In a game where Mizzou dominated on the field, winning 51-0 against Murray State, it was kicker Blake Craig who stole the spotlight with an unexpected off-the-field achievement. Craig set a new all-time high score in the quirky tradition of South Endzone Skeeball at Faurot Field, where fans track the landing spots of kicked balls due to the absence of a net in the south endzone.
The tradition, overseen by longtime Mizzou fan and unofficial scorekeeper Richard T. Barber, has become a beloved part of the game day experience. Each ball kicked into the south endzone is scored based on where it lands, with points assigned in a fashion reminiscent of the classic arcade game Skeeball.
Craig’s record-setting performance came during the second half of the game when his precision and power sent the football soaring into the upper reaches of the stands. His impressive kicks not only helped secure the Tigers’ victory but also earned him a spot in the South Endzone Skeeball history books.
“Blake was on fire today, both on the field and in the stands,” said Barber, who has been tracking the scores for years. “His accuracy was incredible, and he just kept racking up the points. It’s something you don’t see every day, and it added an extra layer of excitement to the game.”
Mizzou’s overwhelming victory over Murray State was a testament to the team’s depth and skill, with Craig’s flawless kicking further solidifying the Tigers’ dominance. But for the fans in the south endzone, Craig’s Skeeball high score provided an extra thrill, showcasing the fun and unique traditions that make Mizzou football so special.