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Daniel, Missouri outslug Illinois

Aug 31, 2008 - 7:07 AM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Chase Daniel tossed three touchdown passes as No. 7 Missouri recorded a 52-42 triumph over No. 19 Illinois on Saturday in the "Arch Rivalry" game at the Edward Jones Dome.

The Heisman Trophy candidate completed 26-of-43 passes for 323 yards while tossing a pair of scoring strikes to Tommy Saunders and one to Chase Coffman.

Although his defense struggled, Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said that the team would enjoy the victory ... for now.

"I'll tell you one thing: you enjoy winning. You kidding me?" Pinkel said. "I'll kick their butt tomorrow. We'll get up tomorrow and learn those lessons."

Not to be outdone, Juice Williams went 26-for-42 for 451 yards with a career-high five touchdown passes - including a pair to both Will Judson and Chris Duvalt and one to Michael Hoomanawanui with no time remaining in the contest. His yardage total nearly doubled his previous high of 227.

"We took what the defense gave us," Williams said. "We've got fast receivers on the outside and we took advantage of it."

The teams also lit up the scoreboard in the 2007 season opener, as Missouri held on for a 40-34 victory after nearly squandering a 37-13 lead late in the third quarter.

Daniel completed 37-of-54 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns in that game.

Ironically, in Saturday's offensive explosion, a defensive play proved pivotal for Missouri (1-0).

After Illinois (0-1) had closed within 10 at 45-35, Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon intercepted Williams and returned it 38 yards for a score.

In addition, Jeremy Maclin provided a spark on the Tigers' special teams. He had a 99-yard kickoff return in the second quarter that gave Missouri a 17-13 lead, and he added a 46-yard punt return in the third to put the Tigers in position for another score.

Maclin, who finished with 206 all-purpose yards, left the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. X-rays were negative and Maclin returned to the sideline with crutches.

Daniel, however, didn't seem to be overly concerned about Maclin's condition.

"It's a scary moment when an impact player like that goes down," Daniel said. "He'll be out practicing Tuesday. He's fine."