MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) _ Kirk Farmer threw for one fourth-quarter touchdown and ran for another Saturday as Missouri defeated Memphis 27-17.

The two scores gave Missouri (3-1) some breathing room after Memphis (1-4) cut the Missouri lead to 13-10 with just over four minutes left in the third quarter.

Farmer connected with tight end Dwayne Blakley on a 21-yard scoring play with 12:28 remaining in the game, then ran 2 yards for a 27-10 lead with just under eight minutes left.

Memphis' final touchdown _ a 1-yard pass from Neil Suber to Al Sermon with 4:40 left _ pulled the Tigers within 27-17.

DeVaughn Black led the Missouri rushing attack with 111 yards on 27 carries.

Missouri led 13-0 at the half, and it could have been by a lot more.

Memphis stopped Missouri on four downs inside the 2-yard line early in the second quarter.

Missouri settled for field goals of 34 and 45 yards by Brad Hammerich on two other occasions.

Hammerich also missed a 45-yarder in the opening half.

Missouri's first half touchdown came after Memphis' Ken Coutain fumbled the opening kickoff at the 20.

Two plays later, Jim Dougherty hooked up with Kent Layman for a 20-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

Missouri controlled the opening 30 minutes, but Memphis made it interesting in the second half.

A 47-yard field goal by Ryan White put Memphis on the board with 9:32 left in the third quarter.

Five-and-one-half minutes later, Travis Anglin hit Coutain for a 33-yard scoring pass, cutting the Missouri lead to 13-10.

Missouri's defense controlled Memphis in the first half, limiting the Tigers to only 35 yards of offense.

Four turnovers _ two fumbles and two interceptions _ also hurt Memphis's chances.