Mizzou overwhelms EMU in Columbia 61-21

Eastern Michigan captivated the nation last year in a valiant effort against LSU on national television, so many people expected the Eagles to give the Missouri Tigers a great fight.

That didn’t really happen.

EMU hung around for the first two quarters before ultimately giving way to a more talented Mizzou side in the third quarter, losing by a final score of 61-21.

Todd Porter was 23-for-45 for 287 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions overall on the day for the Eagles. Sergio Bailey II was the leading receiver with 7 rec., 57 yards and one touchdown, while Johnny Niupalau contnues to be a deep threat revelation, averaging 19.3 yards per reception on a 3 rec., 58 yard day.

Ian Eriksen took the primary ballcarrying duties after Shaq Vann went down with injury early, and finished with 90 yards on 23 touches with one touchdown, leading all rushers. Todd Porter was the second leading team rusher, with 46 yards and a rushing score.

Five different receivers hauled in scores for Mizzou as Ray Wingo (3 rec., 125 yards,) Johnathan Johnson (5 rec., 115 yards,) Emanuel Hall (3 rec., 90 yards,) Kendall Blanton (4 rec., 31 yards) and Jason Reese (2 rec., 27 yards) all contributed.

Drew Lock was responsible for leading the air attack, finishing 24-for-37 with 450 yards and five touchdowns.

Damarea Crockett (12 rush, 68 yards) and Ish Witter (13 rush, 61 yards) both added rushing touchdowns for the Tigers.

There was also a return touchdown for the Tigers off of a punt return courtesy of Johnathan Johnson as the first quarter expired.

EMU will travel to UNC-Charlotte for a Saturday evening tilt with the 49ers at 5:00 p.m EST in hopes of recouping some forward momentum.

Mizzou next faces Georgia in their conference opener Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. EST.