Backups make the most of rare chance for MU

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Sure, Brad Smith played well. But it was the performance of his backup, Santino Riccio, and other second-stringers that turned heads in Missouri's 35-7 win against Ball State.

Many of the big plays in the win Saturday in Muncie, Ind., came from players whose names are not at the top of the Tigers' depth chart. Coach Gary Pinkel hopes that experience pays off over the course of the season.

The Tigers (2-0) open their home schedule Saturday against Eastern Illinois.

Players like junior college transfers Damien Nash and Victor Sesay shined in the second half. But the biggest surprise was Riccio, a redshirt sophomore who started the second half after Smith suffered a mild concussion. Smith passed for 112 yards and rushed for 117 in just one half as the Tigers built a 21-7 lead.

Riccio's numbers weren't spectacular, but they were solid. He completed seven of 12 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.

"I wasn't worried about it," Riccio said. "I don't think any of my teammates were. They had confidence in me, and that really helped me calm myself during the game. We were out there having a good time in the huddle, and we picked up the tempo a little bit."

Riccio led Missouri on two 80-yard scoring drives, the most impressive a 15-play drive that ended with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Sesay, scoring firsts for both players.

Nash rushed just once for a one-yard loss in the 22-15 opening-game win over Illinois on Aug. 30. But against Ball State, he carried nine times for 68 yards, including a touchdown on his first carry of the game.

Pinkel said that despite the showing of the backups, depth remains a concern.

"We're not that solid," Pinkel said. "I think we have better athletes now, but what happens is you have to become a better football player. You can be a really good athlete, all the skill and all these things going for you, but not be a good football player yet and not know your position.

"You're starting to see Damien Nash do more things and he will, but they all have to keep working and perfect their game."

Nash was a top junior college prospect, even after sitting out last season with a torn knee ligament. Whereas starting tailback Zack Abron is a power runner, Nash is more of a burner. He showed that speed on a 42-yard run against Ball State.