COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Tigers were able to hang on for a 23-19 victory against Middle Tennessee.

Middle Tennessee gave the Tigers everything they could handle down the stretch. The game started with four straight punts before Mizzou got on the board with a Harrison Mevis 38-yard field goal in the first quarter.

Middle Tennessee responded a few drives later with on a Nicholas Vattiato 3-yard touchdown pass to Kalani Norris to go up 7-3.

Mizzou regained the lead on their next possession after QB Brady Cook ran in a 1-yard touchdown. The Tigers took a 10-7 lead into the half.

The Blue Raiders tied things up to open the second half on a Zeke Rankin 25-yard field goal.

That is when the Mizzou offense started to find its rhythm, scoring on their next two drives, including a 49-yard touchdown pass from Cook to Nathaniel Peat on a wheel route to give the Tigers a 23-10 lead.

The Blue Raiders continued to stick around though.

Vattiato found Justin Olson in the 4th quarter on a 13-yard touchdown pass, and then they forced a Mizzou safety, making it a 23-19 ball game with just over six minutes left and a chance to take the lead.

The Tigers’ defense stood strong, causing a Middle Tennessee turnover downs and securing the win, moving them to 2-0 on the season.

Mizzou will now prepare to face K-State next Saturday at home at 11 a.m.