MU's turnover 'Pig' earns Big 12 Player of Week

~ The defensive back had two fumble recoveries and an intercepiton in the win over Illinois.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- It's not every junior college transfer who plays like Cornelius "Pig" Brown.

Brown came to Missouri last year from a community college in California with two years of eligibility remaining. He took over the starting spot at strong safety this season, and had his best game ever in Missouri's 40-34 season-opening win against Illinois Saturday.

Brown recovered two fumbles, one which he returned 100 yards for a touchdown, and made the game-sealing interception with less than a minute remaining.

Brown was named the Big 12 Player of the Week and was the most sought-after player at Missouri's weekly media conference, held at the Mizzou Athletics Training Complex Monday.

"That's what great teams do," Brown said. "They have guys that step up and make big plays."

William Moore, who starts at free safety, said Brown has brought a "character" that was missing from the Missouri defense the last few years. "Usually it's about going out there and just playing football," Moore said. Now, he said, it's about enthusiasm and team togetherness.

Brown was voted a team captain by his teammates before preseason practice. "He's a guy you just want to be around," said defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus said. "He's a hard-working kid; he's a tough kid; he's a pretty good player."

Brown made 40 tackles while playing behind senior David Overstreet last year.

In his first start against Illinois, he made three potentially game-changing plays.

The first was in the second quarter when Illinois backup quarterback Eddie McGee fumbled while stretching for the goal line. Brown scooped up the loose ball in the end zone and ran to the other untouched to give Missouri a 13-6 lead.

On Illinois' next possession, Illinois was at midfield when defensive tackle Evander "Ziggy" Hood stripped McGee and Brown pounced on the fumble.

Then, after Illinois had mounted a comeback and was on the Missouri 22-yard line trailing by 6 points, Brown came down with McGee's jump ball intended for Brian Gamble at the Missouri 1-yard line.

When Brown arrived at Missouri he may not have imagined having a game that productive.

"It's always difficult to come from junior college and make impact plays immediately," Brown said. "I was playing behind two great guys last year in David Overstreet and Brandon Massey. I was playing my role, learning from those guys, and learning the good and the bad."

Sean Weatherspoon said he knew Brown was a special player when they first met during summer classes last year.

"I just noticed he was a team guy. He wouldn't talk about how much he would play," Weatherspoon said. "We would definitely lack as a program without Pig Brown."