Blaine Gabbert named Big 12 offensive player of week
Blaine Gabbert earned Big 12 offensive player of the week honors for his 319-yard, 3-TD passing day against Illionis in his first start as a Tiger.
His passer rating of 186.96 was the top mark among any Big 12 Conference quarterback during the opening week of play.
The award marks the third straight time that a first-time starter at quarterback has come away with the Big 12 weekly offensive award for Mizzou. Gabbert’s achievement follows in the footsteps of predecessors Brad Smith and Chase Daniel, who both also won the weekly award after their first career starts against Illinois (2002 - W, 33-20) and Murray State (2006 - W, 42-7), respectively. Here’s a look at the comparison of those three starting debuts…
Date Tiger Opponent Stat Line
9-2-02 Brad Smith Illinois Pass: 15-of-26, 152 yds.; Rush: 18-138, 1 TD
9-4-06 Chase Daniel Murray State Pass: 23-of-32, 320 yds., 5 TDs; Tot. Off.: 347 yds.
9-5-09 Blaine Gabbert Illinois Pass: 25-of-33, 319 yds., 3 TDs; 1 rush TD
He was Champagne Blaine in his first start. At Arrowhead he’ll be Blaine the Beak-Bender.
If Blaine stays healthy, and doesn’t leave early for the NFL, he could be one of the best ever. Go Mizzou!
Blaine was spectacular! One question: Why did Blaine mostly throw to his left. It scares me that the opponent will start reading him easily.