In Depth: Floyd's PR is the Turning Point
10/21/2017 4:04:00 PM | Football
Recap: Idaho
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The key moment in Mizzou's 68-14 win over Idaho came early in the first quarter with the score tied at 7-7. The Mizzou defense forced its first of what became five three-and-outs on the day, leading to an Idaho punt from the 27 yard-line. As soon as the ball left the foot of Idaho punter Cade Coffey, it became clear that the ball would be returnable, and the Tigers were in perfect position to do just that.
"It was huge," Head coach Barry Odom said. "Richaud did a great job of fielding it cleanly, off the hop. We had enough guys down the field to give him blocks and free him up. We talked about getting an extra first down for our offense and getting the ball past the 50, and they responded. That unit overall really showed up today."
The line-drive punt was collected, off a bounce, by redshirt-sophomore WR Richaud Floyd at his own 15 yard-line, beginning just the second punt return of his college career. Floyd was immediately helped by a pair of key blocks by juniors Cam Hilton and Dominic Nelson on the Idaho gunners. The seam created by those blocks allowed for Floyd's quick feet to scamper through the initial pressure and find some open space downfield.
I really couldn't believe how open it was," Floyd said. "The people on our team did a great job blocking and I just did the rest. I just try to do as much as I can on the field. Running punts back, catching passes, that's what I' supposed to do. I'm a football player."
After dodging a tackle at his own 25, Floyd was once again helped by a tremendous piece of blocking, this time by freshman Tyree Gillespie in the open field. Idaho's would-be tackler appeared to be in position to make the play, before Gillespie made his presence felt by knocking the Idaho player off his feet and away from Floyd.
Senior captain Eric Beisel bullied his man, pushing the defender nearly 10 yards down the field, closing off all access to Floyd while essentially escorting him into Idaho territory. The homecoming crowd at Faurot Field rose to its feet as Floyd hit top-speed along the right hash, leaving all but two Idaho defenders in his wake.
Any hopes of bringing down Floyd were dashed by the efforts of freshman Jamal Brooks who managed to hold his block all the way down to the Idaho 30 yard-line, leaving only the punter to beat.
With the end zone in sight, Floyd sprinted to the right sideline, avoiding the attempted tackle from Coffey before tip-toeing down the sideline for the final 20 yards to cap off an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown. It was Mizzou's first such score of the season with the last punt return coming from senior WR Johnathon Johnson last season against Eastern Michigan. The 85-yard score was the third longest punt return in program history and farthest since 1960.
The dramatic score gave Mizzou a 14-7 lead, one they would not surrender for the rest of the game. It also served as the second touchdown of a 37-0 run for Mizzou, who ended up securing a 68-21 win.
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