The Chase is Over

After Oklahoma's 38-17 victory against Mizzou in the Big 12 Championship game, the Tiger's chase for the national championship is over. No Big 12 Championship, no BCS National Championship, no more chants of "We're number one!" While a likely bid in the Cotton Bowl would signify MU's leap to the next level of college football, the loss isn't any easier to swallow. Tiger fans, let's not mope about what could have been. Yes, a BCS bid would be nice but if I were to guarantee a Big 12 North Championship and a Cotton Bowl appearance at the beginning of the season, I'm sure most Tiger fans would've jumped on it. But this season isn't over yet as Mizzou still has one game left. In the grand scheme of college football, a Tiger win in their first January bowl game since 1969 would mean little, but it would mean a lot to the program. Beating a team from the mighty SEC could determine Missouri's preseason ranking next season, give Gary Pinkel something else to sell in the final month of recruiting, give the Tigers confidence heading into the offseason and, most importantly, send off the senior class with a victory. Let's not kid ourselves, the preseason rankings mean a lot (just ask the 2004 Auburn Tigers), and the higher Mizzou is ranked in August, the better their chances of playing in the BCS title game.

Let's start talking about the 2008 Missouri football team. Offensively, the Tigers will lose WRs William Franklin, Tommy Saunders, and Jason Ray, TE Martin Rucker, OL Tyler Luellen, Adam Spieker, and Monte Wyrick, and maybe RB Tony Temple (he may be granted a 5th year). Lot's of big losses, especially on the offensive line, but the Tigers return a lot of playmakers. Defensively, DL Lorenzo Williams and DBs Pig Brown and Darnell Terrell are the headline graduates. Just think of all the young players who shined this season: Maclin, Washington, Gettis, Weatherspoon, and Alexander just to name a few. Sprinkle the young guns with perhaps Pinkel's best recruiting class and the experienced playmakers like Coffman, Daniel and Moore, and you have all the ingredients for a return trip to the Big 12 Championship.

So, Missouri fans, take today to be upset if you must, but get excited because the best is yet to come! Remember, this season is NOT over yet! Support the Tigers in the bowl game and be proud to be a Missouri fan!

--TP