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COLUMBIA - To find a football game as important as this one between Missouri and Kansas you need to look deep into the history books.
It was 47 years ago, MU and KU played a game that still isn't decided. It was 19-60 when the MU-KU game was the last one on the schedule. The Tigers were undefeated and coming off a win at Oklahoma. That's when Kansas ruined Mizzou's shot at a conference championship by beating the Tigers 23-7. It's a result that is fresh in former Missouri coach Dan Devine's mind.
"We were playing a Kansas team that was probably as good as any team in the country. They weren't playing that well," he said.
But while the Jayhawks beat the top ranked Tigers on the field, the win didn't last. Kansas used an ineligible player and had to forfeit the win. The Big Eight conference crowned Mizzou the conference champs. It's a piece of history that adds to the excitement of this year's game.
"Nervous. You can't be nervous about this game," said receiver Jeremy Maclin. "You need to be confident, excited, ready to go. We love being tested. This is a test for us. It's just another day at the office, man. Another day at the office."
Kansas and Mizzou spent 115 previous days at the office. Saturday's game is not a day like another.
"You'd be amazed at what goes on between the stripes," said safety William Moore. "It is really a war out there. That's part of the game and I'm one of those players that strive on it. You talk bad to me, I'm coming ten times harder."
"It's more of a hatred relationship," Maclin said. "The hitting is going to be harder. I got to expect to get hit harder, I got to expect for guys to run a little faster and play a little bit harder. I love when a guy goes out and gives 110 percent against me because I know that I have to give it right back and I know that mine is better than his."
Legendary Tiger Coach Don Faurot went 13-4-and-3 against Kansas. His last win came in 1956. The Tigers won with a late game safety... And carried Faurot off the field. It was his last game as a coach.
"Now I know and I'm on Mizzou's side for a reason," Maclin said.
The two schools can't agree on anything. Missouri's game notes report the all-time series is even at 53 wins apiece with 9 ties. Kansas game notes say the Jayhawks hold a two game series lead. The difference: That game back in 1960.
"You know, it all comes down to on the field," said quarterback Chase Daniel. "All those stats. All those other games. It doesn't matter. This is the game of the year."
Pinkel's all-time record against Kansas is 3-and-3. He broke a three game losing streak last season.
Reported by: Eric Blumberg
Posted by: Jen Reeves
Published: Friday, November 23, 2007 at 1:47 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 7:59 PM |
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