Tigers’ Thrilling Comeback Victory
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook made an incredible return to the field after a mid-game hospital visit, leading his team to a stunning 21-17 victory over Auburn. Cook’s determination and grit inspired his teammates, who rallied behind him to secure the win.
A Gutsy Performance
Cook’s day began on a sour note when he suffered an ankle injury on the opening series. He hobbled off the field, and his status was uncertain. However, after a trip to the hospital for an MRI exam and a session in the indoor practice facility, Cook returned to the game with just over a quarter to play.
“It was a long hour-and-a-half for sure,” Cook said. “I did not think I was going to come back to play in the game. My stuff was off, my pads were off… Ultimately, I realized I had 2½ games left to play in Faurot Field. We were going to find a way.”
The Comeback Begins
With Auburn leading 17-6, Cook led the charge, connecting with Theo Wease Jr. on a 72-yard pass that set up Marcus Carroll’s touchdown run. As time ticked away, Cook orchestrated a game-winning drive, converting crucial third and fourth downs to keep the Tigers’ hopes alive.
A Legacy-Making Drive
Taking over at their own 5-yard line with 4:26 to go, Cook led his team on a thrilling journey, dodging defenders and making precision throws. He found Luther Burden III on fourth-and-5, then hit Wease again on third-and-10, setting up Mekhi Miller’s reception inside the 10-yard line. With just over a minute to go, Jamal Roberts sealed the win with a go-ahead touchdown run.
Praise for Cook’s Courage
“He could have sat out and watched the game from the sideline, or on TV,” Roberts said. “And that showed the brotherhood we have here.” Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz echoed the sentiment, saying, “For all that criticism that young man takes, 12 sure would die on that field for everybody.”
A Defensive Slugfest
Despite injuries ravaging the Tigers, their defense repeatedly shut down Auburn’s offense, holding them to 286 total yards. Payton Thorne finished with 176 yards passing and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Tigers’ gritty performance.
A Turning Point?
The win marked a turning point for Missouri, who kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive. As Drinkwitz noted, “There’s a lot of toughness in that team. A lot of young guys in that team that have never won like that before… There’s a lot of fight in that team. And to figure it out like that bodes well for the rest of the year.”
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