So long, farewell... until next year.

Well, a rough ending to a semi-successful season. OU's beating was an unfortunate wrap up to the team's overall performance over the past several years. The seniors will without a doubt be greatly missed, and I know I can speak for all Tiger fans when I say we're anxious to see what the future holds for the team. 

To the Tigers, we as fans appreciate your hard work and dedication. We wish you the best of luck in future years whether or not football is a part of that future.

My Achy Breaky Heart

Wow. That's about all I can say. Yesterday's loss was definitely not what I nor any other Tiger expected. Is this a lesson to always be prepared for the unexpected? Maybe so. Especially with such a big rivalry. I guess this proves that when you play with heart you can overcome your weaknesses. 

Heart is something I thought was lacking in the Tigers until the second half. It seemed that MU went into the game with the expectation to come out with a win and forgot to put their heads in the game. Contrary to that, anyone could tell that Todd Reesing wanted the Showdown win more than anything. He played with heart and passion from the very first minute of the game. So did every other Jayhawk. In my opinion, the heart came a little too late for Mizzou. 

Even so, however, the game was a battle and can't be described otherwise. Down to the last minute of the game the winner was still unpredictable. "Showdown," although politically correct, can't begin to describe the intensity of the game. The former term "war" is probably a more accurate word.

But despite the loss, Mizzou will be back at Arrowhead next week to face Oklahoma who was just named the South champion this afternoon. I'll keep my mouth shut about how that game will turn out, but let's just hope for a good game.

Starting the Countdown

T-12 hours before the big kick-off!! I'm so sad that I won't be able to attend the game this year, but my heart is with every single one of the Tigers and all the fans. I can't wait to see it. I know Mizzou will just blow kU out of the water. There's just no doubt about it. The rivalry is so incredible, and it will be great to win yet again at Arrowhead. So I leave you with this: M-I-Z, Beat k-U!

By the way, in case you haven't heard about it, there is a new documentary coming out strictly based on the Missouri-Kansas rivalry. It looks pretty cool. Click here to see the trailer and read about the director.

It's All About Them Dolla Dolla Bills

Gary Pinkel is certainly reaping the benefits from Missouri's first back-to-back division titles since the 20s. The Associated Press reported that Pinkel's new contract is going to give him a big raise: from $1.85 million to $2.5 million. The deal isn't complete, but regardless it looks like good ol' Gary will be living more than comfortably (not that he doesn't already). But despite the fact that he'll be around for while longer, some of his coaching staff won't be. New Mexico is looking to steal Dave Christensen (Pinkel's offensive coordinator) and apparently the defensive coordinator is being sought by other schools, too. I guess the seniors aren't the only ones graduating. Read the SI.com story here.

So... Kansas looms in the future. Or does it? I think Pinkel summed it up in his press conference after the Iowa State blowout. He said the KU game is now just the KU game. Mizzou clenched the Big 12 North at Iowa State, so the only thing that rests on next week's game is being able to once again rub it in Jayhawks faces that Missouri is superior. As far as tradition goes, the game isn't any less important than it was last year, but from a division standpoint and a BCS standpoint, there is a lot less pressure.

The game to watch today is without a doubt the Texas Tech-OU match-up. I'm sure I'm not the only one to say I'm anxious to see who will win the South and have to face Mizzou at Arrowhead Stadium for the Big 12 Championship. Personally, I'm pulling for Texas Tech simply because Mizzou played them and beat them last year (but yes, I know, Tech is a different team this year) and because OU is just OU. It's sort of a "been there, done that" situation. Plus, it would make the decision so much easier. If Tech loses today, the South has a three-way tie between Tech, OU and UT. That means to decide who goes to Arrowhead they would have to look at the BCS calculations and decide that way. I'd rather there just be a clear winner.

Regardless, Arrowhead Stadium is the place where it will all happen within the next few weeks. Let's hope the stadium brings MU more luck than it does to the KC Chiefs.

Big 12 North...

Champs again?? Or are you all too scared to jinx it? ;) It's going to be cold in Ames Saturday!! Highs in the mid-30s with flurries and wind! Nice... Anyone remember two years ago? The game that ended up not counting... what a joke.