Sept. 4, 1999

By R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer

COLUMBIA, Mo.- DeVaughn Black ran for 140 yards on 25 carries and Missouri overcame two blocked punts for scores in a 31-28 season-opening victory over Alabama-Birmingham on Saturday.

Missouri, which lost at least two victories due to not-so-special special teams play in an 8-4 season last year, survived to win for the seventh time in eight games at home. The Tigers also scored on a blocked punt by Justin Smith in the first quarter.

Alabama-Birmingham's Al Hurst burst up the middle on the second block of a punt by Jared Gilpin with 7:57 remaining, setting up a 16-yard return by Adrian Abrams that cut Missouri's lead to 24-20. Chris Brown also scored for Alabama-Birmingham on a 16-yard return in the first quarter after Avery Warner blocked the first punt by Gilpin, a sophomore making his first start.

Black, taking over for second team All-American Devin West, had 91 yards in the fourth quarter. He ran for four first downs in the ensuing 12-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 12-yard pass from Kirk Farmer to Joe Chirumbolo with 2:12 to go.

Alabama-Birmingham rallied again on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Dixon to Carl Fair with 1:38 to go. The score came one play after Percy Coleman's 69-yard run.

Smith, the Big 12 defensive freshman of the year last season, blocked Alabama-Birmingham's first punt at the 16. Teammate John McPherson scooped up the ball at the 9 and scored for a 10-0 lead with 8:43 to go in the first quarter.

Dwayne Blakely scored on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Farmer and Gilmore had a 1-yard run for Missouri.

Missouri used a rotating quarterback system until sophomore Jim Dougherty, who started and played the first quarter, left with a sprained left knee late in the second quarter. Farmer, a redshirt freshman, played the entire second half.

Missouri has blocked 25 kicks in six seasons under coach Larry Smith, including nine punts.

Missouri led at halftime for the 19th straight game, but only 17-14.