It’s always nice to get that opening game out of the way. After a long offseason of fluctuating expectations and excitement we finally had a game to watch. And while the opponent was always as close to a guaranteed win as you can get in this instance, it was still nice to see Missouri take care of business.

Mizzou Football absolutely takes care of business

If you had to script a start to the season, four straight touchdown drives and a 28-0 lead is a pretty good script. It wasn’t until Mizzou’s 10th offensive possession before they punted and by that time Drew Lock was safely on the sideline having tossed four touchdown passes in 25 attempts, two of which went to his favorite deep target Emanuel Hall. Damarea Crockett and Larry Rountree combined to rush for 100 yards and the offense cruised to open up a huge lead, thanks also to a return of defensive stoutness.

Last season at this time the defense was a horror show as they gave up 35 first half points, this go around it was only 7 points and just 125 yards in the first half and it helped the Tigers cruise in the second half.

Let’s check the wrap ups:

ROCK M NATION: Missouri football routs UT-Martin for a Week 1 win

KC Star

• Missouri plays complete game in 51-14 season-opening win over Tennessee-Martin
• Mizzou made this opener boring, and that’s a good thing

STL Today

• Mizzou cruises in opener, crushes UT-Martin 51-14

Columbia Tribune

• Missouri redeems itself in it’s home opener
• Lock passes Brad Smith on all time passing list
• Boring is good for Tigers in opener

Missourian

• Tigers throttle UT Martin, open season with blowout win
• Starting OL Pendleton out with injury

Pendleton sat out the game, and during the game starting safety Khalil Oliver was pulled when he tweaked his own ankle. Clearly both injuries were about Barry Odom being careful not to push his starters in a game Mizzou was assured to win.

He saw what he needed from those on the field and you move on to week two.

Yesterday at Rock M

PREDICTION WINNER?

Pete got close with his 58-13 guess.

More Links:

• Alex Schiffer provides a recruiting roundup
• Kansas lost to an FCS team

Don’t worry kansas fans, it’s not long until basketball season.

We’ll have more post game coverage coming later today and during the week.