As a reward, the Tigers got a gift of their own. A trip to Dallas to play in the Cotton Bowl. Wednesday was travel day. For Missouri fan Don Johnson, this season was a long time coming.

"I graduated in '57, so I've been a tiger fan. I was in high school in the state of Missouri before that, so I'd say it's been well over 55, 60 years, I've been a Tiger fan," Johnson said.

Since Johnson's graduation in 1957, the Tigers have played in only 4 bowls games on new year's day or later. Missouri's last new year's day game was the 1970 Orange Bowl. Most of the tigers got a hero's send off when they boarded three buses this morning. Fans looking to catch a glimpse of Heisman finalist Chase Daniel left disappointed. That's because the quarterback is at home in Southlake, Texas. Just a half hour drive from the Cotton Bowl."

Players who live more than 4 hours away from Columbia are allowed to meet their teammates in Dallas. But for the majority of the team and fans, this is the beginning of a trip to remember.

"We rooted for Mizzou all year long,." said Missouri fan Greg Lewis. "They should have been in the Orange Bowl. But I think there's a positive about playing in the Cotton Bowl. We recruit from the Texas area. Chase is from Texas. I think it's a great opportunity for the fans to be able to travel to a closer state."

Coach Gary Pinkel's team boarded buses to head to the airport this morning, but a flight delay forced the tigers to change their travel plans. Around 1 pm, the Tigers arrived at Columbia Regional Airport and boarded their private plane. Johnson was one of about 100 fans to wish the Tigers good luck this morning, he said this season is one he'll never forget, and he won't let his sons forget either.

"I told the boys, when they were a little disappointed we didn't get to go to the Orange Bowl, I said 'do you realize how long we've waited to play on New Year's Day,' and now we're gonna do it," Johnson said.

The last time the Tigers played in a New Years Day bowl game, 1970, Penn State beat Missouri 10-3 in the Orange Bowl.