COLUMBIA, Mo. — Brady Cook made a remarkable return from injury to guide No. 19 Missouri to a thrilling 21-17 victory over Auburn on Saturday, scoring two crucial touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including the decisive run by Jamal Roberts just 46 seconds before the final whistle.
Cook suffered an ankle injury after the first offensive series and was sidelined until late in the third quarter, with Auburn establishing a commanding 17-3 lead in the meantime. Upon his return, he quickly connected with Theo Wease Jr. on a 72-yard pass that set up a touchdown run by Marcus Carroll, reviving Missouri’s hopes. Cook later orchestrated a crucial drive as the game drew to a tense finish.
With 4:26 remaining, Missouri began its drive from its own 5-yard line. Cook showcased his mobility by converting a third down with a run and then completed a fourth-and-5 pass to Luther Burden III to keep the drive alive. As the clock wound down, he completed a pass to Wease on a third-and-10 and found Mekhi Miller just inside the 10-yard line, paving the way for Roberts’ game-winning touchdown.
Cook ended the game with 194 passing yards, having played for less than two quarters. Meanwhile, Missouri’s defense played a pivotal role by continually thwarting Auburn’s attempts to extend their lead during Auburn’s frustrating fourth consecutive loss.
Auburn’s Payton Thorne recorded 176 passing yards and one touchdown, with a notable contribution from Antonio Kite, who scored after recovering a muffed punt.
What was anticipated to be a contest featuring two potent offenses—Auburn’s averaging 444.5 yards game and Missouri leading the SEC in time of possession—turned into a gritty defensive battle, exacerbated by injuries impacting key players for both teams.
The significant injury was to Cook, who was forced to leave the field early in the game. He emerged from the locker room to an upbeat crowd at Faurot Field, and his presence transformed the dynamic of the game.
In the early moments of the second half, with the score tied at 3, Auburn’s Cam Coleman sprinted past Missouri defenders Dreyden Norwood and Marvin Burks Jr., catching a 47-yard touchdown pass from Thorne, momentarily boosting Auburn’s spirits. Shortly after, a misplay by Missouri on a punt gave Auburn another score when Kite fell on the ball in the end zone after Burden was unable to handle the kick.
Takeaway headlines reveal that Auburn’s wins this season are limited to games against Alabama A&M and New Mexico, while turnovers continue to plague the team, marking yet another fumble on Saturday.
Ultimately, Missouri’s fortune hinged on the inspiring play of Cook, whose health and fitness levels will certainly be under scrutiny in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, Auburn will finish its three-game SEC road stretch against Kentucky next Saturday night, while Missouri will aim for a challenge as they travel to face seventh-ranked Alabama.