Over the years, Missouri's football program has carried the burden of being a squad of chokers. Grand Poobah among them has been pucker pucker pucker-ish head coach Gary Pinkel. He had squandered several good Tiger teams under Brad Smith and then watched what I thought was a pretty good Missouri team last year falter down the stretch after a similar hot start.It was a well-earned rep, until now.
Missouri edged a solid Kansas team last night in an electric atmosphere, badly outplaying the Jayhawks early and then doing what was necessary to close late including the clinching end zone safety with just seconds to go.
At least for one year, the Tigers have boldly shaken off that burden of being a team that just can't close. I don't even think it matters whether they win or lose against Oklahoma in next weekend's Big 12 Championship game, they've held firm this entire season and done the impossible these last few weeks in surviving pressure games as the favorite to even get to this point.
The difference between closing and not closing makes all the difference in the world, as these Tigers have repositioned themselves from a top 15 team that plays its way out of the top 25 to a team gunning for #1. Coffee is for closers, and these guys deserve a few sips.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-25-2007 @ 5:14PM
brucejschulte said...
No longer chokers? F-U. This season is full of "chokers" because that is what makes college football great. Anyone can beat anybody on any given saturday.
See you in the BCS Championship Game led by the Heisman Trophy winner.
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11-26-2007 @ 4:22PM
JDehart said...
Sounds like sour grapes to me, Mr. Schulte. The better team won and if all goes well in San Antonio, the Tigers will be playing the Mountaineers for the National Championship, although I hope it's Ohio State as they are the only team with more of a creampuff schedule than Kansas.
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11-25-2007 @ 8:09PM
scott said...
Missouri was tough, they deserve the credit. Many underestimated KU`s ability and KU`s quaterback is one of the best. He almost prevailed after all the intense pressure and being down so far. Had Kansas not missed two field goals they would have been tied at 34 and 34. KU will be back next year. I wish good luck to Missouri.
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11-25-2007 @ 11:55PM
George B Vieto said...
We shall see if the Missouri Tigers can beat Oklahoma Sooners in the Big 12 championship game and then in the championship game against whoever. The Tigers should be proud of their season however.
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11-26-2007 @ 11:02AM
BW said...
I hate you KU fans. I know you're out there reading this. The best part: You can't say sh!t because your crappy little peewee football team got their asses handed to them by the mighty Tigers. Go ahead, wipe that tear away you digusting little Jayhawker. A sick breed you are.
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12-06-2007 @ 9:14PM
Butch Rogers said...
Well,what a victory!!!! Yes,I'am a big OU grad.but I could not believe the pers.fouls called against OU,yet,Chase"attitude",Daniel,got up in peoples faces,several times and also mouthed off,and threw elbows!!! I think they gave that,SOB special treatment!!!!!
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12-05-2007 @ 1:34AM
SoonersWin said...
Main Entry: 1choke
Pronunciation: \ˈchōk\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): choked; chok·ing
1: to lose one's composure and fail to perform effectively in a critical situation
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