3 Missouri Tigers Who Stood Out in Rough Loss to Texas - Sports Illustrated

The Missouri Tigers suffered a 34-20 loss to the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, marking their first home defeat of the season.

The defeat drops Missouri’s overall record to 6-3 and its Southeastern Conference record to 3-3. The contest slipped away after the Tigers held a 20-13 lead late in the third quarter, before surrendering 21 unanswered points.

Quarterback Austin Simmons kept Missouri competitive through the first three quarters, completing 23 of 43 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns, Sports Illustrated reported. Simmons connected with Naeshaun Montgomery for a 72-yard touchdown that built a seven-point lead late in the third period.

Simmons briefly exited in the fourth quarter due to an apparent leg injury. He returned for a final drive, but a third-down pass intended for Cayden Lee was intercepted after Lee absorbed a hard hit, sending the ball airborne into a defender’s hands.

Linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez recorded 12 total tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, leading the Tigers in both categories during the loss to Texas. Rodriguez flies around the field, making him a constant presence in both run stopping and coverage.

Even as Texas found late-game success, Rodriguez remained a reliable anchor for the defensive unit.

Wide receiver Naeshaun Montgomery posted two receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by his 72-yard score in the third quarter. The explosive play briefly shifted momentum in Missouri’s favor and demonstrated the upside of the passing attack before late-game offensive stalls.

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