From Bill Pollock Missouri Net:
Missouri closed out its home schedule with a 49–27 win over Mississippi State, led by a historic performance from running back Ahmad Hardy and two defensive scores that helped the Tigers improve to 7–3 overall and 3–3 in SEC play. Hardy became just the second player in program history to rush for 300 yards, finishing with 25 carries for 300 yards and three touchdowns, including runs of 72, 43, and 10 yards. His effort helped Missouri overcome an early Mississippi State push and regain control after halftime.
Defensive back Toriano Pride Jr. played a major role in the Tigers’ momentum swings. In the second quarter, Pride returned a mishandled field-goal snap 60 yards to set up a Missouri touchdown. Moments after Hardy’s long third-quarter scoring run, Pride intercepted a tipped pass and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown, marking his second career interception return for a score. His play contributed to one of only two games in school history featuring two pick-sixes.
Hardy’s rushing and Pride’s defensive impact powered a second-half surge that put the game out of reach. Marvin Burks Jr. added a 28-yard interception return touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and Missouri’s defense totaled 13 tackles for loss and five sacks. Hardy’s three-touchdown night capped Missouri’s scoring and increased his season total to 1,346 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Tigers now turn their attention to a road matchup with Oklahoma on November 22.
