With 36,000 Homecoming fans on hand, Nebraska made its bid for the Big 8 leadership against the rugged Missouri Tigers. But the Cornhuskers didnt have enough magic to master the potent Bengals, dropping their first decision of the year, 16-7.
There was consolation in scoring against Mizzou for the first time in four years — Noel Martins 88-yard pass interception return — and holding the Tigers to 38 yards rushing in the second half. But Missouri had a Gibraltar defense of its own, and the Tigers adeptly capitalized on Husker miscues — three lost fumbles and three intercepted passes.
A Dennis Claridge fumble set up MU's opening TD, a 46-yard Johnny Roland run. Martin's interception return tied the game in the second quarter. After Mizzou went ahead on a third-quarter field goal, the Tigers' victory was sealed when Dave Theisen fumbled a punt and Mizzou recovered at the NU 26, setting up MU quarterback Jim Johnson's 10-yard TD run early in the fourth period.
Mizzou fullback Paul Underhill
falls on a Tiger fumble.
HMAX NOTES: The pass intercepted by Martin was first tipped by linebacker John Kirby. ... Every score in the game followed a turnover. ... There were more interceptions than pass completions in the game.