Sean Weatherspoon Already Making an Impact at Mizzou

[jdawg03]

Former Jasper LB and Willy Ray Smith Winner Making an Impact

http://mutigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090206aaa.html

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Chase Daniel set a Missouri record with five touchdown passes, helping the Tigers beat Murray State 47-7 on Saturday.

Daniel, making his first career start, was 23-of-32 for 320 yards with a passer rating of 207.44. He broke the school mark that was held by six others, including Brad Smith, who had four in last season's opening 44-17 win over Arkansas State.

It was first game since 2001 that featured someone other than Smith starting at quarterback for the Tigers. Smith, Missouri's all-time leading passer and rusher, was a four-year starter and holds 69 school, Big 12 and NCAA records.

Daniel showed he also is pretty good, dominating the overmatched Racers, a Division I-AA team that was 2-9 last season and 0-7 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The Tigers needed just six plays to take the lead for good. Daniel's quick toss to Will Franklin became a 60-yard scoring pass when Franklin spun past the cornerback and ran untouched into the end zone.

Daniel connected with Brad Ekwerekwu on an 8-yard touchdown pass and with Chase Coffman on a 3-yard score later in the first quarter as the Tigers drove effortlessly against Murray State. In the second quarter, Marcus Woods scored on a 2-yard run and Daniel and Franklin connected again, this time on a 34-yard scoring pass in the final minute of the half.

The record-breaking touchdown pass came with 10:53 to play when Daniel hit a wide-open Jared Perry down the left sideline, putting Missouri ahead 47-0.

******The Tigers also scored on a safety in the third quarter when Sean Weatherspoon blocked a punt out of the end zone, and on a 38-yard field goal by Jeff Wolfert.*********

Missouri's defense played well, too. Murray State, in the first game under new coach Matt Griffin, didn't make a first down until 7:34 remained in the second quarter. By then, Missouri was head 21-0. Starting quarterback Ryne Salyer was 8-of-13 for 39 yards with a lost fumble and an interception. Backup Zac Barnard was 12-of-17 for 89 yards and a touchdown. The Racers' leading rusher, Chad Cook, gained 12 yards on 31 carries.

Murray State's lone score came late in the fourth quarter on a 13-yard TD pass from Barnard to Nate Moore.