Columbia News

The No. 14 Missouri Tigers fell to the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide in a close contest at Memorial Stadium, with Alabama securing a 27-24 win before a sold-out crowd of 57,321. This marked the 18th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium, tying the school record set between 1974 and 1978.

Missouri, which had won its previous 15 home games and eight straight overall, started strong in both halves. The Tigers scored on their opening possession for the fifth time in six games when quarterback Beau Pribula found tight end Brett Norfleet for a 26-yard touchdown. Pribula contributed three runs for 39 yards during that drive, including a key 23-yard rush before the touchdown pass. Norfleet’s fifth touchdown of the season ties him with Albert Okwuegbunam and Dwayne Blakley for most touchdowns by a Missouri tight end through six games.

Alabama led 17-10 at halftime. Early in the second half, Zion Young and Josiah Trotter combined to sack Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, forcing a fumble recovered by Damon Wilson at Alabama’s 19-yard line. On second-and-goal from the five, Pribula faked out Alabama safety Bray Hubbard and ran into the end zone to tie the game at 17.

The game turned late in the fourth quarter after Alabama missed a field goal with just over nine minutes left. Missouri attempted a fake punt on fourth-and-four but came up short, giving Alabama possession deep in Missouri territory. Alabama then converted two critical fourth downs: first with an over-the-shoulder catch by Lotzeir Brooks on fourth-and-eight for a gain of 29 yards; then Ty Simpson connected with Daniel Hill on fourth-and-goal from the two-yard line to extend Alabama's lead to ten points.

Missouri responded quickly with a 75-yard drive capped by Pribula’s three-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Olugbode. After failing to recover an onside kick but forcing an Alabama three-and-out, Missouri had one last chance before Pribula was intercepted by Dijon Lee Jr., ending their rally.

Statistically, Missouri outgained Alabama slightly (330 yards to 325) but struggled on third down conversions (1-for-10) and trailed significantly in time of possession (21:27 compared to Alabama’s 38:33). Pribula finished with 167 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, and led his team in rushing with 61 yards on eleven carries. Ahmad Hardy added twelve carries for fifty-two yards while Jamal Roberts rushed five times for fifty yards.

On defense, Josiah Trotter led Missouri with eight tackles; Santana Banner, Daylan Carnell and Khalil Jacobs each recorded seven tackles. Damon Wilson notched two sacks as part of four total sacks against Simpson.

Next week marks Missouri’s first road trip of the season as they face Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 18th. Game time will be determined after Saturday's results and will air either on ESPN or SEC Network.