The Missouri Tigers already were facing an imposing challenge on Saturday night even in the best of circumstances.
When starting quarterback Kelly Bryant was unable to play, however, because of a hamstring injury he suffered two weeks ago, the challenge became insurmountable.
Redshirt sophomore Taylor Powell made his first start of his collegiate career, and the sixth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs took advantage of the mismatch with a 27-0 victory in Athens, Ga.
Powell completed just 10 of 22 passes for 84 yards and threw one interception. The Tigers rushed for only 50 yards and had to punt nine times, as they had only two drives which crossed into the Georgia side of the field.
It was the first time Missouri was shut out since losing 34-0 to Georgia in 2014.
The Tigers inserted freshman Connor Bazelak into the game in the fourth quarter, and he completed 5 of 12 passes for 64 yards. He led a drive that reached the Georgia one-yard line but the Tigers lost three yards on a running play before two incomplete pass attempts turned the ball back over to the Bulldogs.
The loss dropped Missouri to 5-4 on the season, including 0-4 on the road. They have lost three consecutive games, at Vanderbilt, at Kentucky and now at Georiga.
The Tigers have another tough opponent next week in Florida, but at least the game is in Columbia, where they are 5-0 so far this season.
Photo by AP courtesy of KSDK Sports
