The Missouri Tigers quarterback had the best game of his young collegiate career on Saturday in Toledo, Ohio, just over an hour from his hometown of Kenton. Maty Mauk threw for a career best 325 yards and 5 touchdowns as the Tigers routed the Toledo Rockets 49-24. Mauk tied a school record for passing touchdowns in a single game, accounting for 6 of the 7 touchdowns scored in the Mizzou victory. Saturday was Mauk’s second time throwing for 5 touchdowns as a Tiger; his first being last season.
Against Toledo, Mauk went 21/32 with a 65% completion rate. Having drastically improved his third down performance, Mauk converted two of his touchdowns on third downs. The sophomore play caller has made great strides in improving his passing accuracy from 51% lasts season to 65% in 2014.
But for Mauk, Saturday’s win went well beyond the touchdowns, yardage, or on the road win. It was about coming home – to Toledo, Ohio, just 75 minutes from Mauk’s hometown of Kenton. With his hometown represented well in Toledo, it was Mauk’s goal to “put on a show”.
And what a show it was.
“It was just awesome to know that all those people were coming back to watch me, but at the same time I had to have good distraction control to block that out so I can come out here and play at a high level. I thought we did a pretty good job today.”
Mauk’s performance spoke volume about the sophomore’s experience and confidence as the Tiger’s starter.
“There’s stuff we can fix and that’s a good thing. We’ll come back out Tuesday ready to go.”
When asked about Mauk’s main focus entering next week, the sophomore explained that his concentration is to make sure his receivers and he are “on the same page”
“I think we improved as a football team and I’m very pleased with that,” said Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel.
Pinkel explained his happiness with the team and his belief in their ability to continue improvement each week.
“There’s a long way to go before we’re really really good, but I think it was a good sign.”
Pinkel says his team will go look at tape this week and be ready for their next opponent, a tough University of Central Florida.
For Missouri, Saturday was a statement win. To go on the road, against a strong Toledo team, and come out with a powerful win; it’s a statement. It’s also a statement for the Tigers as they move up 4 spots to number 20 in the AP Top 25. The Missouri Tigers will look to climb the rankings again next weekend with a win over UCF.
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