Two of Missouri's potential All-Americans showed it's okay to let your emotions flow. Like his quiet, hardworking demeanor, Kurtis Gregory kept it simple. And Missouri needed that gritty attitude to get past a feisty Iowa State team.

The Tigers shoved their way downfield in the first quarter, and held the ball for just over ten minutes through a healthy dose of Derrick Washington and Kendial Lawrence. But, the Cyclones took advantage of a Jerrell Jackson fumble, scoring with just seconds left in the first half. Down a touchdown going into the second half against Iowa State, Missouri needed a tornado of emotion to get past the Cyclones.

"We came in at halftime everybody was pumped up. We had our younger guys stepping up for the seniors. They didn't want to send us out with a loss," senior receiver Danario Alexander said.

"That was like the whole motivation, to go out there and play for the seniors, do it for them. So they just helped us out a lot," freshman running back Kendial Lawrence said.

"I tried to take a mental picture when I went out there. When we get into the stadium, walk out there, walk down to the end and whatnot. Just want to make sure that I remember this," senior punter Jake Harry said.

"Very pleased with the way they came out and played today, all the young guys. You had some young guys step up and make plays. D-Wash went down, and Devion ran. Blaine made plays, Jerrell made plays, you know, a lot of guys who are gonna be here next year making plays. Rutland, Jasper, I'm excited for the future. You know, you got some pretty good defensive ends, Aldon, Jacquies coming back, and we're excited for what they're gonna be able to do. Next year I'll definitely be watching them, tuning in," senior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said.

The rushing game returned as Missouri controlled the football in the fourth quarter.

"When we had to run the football, we did. And I think that's real important. I think that last touchdown, making it a two score game, changes everything," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said.

The telephone trophy stays local, while the seniors added one last memento from Faurot Field. This year's graduating class tied the 2008 squad with 37 wins in a four year period. Saturday's win guaranteed the Tigers a fifth straight bowl game.