Missouri’s Brady Cook started the team’s season by targeting Luther Burden III, indicating their importance for the No. 11 Tigers moving forward. Cook, the senior quarterback, and Burden, a Heisman Trophy contender at wide receiver, played a significant role in Missouri’s 51-0 win over Murray State. Cook threw for 218 yards and a touchdown, while Burden caught three passes for 39 yards and a score, showcasing their chemistry on the field.

Their performance echoed their success from the previous season, where Cook and Burden made a name for themselves nationally. Despite their strong start against Murray State, there were moments of imperfection, such as missed opportunities for long passing plays. Missouri’s coach, Eli Drinkwitz, acknowledged the need to capitalize on these chances in future games.

One notable mishap occurred in the second quarter when a trick play intended for Burden resulted in a fumble recovered by Murray State. However, Burden returned to the field after a brief injury scare, highlighting his resilience and importance to the team. With a comfortable lead against Murray State, Cook and Burden were given a break in the second half as they look ahead to the challenges of the upcoming season.

Cook and Burden’s dynamic performance serves as a promising start for Missouri, with high expectations for both players as the season progresses.