2008 Woodie Awards
From the Cheap Seats
After years of heartache, Missouri fans have something to cheer about
Nick Schimmer/Muleskinner
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: Sports
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For the greater part of this college football season I have been miserable. This down-and-out feeling is common when you root for the Missouri Tigers, as most of us sit around and wait for the guaranteed meltdown.
Last year it was New Mexico, two seasons ago Troy State. In previous years the Tigers have had a way of dashing optimism like no other team I have ever rooted for. I sat by and watched head coach Gary Pinkel squander Brad Smith, perhaps the greatest talent the Tigers ever had at the quaterback position.
I watched anemic defenses give way to lethargic offenses, as the Kansas State's and Nebraska's of the world rolled to conference glory. Even when quarterback Chase Daniel replaced Smith on two separate occasions last season to lead the Tigers to victory, I hardly noticed. What was the point?
Even a victory over Steve Spurrier's South Carolina squad in last year's Independence Bowl, as remarkable as Smith's performance was, left little optimism heading into the 2006 season. After all, who watches the Independence Bowl?
As this season began to unfold, the anticipation of a letdown seemed all too real. After piling up wins over inferior
opponents like Murray State, Mississippi and New Mexico the Tigers quietly began to dispell the critics.
The Tigers opened conference play with a 28-13 win over Colorado, giving the team its first top-25 ranking in nearly three years. All the hype that surrunded the hiring of Pinkel seems to be culminating in this, his sixth season.
Chase Daniel is heads and shoulders above Brad Smith, not only in the passing game but in his ability to lead the team. In years past, where the offense waited for Smith to do something, everyone is contributing in a cohesive effort. But despite the win over Colorado, one major hurdle awaited the Tigers Saturday in Lubbock, Texas.
To be quite honest, the Tigers have by tradition been a terrible road team under Pinkel, posting a 5-15 record heading into this season.
Last year it was New Mexico, two seasons ago Troy State. In previous years the Tigers have had a way of dashing optimism like no other team I have ever rooted for. I sat by and watched head coach Gary Pinkel squander Brad Smith, perhaps the greatest talent the Tigers ever had at the quaterback position.
I watched anemic defenses give way to lethargic offenses, as the Kansas State's and Nebraska's of the world rolled to conference glory. Even when quarterback Chase Daniel replaced Smith on two separate occasions last season to lead the Tigers to victory, I hardly noticed. What was the point?
Even a victory over Steve Spurrier's South Carolina squad in last year's Independence Bowl, as remarkable as Smith's performance was, left little optimism heading into the 2006 season. After all, who watches the Independence Bowl?
As this season began to unfold, the anticipation of a letdown seemed all too real. After piling up wins over inferior
opponents like Murray State, Mississippi and New Mexico the Tigers quietly began to dispell the critics.
The Tigers opened conference play with a 28-13 win over Colorado, giving the team its first top-25 ranking in nearly three years. All the hype that surrunded the hiring of Pinkel seems to be culminating in this, his sixth season.
Chase Daniel is heads and shoulders above Brad Smith, not only in the passing game but in his ability to lead the team. In years past, where the offense waited for Smith to do something, everyone is contributing in a cohesive effort. But despite the win over Colorado, one major hurdle awaited the Tigers Saturday in Lubbock, Texas.
To be quite honest, the Tigers have by tradition been a terrible road team under Pinkel, posting a 5-15 record heading into this season.
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