TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Jamarion Miller rushed for two touchdowns and No. 15 Alabama's defense had three interceptions in a 34-0 victory Saturday over No.
21 Missouri, which played most of the game without starting quarterback Brady Cook. The Crimson Tide (6-2, 3-2 Southeastern Conference) bounced back strongly from their second loss in three weeks with their playoff hopes on the line. They had already lost multiple games before November for the first time since 2007 but took this one after the Tigers (6-2, 2-2) lost Cook to a right (throwing) hand injury late in the first half.
It was 6-0 at the time. Alabama was coming off a loss at Tennessee, a down-to-the-wire win over South Carolina and another defeat at Vanderbilt. "Knowing what we have going on this week, we really understand we've just gotta play 'Bama mentality football," linebacker Jihaad Campbell said.
"That was just the main goal." Jalen Milroe was 16-of-26 passing for 215 yards for Alabama. He also ran for 50 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown when he bounced off a blocker and reversed field and a 32-yarder to set it up.
Miller scored on runs of 3 and 11 yards and Justice Haynes had a 35-yard touchdown run. Missouri backup Drew Pyne was 6-of-12 passing for 42 yards with the three interceptions. Cook had just 30 passing yards when he was injured.
"They took an X-ray and didn't feel like they were comfortable with him continuing," Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz said. Alabama preserved its second shutout of the season.