Missouri got some key second-half turnovers and quarterback Blaine Gabbert shrugged off a slow start to help the Tigers fend off determined Illinois 23-13 Saturday at the Edward Jones Dome in the last game of the Arch Rivalry series.

Gabbert threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns, leading Missouri on two long second-half scoring drives as they overcame a 13-3 halftime deficit and reeled off 20 unanswered points to take control.

Gabbert threw touchdown passes of 7 yards to T.J. Moe in the third quarter and 6 yards to Michael Egnew early in the fourth as Missouri dominated the second half.

Undermanned Illinois, which returns just a handful of starters from last year’s 3-9 club, stuffed Missouri in the first half. Its strong defensive effort kept the Illini in the game until the end. The outcome wasn’t secure until Missouri stopped Illinois on a fourth-and-10 with two minutes left.

Illinois freshman quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase committed four turnovers in his debut. His three interceptions and lost fumble were consistent momentum killers for the Illini.

A.J. Jenkins caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Scheelhaase in the second quarter to give Illinois a 10-3 lead, and Derek Dimke added a 52-yard field goal on the last play of the half to put the Illini up 13-3.

Missouri played without running back Derrick Washington, its top rusher in each of the past two seasons. He was suspended after being charged with the sexual assault of a tutor over the summer.