Columbia, MO- The Missouri Tigers football team continues to turn heads as they storm through the early part of their 2024 campaign, following a resounding 38-0 victory over the Buffalo Bulls. This dominant performance, which unfolded in front of yet another packed house at Faurot Field, marks Mizzou’s second consecutive shutout to start the season and adds further fuel to the growing buzz surrounding the Tigers.
As fans poured into Faurot Field for the second week in a row, the energy was palpable. Missouri’s football resurgence is evident both on the field and in the stands, as the team plays in front of their second straight sellout crowd. It’s clear that excitement for Tigers football is at an all-time high. And for good reason—Missouri’s defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown since garbage time in last season’s regular-season finale against Arkansas on Black Friday. That makes eight full quarters and change of utter defensive dominance in the 2024 season.
Against Buffalo, it was once again the defense that set the tone. The Tigers’ unit, led by an experienced and tenacious front seven, smothered the Bulls at every turn. From pressuring the quarterback to stuffing the run, Mizzou’s defenders were relentless. The Bulls could never find their rhythm, finishing the game with a meager 122 yard offensive output and zero points to show for their efforts.
Tiger offense solid in win over Buffalo
On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Brady Cook continued to shine as he led the Tigers with a stellar performance. Cook finished the day with 290 passing yards and added two touchdowns on the ground, further solidifying his reputation as one of the more dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the conference. With his poise in the pocket and ability to extend plays with his legs, Cook remains the steady hand guiding Mizzou’s offense to success.
The running back duo of Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll once again provided the Tigers with a balanced and dynamic rushing attack. Noel and Carroll have developed a near-perfect symmetry in Missouri’s backfield, sharing the load and keeping defenses on their heels. Their complementary styles—Noel’s quickness and elusiveness paired with Carroll’s power and ability to break tackles—ensure that Missouri’s ground game remains as formidable as its aerial assault.
With a 2-0 record and back-to-back shutouts, the Tigers’ season couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. Yet, despite their early success, head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his squad know the real challenges lie ahead. Mizzou’s path to SEC contention will be anything but easy, and while the defense has yet to surrender a touchdown this season, tougher tests await.
What’s next for Mizzou?
Up next, Missouri remains at home to face the Boston College Eagles on Saturday, September 14, at 11:45 a.m. at Memorial Stadium. The game will be televised on the Network and will mark Missouri’s eighth consecutive sellout. The Eagles, a (likely) ranked ACC opponent, will provide Missouri with their first real test of the season, offering the Tigers a chance to prove that their defensive dominance and offensive balance can hold up against stronger competition.
As the Tigers eye their ultimate goal of competing for the SEC title, one thing is certain—momentum is building in Columbia, and the fans are all in.
