Injured Brady Cook saves game for Missouri with impressive comeback to take down Auburn in Week 8

Injured Missouri Tigers QB Brady Cook made an unforgettable comeback to lead his team to a 21-17 victory over Auburn in Week 8. After being sidelined with an ankle injury, Cook returned to Faurot Field, determined to finish what he started.

“I’ve only got two and a half games left on Faurot Field, I’m not missing this one in the hospital,” Cook told his teammates, according to On3.

Despite spending nearly two hours in the locker room after an MRI, Cook rallied his team from a 14-point deficit, showcasing grit with clutch throws and critical runs.

“It was a long hour-and-a-half for sure. I did not think I was going to come back to play in the game. My stuff was off, my pads were off,” Cook said [H/t The Associated Press]. “Ultimately, I realized I had 2 1/2 games left to play in Faurot Field. We were going to find a way.”

Cook’s resilience was evident, even after limping through early plays and taking a hard hit that sent him to the medical tent. When he came back, the energy shifted. His leadership was key, driving Missouri to their longest drive of the season and sealing a homecoming win that will go down in Tigers’ history.

Though his stats may not stand out—11-of-22 passing for 194 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions—Cook’s heart and determination were the real story.

Mizzou QB Brady Cook's dramatic story against Auburn

Mizzou QB Brady Cook's story took a dramatic turn when he had to visit the hospital midgame, but the real magic started when Auburn was up 17-6.

Cook came back and launched a 72-yard pass to Theo Wease Jr., setting up Marcus Carroll's touchdown run. With time running out, Cook led a game-winning drive that kept Mizzou’s College Football Playoff dreams alive.

Starting at his own 5-yard line with just 4:26 left, Cook made a gutsy run on a sore ankle to convert a third down. He then found Luther Burden III on a crucial fourth-and-5. Later, Cook hit Wease on a third-and-10 and connected with Mekhi Miller inside the 10-yard line with just over a minute remaining, setting up Roberts' go-ahead touchdown.

What was expected to be an offensive shootout between two efficient teams—Auburn averaging 444.5 yards and Missouri leading the SEC in time of possession—became a defensive battle, largely due to injuries on both sides.

Missouri pulled out the win, thanks to Brady Cook’s heroics, though his health will be something to watch moving forward. Next up, Mizzou heads to face seventh-ranked Alabama next Saturday.