COLUMBIA, Mo. — The ground game got it done.

No. 23 Missouri overcame coverage issues and an ill-timed turnover to beat South Carolina 29-20 on Saturday, opening Southeastern Conference play by leaning on a powerful rushing attack.

The Tigers (3-1, 1-0) ran for 287 yards compared to a net loss of 9 for the Gamecocks (2-2, 0-2). Tailback Ahmad Hardy alone picked up 138 yards and a touchdown while Jamal Roberts added 76 yards and a score of his own.

As a result of Saturday's win, Mizzou has reclaimed the Mayor's Cup trophy presented to the winner of this series.

Here are five takeaways from MU's first SEC game of the season.

Tandem takes over

Mizzou's ground game remains its best game. It looked effective as ever during the first half. Then, trailing early in the second, Hardy took it

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