Missouri Star Luther Burden Melts Down as Tigers Taken to the Woodshed at Texas AM

Luther Burden lost his cool.

Everything's going wrong for the Missouri Tigers in College Station today. The host Aggies opened up a 24-0 lead in the first half over the SEC contenders as surprise starter Connor Weigman shook off a shoulder injury to toss 15-19 passes for 193 yards in a brewing upset. In fact, Le'Veon Moss just broke loose for a 75-yard run to make it 31-0.

Trailing 10-0, the #9-ranked visitors made a bid to get back in the game when quarterback Brady Cook hit All-American receiver Burden in stride down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown.

Burden's celebration was barely underway when he looked upfield to find the dreaded yellow laundry. Flag on the play, lineman downfield. It was coming back.

Burden went to the sideline and slammed his helmet on the bench. Later, he was hiding in the shade with a towel over his head.

A game that goes bad can challenge a team to stay focused and keep competing. The Tiger star's frustration boiled over in a way that makes fans wonder how this team will respond to what looks like a painful setback.

They have UMass next week in what surely will be a feel-good, get-right game, but Eli Drinkwitz's squad travels to #1 Alabama on October 26. Scouts will be watching. There's no doubt about Burden's talent, not after 1,212 yards and 9 touchdowns last year. His leadership is still an open question.

It's an object lesson too for Duck fans. Oregon has one of the most talented wide receiver rooms in the country. Sometimes not getting the ball can be a source of frustration. How an offensive unit responds to the sharing of touches can be a big part of team's success as a season unfolds. Don't be a Burden. It never helps a team win, and you've got to be prepared for the next opportunity.