Missouri football escaped Week 3 with a victory over Troy, avoiding an upset just before the start of SEC play.
It wasn't easy for Eli Drinkwitz's squad, nor was it one of the Tigers' sharpest performances of the season, especially coming off a dominant win over Kansas the week before. In fact, Missouri got an unexpected assist from former Missouri women's basketball star Sophie Cunningham
in the closing moments.As Troy kicker Ethan Head lined up for a 54-yard field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter, Missouri displayed an image of Cunningham on the jumbotron. Wearing her Indiana Fever jersey, Cunningham appeared to point toward the field and in Head's direction as
the Tigers looked to preserve their lead.
Spoiler: It worked.
IT WORKED!
— Tyson Ellison (@TysonEllison51) September 20, 2026
The #Troy kicker, distracted by #Mizzou great Sophie Cunningham, missed the field goal that would have made this a one score game.
Even while in the #WNBA Sophie is helping Missouri win. https://t.co/VvGrKVDtfc pic.twitter.com/oZhC75FnIA
Facing a 10-point deficit with 2:46 remaining in the fourth quarter, Troy opted for the 54-yard field goal attempt instead of going for it on fourth-and-1 at the Missouri 36-yard line. After the missed kick and a three-and-out from Missouri's offense, the Tigers' defense delivered a game-clinching fourth-down stop.
Quarterback Austin Simmons struggled in his third start for Missouri. The Mississippi transfer completed 10-of-19 passes for just 91 yards and a touchdown. He had entered the non-conference game coming off back-to-back games with at least 250 passing yards and three touchdown passes.
With the win, Missouri has won its 16th consecutive non-conference game and its 49th overall game under Drinkwitz. The Tigers open up SEC play on the road at Mississippi State at 7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 26.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Sophie Cunningham pointing meme helped Missouri during Troy FG attempt
