Missouri Survives Florida with Game-Winning Field Goal

Caleb Stallo

Nov 18, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri survived another close home game, winning 33-31 over Florida with a game-winning 30-yard field goal by Harrison Mevis. Although it wasn’t a 61-yarder like his kick against Kansas State, the field goal with the clock winding down was enough to get the Tigers past the Gators. Luther Burden made a huge impact in the game, securing a critical first-down reception and reaching 1,000 yards for the season. 

The game started slowly, with only two touchdowns scored in the first half. Missouri opened the scoring with a short-field goal by Mevis. Florida responded by driving down the field to score a touchdown on its first possession. With the game shaping up to be a battle, Cody Schrader broke free for a 42-yard run to secure Missouri’s first touchdown. The Tigers’ defense stepped up on Florida’s next drive, holding the Gators scoreless and setting up another field goal by Mevis to end the half.

The second half was down to the wire, featuring seven lead changes. Florida scored on its first possession, taking a one-point lead. Missouri answered with quarterback Brady Cook running into the end zone, but the Gators responded with another touchdown to retake the lead. Each team traded blows, with Missouri’s offense seeing two touchdowns overturned, leading instead to another Mevis field goal. The Tigers held a 23-21 lead heading into the final quarter.

Knowing the offense hadn’t scored, Missouri’s defense forced a crucial punt from the Gators. This momentum shift allowed Theo Wease to break free for a 77-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers a two-possession lead. Florida, looking to stay in the game, answered with a touchdown and then a field goal to take the lead with less than two minutes left. With Missouri’s backs against the wall, the Tigers faced a fourth-and-17 with 38 seconds remaining. Cook connected with Burden on a pass over the middle for a first down, putting Missouri in field goal range. Two quick passes to Mekhi Miller and Mookie Cooper set up Mevis for the game-winning field goal, sealing the 33-31 victory.

Missouri finished with 508 total yards, while Florida accumulated 500. The Tigers’ two defensive takeaways and Mevis’s clutch kicking led them to victory. With this win, Missouri edges closer to a New Year’s Six bowl game, which would be its first in the College Football Playoff era. Heading into rivalry week against Arkansas, the Tigers, at 9-2, hope to retain their border war trophy.