Almost 9 years ago I watched my first college football game from start to finish. The game featured the top ranked team in the country (and eventual National Champions), the Nebraska Cornhuskers, against a scrappy Missouri Tigers team. Missouri was led by a dual threat quarterback, Corby Jones, who had Tiger fans thinking upset all evening long.
This game of course was the infamous “kicked pass” game, and arguably the most devastating loss in Tiger football history. I can remember crying my eyes out after the game and thinking how cruel it is to have come so close to victory and then have it snatched away so unfairly.
The loss might have taught me a valuable lesson when it comes to following Missouri Tiger athletics. You should never get too high on any of the teams success, because if history gives any indication then disappointment is sure to follow.
I’ve watched this year’s Tigers win their first five games and the entire time I’ve had a feeling that they would eventually let me down in traditional Tiger fashion. But they haven’t, and after Saturday night’s convincing victory at Texas Tech I’ve decided to let down my guard and leave this skeptical attitude in the dust.
After beating a team as good as Tech there is no reason to not believe the hype that this team is generating. They’re as complete a team as Missouri has had in years.
Every week somebody different steps up for MU and makes big plays for the Tigers. One week it’s Will Franklin, the next Brian Smith. This week it was Xzavie Jackson and William Moore with back-to-back interceptions that were both returned for touchdowns.
And lets not forgot about the star of this team, Chase Daniel. Daniel had his best game on Saturday. His numbers may have not been that impressive but Daniel played the smartest game of his young career. He didn’t force things and wasn’t rattled when the Red Raiders mounted their comeback.
More than anything Daniel is showing that what he does best is simply win ballgames. He’s as intense a competitor as you will ever see. After last weeks victory over Colorado he told reporters that he would not be taking the 24 hours that Gary Pinkel gives his team to enjoy victories. He was trying to find some film of Texas Tech so he could get a head start on preparation for next week. This is the kind of guy that you want leading your team.
And then there’s Gary Pinkel. What a wonderful feeling he must have after listening to so many people (myself included) criticize his coaching abilities the past few seasons. His team made the necessary adjustments that were needed after Texas Tech cut a 24-0 deficit to three. His team did not lose their composure at all in a hostile environment. That’s good coaching.
But if Pinkel’s excited then he’s doing a great job of hiding his emotions. During a post-game interview on TBS you could hear Pinkel harping about his team taking one game at a time.
That’s something for the players and coaches to do, but I’m looking ahead. This team has the talent to beat any team in the Big 12. That means they have a legitimate shot at making it to a BCS bowl game. After so many years of heartbreak it finally feels great to be a Tiger fan.
csg446@mizzou.edu
Copyright 2007 - MOP Squad Sports
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