Tennessee headed to Columbia in search of its first SEC win of the season Saturday night, but couldn't take down the red hot Missouri Tigers.
True freshman quarterback Will McBride got his first career start as Jarrett Guarantano was bothered by an ankle injury he suffered in Week 10 against Southern Miss. McBride completed 16 of 32 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 63 yards on 14 carries.
Tennessee was without starting offensive lineman Brett Kendrick and Drew Richmond for the second week in a row.
Missouri’s offense put up points early on. Running back Ish Witter ran the ball in from 7 yards out to score on their second drive of the game. Drew Lock went deep to Emanuel Hall for 31-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
Tennessee’s defense kept them in the game with a 70-yard pick-6 by Nigel Warrior, his first of the season.
Aaron Medley kicked a career-long 48-yd field goal to make it a 4-point game in the first quarter.
Tennessee tied the game up late in the second quarter after going for it on fourth down. John Kelly went on to run the ball on first and goal, but got called for unsportsmanlike conduct. Under pressure, Will McBride aired it out to tight end Ethan Wolf for the touchdown.
Missouri scored just before halftime to regain the lead, 24-17. A 64-yard run by Larry Rountree III helped set up the touchdown.
The second half was all Tigers. Three touchdowns, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries gave them insurance in a 50-17 victory over the Vols.
Tennessee will host LSU next week. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. E.T.
The Vols need to win out in order to officially become bowl eligible.