It is time to look ahead to Oklahoma and put yesterday's game behind us. Don't get me wrong; Mizzou's loss to Kansas Saturday afternoon was nothing short of tragic. Losing to Kansas may be the most miserable thing that can happen to a devoted Missouri Tiger. The sickening feeling deep inside your gut is indescribable. But having said that, it is important to keep this loss in perspective. We may have lost that battle, but we won the war in the Big 12 North. After each taunting comment I received from a chickenhawk fan, I politely congratulated them and wished them luck next week in the Big 12 Championship game. After processing the fact that Kansas would not be playing for the Big 12 Championship, the chickenhawks were silenced.
When the season started we all had a national title for these Missouri Tigers in our hearts and on our mind. But we always knew that a Big 12 Championship would be a necessary step along the way. We know now that this year won't bring a national championship, but the Big 12 Championship is still in reach. And is still very important. If Missouri wants to establish itself as a perenial power, winning the conference championship of the best conference in college football is a good start. Missouri will be a heavy underdog next Saturday at Arrowhead against the Sooners, in the range of two touchdowns I'd guess. Most of the critics are dismissive of any chance for a Missouri victory. I like that. These Tigers have always played better as the underdog---with a chip on their shoulder.
These Tigers are frustrated. Frustrated about not playing for the national title. Frustrated about giving away a home game to Oklahoma State. Frustrated about getting blown out in Austin. Frustrated about losing to their archrival. Frustrated about being written off in the Big 12 championship game. The Tigers will need to take all of that frustration and channel it into playing their best game of the season against the Sooners. If the Tigers show up and play lacksadeisical football, they won't stand a chance. The game will be over by halftime. But if they show ready play their best game of the year---against what may be the best team in the country---I think we'll all be in for an exciting show next Saturday night. Every college football fan in the country will be watching Saturday night. This is a great opportunity for the Missouri football program to show the nation what this season was supposed to look like for the Tigers.
If the Tigers are still in need of motivation, it might be worth adding that revenge is in order for OU. Last year Mizzou came into the Big 12 Championship game one win away from playing for the national title. OU pulled away from a 14-14 halftime tie to spoil the Tigers national title hopes. The roles are reversed this year, and it is Mizzou's turn to spoil it all for the Sooners.
Mizzou's loss to Kansas wasn't our only loss this weekend. The KC Star is reporting that offensive coordinator Dave Christensen has accepted the job as the head football coach at Wyoming. It looks like the Tigers may also lose Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus as well. These things happen to good football teams. Their coordinators are viewed as hot commodities. It will be important for Coach Pinkel to find high quality replacements so that Missouri can establish itself as a legitimate top tier football program. http://www.kansascity.com/385/story/915534.html
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