business of problem solving. We still have problem areas. We will look at the problem areas and work on those areas to get those corrected. I really don't focus on the positives too much."
Pinkel also spoke about the added toughness and competitive nature of his team.
"We're a lot more competitive now. I love it. That's what you have to do to get better, work hard and compete. You have to come in here wanting to compete."
Most Improved Player Awards The following Missouri players were named "Most Improved" at their respective positions for the Spring and were announced at halftime of the Black and Gold Game: Offensive Lineman - Scott Paffrath, Wide Receiver - Thomson Omboga, Offensive Back -Brad Smith, Tight End - J.D. McCoy, Defensive Line - Terrell Mills, Linebacker - Brandon Smith, Outside Safety - Quincy Wade, Defensive Back - Brandon Barnes, Special Forces - Zach Strom.
Missouri Football Reunion: The 2002 Missouri Football Reunion was a big success on Saturday afternoon. Over 250 former players were in attendance.
ESPN The Magazine: All-American candidate Justin Gage signed a number of autographs following Saturday's Black and Gold Game, including copies of this week's ESPN The Magazine, which features a short story on Gage in the magazine's college football section.
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Gold (Offense) 4 17 3 4 28
Black (Defense) 4 11 11 12 38
Attendance - 5,478
SCORING PLAYS
? Gold - Ben Lambert, 38-yd. Field Goal - 2:56, 1st Quarter
? Gold - Justin Gage, 13-yd. Pass from Brad Smith (Lambert PAT) - 9:55, 2nd Quarter
? Gold - Zack Abron, 7-yd. Run (Lambert PAT) - 3:50, 2nd Quarter
? Black - Marcus King, 35-yd. Interception Return (No kick) - 10:37, 3rd Quarter
BONUS POINTS
? Gold - 8 Points for 8 First Downs
? Black - 16 Points for 4 Turnovers, 12 Points for 4 Three & Outs, 4 Points for 4 Punts Forced
PASSING: Brad Smith (12-21, 89 Yards, 1 TD), Kirk Farmer (11-18, 118 yards, 1 INT), Santino Riccio (6-21, 30 yards, 2 INT, Allen Thomas (1-1, 24 yards)
RUSHING: Zack Abron 6-23, Chad Giffen 5-12, Tyrone Roberson 5-11, Brad Smith 4-22, Kirk Farmer 2-28, T.J. Leon 2-6, Jonathan Howard 2-2, Santino Riccio 1-4, Shan Schauffler 1-(-2).
RECEIVING: Thomson Omboga 7-56, Justin Gage 6-49, Tay Jackson 4-41, Shirdonya Mitchell 3-25, J.D. McCoy 3-21, Arnold Britt 1-24, Marcus James 1-16, Ben Fredrickson 1-11, Clint Matthews 1-6, B.J. Dyck 1-5, Jonathan Howard 1-4, Shan Schauffler 1-3.
LEADING TACKLERS: Quincy Wade 9, Brandon Smith 6, C.J. Mosley 5, Gary Anthony 5, Brandon Barnes 4, Michael Harden 4.
INTERCEPTIONS: Marcus King 1-35, R.J. Jones 1-12, Ryan Edwards 1-5.
PUNTING: Todd Gohsler 2-85, 42.5 avg., Brock Harvey 2-57, 28.5 avg.