Defense Sets The Tone In Black And Gold Game
4/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 16, 2005
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Columbia, Mo. - Quarterback Brad Smith's first three series with the No. 1 unit produced only one first down, setting the tone for a dominating day by the defense in Missori's Black and Gold game.
Smith picked up two first downs, one with the benefit of a pass-interference call, in his fourth series, before Tony Temple lost a fumble after a reception.
"The offense struggled a little bit, so we've got a lot of things we've got to get better at and work on," Smith said. "That's why we practice."
The game was the first chance for fans to see the Tigers' revamped, no-huddle shotgun attack. Missouri went to the new offense, based on the successful system used by Utah to win the Fiesta Bowl last year, to provide more opportunities for Smith after a disappointing 5-6 season in which the Heisman Trophy hopeful was bottled up all year.
"We definitely made progress," receiver Brad Ekwerekwu said. "As far as putting in the new system, I think we did really well."
Using a system that rewarded sacks, forced turnovers and forced punts with points, the defense won 63-46. Backup quarterback Brandon Coleman and third-stringer Chase Patton each threw two interceptions and the offense managed only two touchdowns, one on the final play of the scrimmage.
