Lubbock, Texas ? Missouri’s defense is for real.

The No. 23 Tigers’ defense, which came into the game ranked No. 10 in the nation, set up most of the scoring in a 38-21 victory over Texas Tech on Saturday night.

But questions about the strength of Missouri’s schedule had some wondering whether the defense had really been tested before playing Tech.

The answers came in four turnovers – two interceptions and two fumbles – by Tech quarterback Graham Harrell, which led to 28 points for Missouri.

“We all know what it’s like to play that team, and the turnovers were the difference in the football game,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “That’s certainly something we tried to do.”

Chase Daniel threw for 171 yards and a touchdown, giving Missouri its first 6-0 start in 33 years.

Xzavie Jackson and William Moore scored on interception returns on consecutive Texas Tech possessions in the second quarter.

“I looked up and just felt it,” Jackson said. “Then I looked at the quarterback’s eyes and he threw the ball. I just cut in there and the ball sort of stuck to my hand.”

Daniel, who returned to Texas where he played high school football in the Dallas area, really didn’t have to do much. But his dual threat kept Tech’s defense guessing. The Birthday Boy – Daniel turned 20 on Saturday – completed 15 of 22 passes, threw one interception and ran for 37 yards.

Missouri (2-0 Big 12) got up 24-0 before Texas Tech (4-2, 1-1) crossed the 50. The Red Raiders scored two touchdowns before halftime and appeared to have momentum turned around. But Missouri stiffened and allowed only one score in the second half.