KY3 TIGERS INSIDER

The Big 12, I mean ten stands tall. How long though?

2010-06-15T17:48:00.002-05:00

(Pic Courtesy: Big 12 Network)

Dallas, TX - In the end all of the expansion speculation and rumors came down to three universities, Colorado, Nebraska and Boise State.
That's it? Don't forget Texas too.
The University of Texas showed its trump card to secure the Big 12 Conference would stay competitive. Texas talked the remaining ten schools into developing a new television package deal that favors the Longhorns. Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe said the negotiations went beyond money.
"I don't want this portrayed this was all depending on a TV deal we will make in the future," said Beebe.
Beebe continues to talk up the market values of some of its remaining members. For instance, Mizzou. Missouri sits smack dab in the middle of two of the country's top 30 media markets. Despite that, it may take years before it plays out favorable for Missouri.
"The University of Missouri has certainly prospered during its time in the Big 12, and we are looking forward to future opportunities in the years ahead," said Mizzou athletics director Mike Alden.
Last year the Big 12 schools earned anywhere from $7 million to $10 million dollars depending on its national television appearances. The conference's deal with Fox ends in 2012. The conference's deal with ESPN lasts through the 2015-2016 academic year.
"Obviously, we are buoyed by the commitments of our existing colleagues and league institutions to preserve the Big 12 Conference and its position as one of the nation's top leagues," said Kansas State athletics director John Currie. "Our league has a very bright future and we are looking forward to new levels of growth and opportunity."
Of course the Wildcats' boss would say that. Kansas State, Kansas, Baylor, Iowa State and Missouri had the most to gain to keep the league together. It ultimately got what it wanted, a promise to earn more money.
"We have a very solid future in our television exposure and revenue," said Beebe.
An expected cable television deal could be worth anywhere from $17 million to $20 million each year per team. Mizzou's jump to the Big Ten guaranteed it somewhere around $22-$24 million a year. Less yes, but the numbers are comparable.
No Big 12 school will secure as much of the revenue pie as the University of Texas. The conference's biggest university is expected to set up its own network to showcase all of its sports competition. That's what kept Texas from going east to the Big Ten Conference or west to the Pac-10 Conference.
Is this the end of expansion? Don't bet on it. The ten remaining Big 12 schools still will make or break the conference if it fails to show them the money.

What will be left of the Big 12 in '12?

2010-06-12T00:17:00.002-05:00

Columbia, MO - Where they be a Big 12 Conference by 2012?
ESPN is reporting four more Big 12 schools will join the Pac-10 Conference. The University of Texas, Texas Tech University, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University will announce its intentions to leave next week. The Texas schools' board of regents will meet Tuesday to discuss expansion.
“We have had a couple of disappointing days here at the Big 12 Conference," said Commissioner Dan Beebe.
Texas A&M athletics boosters continue to push the school into discussions with the neighboring SEC. However, the school remains mum on where it's next move may be.
The University of Nebraska followed through what many had speculated for weeks. It will join the Big Ten conference in the 2011-2012 academic year. Nebraska had been rumored to go east for sometime. Many thought the University of Missouri would join it. So far, that's not the case.
"When the dust settles Mizzou will be in a strong position nationally," said Mizzou athletics director Mike Alden. "We don't know the timeline of all of these activities, so your patience and commitment is appreciated."
It's likely the Big 12 would fold if it lost theoretically the Big 12 South division. Beebe says he's working tirelessly to keep the remaining teams together.
"When you look at what you can do as a 10-member conference, in terms of the media landscape, teams in this part of the country, fans that can get to games readily, we can compete well with our value compared to any conference in the country if we just hold together," added Beebe.
What about speculation Mizzou would join Nebraska? Beebe says Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany gave him assurance it was unlikely the conference would pursue a second Big 12 school.
"We are committed to the Big 12 at this time," said University of Missouri-System board of curators chairwomen Judy Haggard.
College athletics has changed in the past decade. Now, television contracts detail just how successful a school's athletics program can be. Nebraska's move guarantees them nearly double what they earned under the Big 12 revenue sharing package. Who can blame them?
The University of Texas remains the biggest piece of college sports expansion yet to fit in the puzzle. The university presidents of the Big 12 understand that. And so does Beebe.
"We have pretty good evidence that if we stay together we have more value as ten than the 11 in the (expanded Pac-10)," noted Beebe.
If he can persuade all ten to stay, he'll then have to prove it to them of face this merry-go-round years later.

Big 12 to be Big Ten or 9 or 4?

2010-06-11T18:20:00.004-05:00

Columbia, MO - Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe is ready to go forward with ten conference schools. But he's not happy.
The University of Colorado and the University of Nebraska made their intentions to leave the conference public. The Buffaloes will move to the Pac-10 conference. Nebraska will move to the Big Ten Conference.
"The Information we have is pretty strong the ten members we have would continue to provide revenue," said Beebe.
He also had a strong message for those ten schools.
"My understanding is there aren't any other conference members considered by the Big Ten," added Beebe.
Maybe that's a message for the Texas schools too. The University of Texas Board of Regents will meet Tuesday. The Longhorns are rumored to go east to the Big Ten or west to the Pac-10.

Mizzou's Board of Curators end meeting & ...

2010-06-11T16:06:00.006-05:00

The soap opera that is college athletics added a new chapter with Nebraska announcing it was leaving the Big 12 for the Big 10. Colorado also is leaving for the Pac 10.
Mizzou is professing its loyalty to its current conference...
KY3's Joe Hickman reports.

Nebraska jumps ship ...

2010-06-11T14:22:00.000-05:00

Lincoln, Neb - Then there were ten in the Big 12.
The University of Nebraska has announced its intentions to apply for membership in the Big Ten conference. The school says it expects to be accepted.
Chancellor Harvey Perlman said it plans to stay in the Big 12 conference through next competitive sports season.
"This will bring Nebraska the stability the Big 12 cannot offer," said Perlman. "Even if we stayed in the Big 12 it could not give this board assurance it would remain the same for the three years, four years."
Nebraska's departure is the second school to leave the Big 12 in a day. Colorado applied for membership in the Pac-10 conference.
Nebraska athletics director Tom Osborne says the move is a good fit, culturally, academically and athletically.
"Athletics tends to be unstable," said Osborne. "We do feel joining the Big Ten will enhance all our sports."

Neither Osborne or Perlman mentioned anything about the University of Missouri following them to the Big Ten.

So, does Mizzou have egg on its face? President says NO!

2010-06-11T11:35:00.003-05:00

Is nothing said good news? University of Missouri-System President Gary Forsee seems to think so. He continues to say there's nothing to worry about. Mizzou better hope he's right.
Listen away...

Gov. Nixon is talking expansion, why not Mizzou?

2010-06-10T17:38:00.003-05:00

Missouri's Governor Nixon took time out of his busy signing schedule to talk to expansion and what he'd do if his Mizzou alma mater was given the cold shoulder. BTW, the Gov. sounds like he's ready for a conference change. Will he get his wish.

Breaking News: Colorado to Pac-10

2010-06-10T11:18:00.000-05:00

Boulder, CO - The Pac 10 Conference has tipped over the first domino in NCAA conference expansion.
ESPN, The Sporting News and the Boulder Daily Camera is reporting Colorado has accepted an invitation to the Pac-10 conference. The conference's commissioner Sunday got the go-ahead to begin expansion. It favored Colorado because of the location and the Denver television market.
The announcement comes a day after sources close to the University of Nebraska reported the Cornhuskers will accept a bid to be a member of the Big Ten. Nebraska has been rumored to make the move for the past month.
Some believe that quick action may leave Mizzou without choice to stay in the Big 12. The University of Missouri's Board of Curators are meeting Thursday to discuss its options.

'The "Domino Theory" of expansion

2010-06-09T11:46:00.003-05:00

Columbia, MO - The University of Missouri Board of Curators will soon answer the Big 12 Conference's deadline to stay or go.
University of Missouri 's Board of Curators will meet Thursday in Columbia behind closed doors. However, system President Gary Forsee says no one will comment publicly on the discussions.
The Big 12 has given both Mizzou and the University of Missouri a deadline of Friday to decide to jump conferences to the Big Ten. Nebraska Athletics Director Tom Osborne says his schools Board of Regent will make a decision on its possible move soon, possibly as soon as Friday.
"Everybody is concerned, obviously money is a big player in all of this," said University of Texas football coach Mack Brown.
He's right. The Big Ten's lucrative television package would promise nearly twice as much revenue than the current Big 12 revenue sharing deal. The Pac Ten's proposal to add six Big 12 schools would likely lead to the biggest television contract of all college sports.
"Very little stays forever, said Oklahoma University head football coach Bob Stoops. "Nothing surprises me. Everybody is looking to improve someway one way or another."
As the school presidents discuss the merry-go-round that is expansion, oddly a rival school is taking its shots at the two schools who fired the first shot, Missouri and Nebraska.
"We need Nebraska and we would love Missouri dearly but we need Nebraska," said Kansas basketball coach Bill Self.
The latest expansion talk by both the Big Ten and Pac Ten has left Kansas out of the mix. Self admits the dominoes will fall when the University of Texas makes its decision.
"Texas carries the biggest stick," said Self. "If Texas is in it, then we are fine, if Texas stays it keeps Oklahoma and Oklahoma State."
Self better talk to Texas before throwing the next punch in the media.
"We've got a chance to go anywhere we want if the Big 12 doesn't work out," said Brown. "Everybody is concerned."
Well, not everybody. Missouri and Nebraska are ready to be the first dominoes in expansion.

Big 12 Commish thinking about the student-athlete

2010-06-04T17:42:00.002-05:00

Big 12 commissioner likes the number 12. He thinks every conference should have 12 schools. Why? The student-athlete? Take a listen.

Oh, Big Ten expansion just got more interesting ...

2010-06-04T12:38:00.002-05:00

Columbus, Ohio - Could the University of Texas join the University of Missouri and the University of Nebraska on a list for possible Big Ten expansion.
Of all things an email sent by the president of Ohio State University to the commissioner of the Big Ten hints the conference is pursuing Texas.
Ohio State President Gordon Gee wrote Big Ten Commissioner Jim
Delany Gee had spoken with University of Texas president Bill Powers.
In the e-mail obtained by The Associated Press, Gee writes Powers would welcome a call to say they have a "Tech" problem.
There's no clarification what a "Tech" problem is.
Gee also wrote in an email the Big Ten controls its own destiny, but must act swiftly.
The release of the Ohio State University President's emails coincides with the Big 12 Conference meetings in Kansas City. Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe has canceled two news conferences to discuss expansion.

Hawaii softball does it again, this time to Mizzou

2010-06-03T17:36:00.002-05:00

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Traci Yoshikawa hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning and Alexandra Aguirre also homered as Hawaii beat Missouri 3-2 in the opening game of the NCAA Division 1 softball World Series.

With the nation's top home run hitter waiting on deck, Yoshikawa drove the first pitch from Kristin Nottelmann (24-8) over the right field wall Thursday to give the 16th-seeded Rainbow Wahine (50-14) the lead. Aguirre hit a solo shot in the first inning as Hawaii extended its NCAA record to 156 home runs this season.

Stephanie Ricketts (30-8) threw a six-hitter as the Rainbow Wahine won in its World Series debut. Rhea Taylor homered and scored twice for ninth-seeded Missouri (51-15), which made back-to-back World Series appearances for the first time in school history.

The Tigers will play the loser of the Florida/UCLA game on Saturday at 11

Big 12 no longer worried about Mizzou and Nebraska

2010-06-01T18:17:00.001-05:00

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - What will the Big 12 conference look like next year and years after that.
Conference leaders continue to discuss what realignment would look like with or without the University of Missouri and the University of Nebraska. Both schools are being courted by the Big 10.
They're not alone. Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma all are options for other conferences, including the PAC-10.
So what should we expect out of the four-day meetings? Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds says all of the schools are considering their options if the conference folds.

Where you been all year Mizzou?

2010-05-26T22:24:00.001-05:00

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Big 12's player of the year showed why in the conference's baseball tourney opener. Aaron Senne's two-run double was the key hit, lifting the number eight seeded Missouri Tigers past the conference champion Texas Longhorns 7-3. Texas (46-9) swept Missouri (28-25) in a three game series last weekend. Tigers starter junior Nick Tepesch (6-6) scattered six hits and struck out five while going the distance. Mizzou will play Texas A&M at 7:30PM Thursday. A&M beat Texas Tech in the opening round.

Ha, Ha, Ha!!! Rock Chalk Scalp-U

2010-05-26T10:52:00.004-05:00

What a mess in Lawrence. Yahoo! Sports is reporting a high ranking University of Kansas athletics department official and his father allegedly part of a scheme that profited more than $800,000 in a ticket scalping operation. The investigation goes back to 2002. Oh, and the Feds want to know a lot more about the business. And those involved in the alleged scheme are talking.
READ and laugh.

Dorial meets Drew (Brees)

2010-05-20T11:20:00.002-05:00

KY3 cameraman John Kelly caught a chance meeting between Hillcrest High School football star Dorial Green and Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints.

Big Ten expansion timeframe set, again.

2010-05-18T12:44:00.005-05:00

CHICAGO - We've waited this long. What's another year?
Commissioner Jim Delany says he's basically sticking with the timeframe he acknowledged in December, 12 to 18 months.
"A decision is months away," said Delany at the Big Ten meetings in Chicago.
The meetings of school officials has grabbed the media attention after a Kansas City radio station reported the Big Ten invited four universities to join the conference: Mizzou, Nebraska, Rutgers and Notre Dame.
The Big Ten's decision is expected to lead to a domino-effect across the country.
"(This is) not as much about conferences as it is about institutions finding the right fit for themselves," insists Delany.
A move to the Big Ten for Mizzou would add nearly twice as much revenue as it collects now inside the Big 12 Conference.

Springfield High School star talks about recruiting rush

2010-05-18T12:22:00.003-05:00

Springfield - When does Dorial Green have time to sleep?
The Springfield Hillcrest High School football star has a schedule that will keep him going and going and going. But it also keeps him in the spotlight.
"I'm pretty busy, all-around," said Green in a one-on-one interview with KY3.
The soon-to-be junior is considered one of the the top college football prospects in the recruiting class of 2012, if not the best wide receiver in the country.
Green has received interest from some of the top college football programs in the country despite his underclassmen status. The list includes both Mizzou and Arkansas as well as Oklahoma, LSU, Illinois and Kansas.
"I just don't know where I best fit in yet," said Green.
The 6'6 215 pound freak as an athlete has coaches drooling while looking at his tape. Green nearly doubled his production from a very good freshman season. As a sophomore he caught 66 passes for 1,616 yards and 23 touchdowns. Green still believes he can better those numbers with some off-season work.
"(I need to) get better mentally and physically, all-around balance," noted Green.
He expects stay busy this summer, participating in several football camps including Mizzou's at Parkview High School in July. However, he's hoping to pickup more scholarship offers by traveling to other top-notch schools such as Florida and Ohio State.
"(I'm) going to work hard, come into the combines and show them what I've got," said Green.
Football is just part of his summer. Green also excels on the basketball court. He led the Hillcrest Hornets to a state championship in March. The forward will play AAU ball for the Kansas City Select. And yeah, basketball may play a big factor in his choice of colleges.
"I'll probably walk-on basketball if I could," said the two-star athlete.
The big-frame, athletic body is just part of the package that makes Green a wanted high schooler. His attitude to be the best he can be on and off the field is setting him apart in the recruiting process.
"(I'm) trying to stay in shape and show these schools what I got," said Green. "I just want to be one of the best players in the nation."
It's so far, so good for Dorial Green's moment in the recruiting spotlight.

Big Ten discussions begin ...

2010-05-17T18:17:00.001-05:00

CHICAGO - No one ever expected this much media attention at a conference meeting of school presidents and athletics directors. Then again millions of dollars are on the line.
Expansion is the top topic on the agenda as conference coahes and administrators gather in Chicago for three days of meetings.
The timing could not be more newsworthy. Last week a Kansas City radio station reported the Big Ten invited four schools to join: Mizzou, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Rutgers. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney emailed conference officials immediately to squash the report.
Big Ten officials are also negotiating the extent of its television contract reach and adding a championship football game.

Will you play with us...

2010-05-10T16:40:00.002-05:00

Kansas City, MO - Kansas City radio station WHB 810 is reporting the University of Missouri is one of four schools on a short invitation list to dance with the Big 10.
Don't expect all of them to join. Then again the Big 10 is actually look at other schools for the remote possibility of expanding to 16 schools. The University of Nebraska is the only other Big 12 school on the list. Notre Dame and Rutgers University are also on the list. Rutgers is more appealing than you think because of its proximity to New York City. Who wouldn't want Notre Dame with its earning potential in football.
Presidents and athletics directors in the Big 10 are expected to meet about expansion this summer. Even then, an expansion invitation to any of them is not a given. STAY TUNED!

Mike Anderson keeps knocking on that door

2010-05-03T11:46:00.002-05:00

Springfield - Money can't buy you love. It can't buy you success in college basketball either.
University of Missouri head basketball coach Mike Anderson realized the latter when he turned down twice as much money to be the next head basketball coach at the University of Oregon. But choosing Columbia over Eugene was not a slam dunk decision.
"It was a big decision," says Anderson. "It was a tough decision."
Reportedly Oregon offered Anderson nearly $3 million dollars. Nike founder Phil Knight might have thrown even more money to make a splash. Next season, the University of Oregon will open the $200 million dollar Matthew Knight Arena on-campus.
"Sometimes more isn't exactly more," says Mizzou guard Kim English. "More money wouldn't be more wins."
Anderson has made it known the past few weeks he prefers to build a program instead of an arena. Anderson's Tigers are coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. Mizzoui's uptempo style led them to the Elite Eight in 2009 and a near upset of second-seeded West Virginia last season in the second-round.
"We've got a brand that's nationally known," says Anderson. "I Think some great days are ahead for the program."
The future is bright for Anderson's Tigers. Mizzou returns top scorer Kim English who averaged 14 a game. Forwards Laurence Bowers, Steve Moore and Justin Safford return to give the Tigers a strong inside presence.
"What we have established, there are some emotional attachments to what is taking place," says Anderson. "(We are) bringing in one of the better classes I have had as a coach."
The Tigers will rely on several newcomers in the 2010-2011 season. The class includes JUCO player of the year, big man Ricardo Ratliffe and the Pressey brothers. Phil and Matt are the sons of former NBA all-star Paul Pressey. Paul Pressey was Anderson's roommate at the University of Tulsa. Freshman Tony Mitchell of Dallas, TX is also rated as one of the top guards in the country.
Let the hype begin. The players know what a Final Four would mean for both Anderson and Mizzou.
"Hopefully we'll see some statues up," English says. "That's what we are working for."
And why not Anderson and why not Mizzou. He won an NIT Championship as a player at Tulsa. He then won a National Championship as an assistant under Nolan Richardson at the University of Arkansas in 1994.
"You keep knocking on that door and eventually you're going to get in there," says Anderson.
Tigers fans know to stay patient. They know the door will eventually open if Anderson's knocking.

Thanks Coaches Pinkel and Anderson...

2010-04-29T22:27:00.002-05:00

Just had to share this shot I accidentally got of both Coach Gary Pinkel and Coach Mike Anderson. They both were very gracious in both 'Talkin' Tigers' with both the fans and the media. Thanks for a great night @ Rivals in Springfield.

Talking Tigers (and Hogs) with Mike Anderson...

2010-04-29T21:51:00.004-05:00

Mizzou head coach Mike Anderson was great in a sit-down interview at Rivals Sports Bar in Springfield for the 2010 Tigers Caravan. He was even better when the camera was turned off. We got talking Arkansas hoops and how he stole the country's top JUCO player, Ricardo Ratliffe, from Razorbacks head coach John Pelphrey. To quote, "Come on man, I needed him too." No wonder Ricardo's mother fell in love with Coach Anderson.

Mizzou fans should feel lucky he continues to call Columbia home.
Thanks for a great night in Springfield Coach Anderson.

Alden is up front to KY3 about Mizzou to the Big 11

2010-04-29T21:38:00.002-05:00

A.D. Mike Alden Talks to KY3...

The annual University of Missouri Athletic Caravan visited Springfield on Thursday night at the Rivals Sports Bar.

A large crowd of Tiger faithful turned out to see several coaches and players from various sports including head basketball coach Mike Anderson and star player Kim English, head football coach Gary Pinkel and returning starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert, and Mizzou athletic director Mike Alden.

Alden denied rumors and erroneous reports in the national media that Missouri was being pursued to move to the Big 10. That conference has made public its intentions to look at expansion, but Alden insisted, "We have not been contacted by anyone."

Alden did add, however, that the potential changing landscape in college football requires that "Missouri has to look at the things that we can do to strengthen us academically and athletically in the country-whatever they might be. We've got to look at those types of options, but right now we don't know what those options are."

Head football coach Gary Pinkel is among those who believes changing conferences will be one of those options the school has to look at, saying "I just think that college football realigning its conferences is on the horizon whether it's this year, two years, three years, or four years down the road. It will be interesting to see what happens. No one will be calling me. Those decisions will be made by our curators and administrators. But I've been saying from the beginning that I like the Big 12."

Alden echoes those comments, but admits that the conference does need to improve in some areas.

"A source of frustration for Missouri is that equal revenue distribution and a better TV package are both critical to the future of the league. Also, from a branding standpoint, the Big 12 needs to anchor its championship series and stop floating them around."

The impression Alden left with those comments is that while Mizzou remains a strong Big 12 member, "the Big 12 needs to be doing its do-diligence to be prepared for any shifts that occur elsewhere in the country."

And if the league doesn't keep its members happy during this changing landscape in college football, schools everywhere may have to look at making changes in their own best interest.

In other words, change is in the air and where the chips fall remains to be seen.

"Tiger Talking" in Springfield

2010-04-29T10:57:00.001-05:00

Springfield - How about some Tiger talk on Thursday night.
The Missouri Tigers Caravan will roll into Springfield featuring head football coach Gary Pinkel and head basketball coach Mike Anderson.
Athletics director Mike Alden and select playes will also mingle with fans.
It starts at 6:30PMat Rival's Sports bar near Glenstone and Primrose.
Tigers broadcaster Mike Kelly will emcee the event.

Spoon will make Atlanta tougher...

2010-04-23T18:17:00.000-05:00

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - Sean Weatherspoon says Hurricane Rita didn't have the final word when it devastated his hometown of Jasper, Texas in September, 2005.
Weatherspoon says proof came when he was announced as the Atlanta Falcons' first-round draft pick on Thursday.
The small Texas town was without water and electricity for three to four weeks, and Weatherspoon's high school senior football season was placed on hold for about five weeks.
Weatherspoon salvaged his senior season and signed with Missouri, where he started each of his 41 games at linebacker and became a second-team All-American.
Weatherspoon, introduced at the Falcons complex on Friday, says the adversity made him stronger.

NCAA to expand March Madness from 65 to 68 teams

2010-04-22T11:30:00.003-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS, IND - The NCAA has a new men's basketball tournament deal and a new TV partner. Oh yeah, it recommends three more teams added to the bracket.
CBS and Turner sports has paid $10.8 billion dollars to show every game live. It's a 14-year deal running through 2024.
Here's the kicker. Every game will be shown live across the four national networks for the first time ever.

Former KState quarterback killed in Northern Arkansas hiking accident.

2010-04-20T09:53:00.000-05:00

Jasper, AR - Former Kansas State quarterback Dylan Meier is dead after falling from a bluff in Newton County, Arkansas. Meier fell while hiking at Whitaker Point near Jasper. Authorities say the 26-year-old was hiking with his family when he slipped over the edge. The Pittsburg, KS High School graduate started 15 games at quarterback for the wildcats between 2002 and 2006.

Anderson listened, but ...

2010-04-17T23:49:00.000-05:00

Columbia, MO - Missouri Tigers head coach Mike Anderson listened, but said no to an offer to make him one of college basketball's richest coaches.
The University of Oregon reportedly offered Anderson anywhere from $2.5 to $3 million dollars to become to walk the sidelines. The two sides met in El Paso, Texas this week at a charity golf tournament for Anderson's former coach and mentor Nolan Richardson.
Oregon fired its head coach Ernie Kent after the school finished below .500 last season. Word got around fast the Nike-backed Ducks would pay its next coach a lot of money. The University is hoping to make a big splash as it prepares to open a new arena.
Anderson's up-tempo style would have been just that. He has led Mizzou to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. The Tigers advanced to the Elite Eight two season ago.
Missouri outspoken sophomore guard Kim English said it best in a post on Twitter.
"(It) wouldn't have been right flying to Houston without him."
The Texas city hosts the 2011 Final Four.

Anderson to Oregon? The Ducks take a step forward.

2010-04-16T11:27:00.000-05:00

El Paso, TX - Where will Mike Anderson coach next year?
The Oregonian newspaper confirmed a meeting last night between acting University of Oregon athletics director Pat Kilkenny and University of Missouri head coach Mike Anderson. The talks happened while Anderson was participating in former coach and mentor Nolan Richardson's Charity Golf Tournament in El Paso.
The Oregonian reports no contract offer has been made to Anderson. However, reports say Oregon is expected to offer $3 million dollars annually to coach the Ducks. That doubles what Anderson earns at Mizzou.
Orgeon fired Ernie Kent after going 16-16 last season. Kent had spent nearly a decade on the Ducks bench. Kent led the Ducks to an Elite Eight appearance in 2006.
Anderson's past two Tigers teams have made back-to-back NCAA Tournaments, advancing to the Elite Eight in 2009. The timing comes two days after JUCO all-Americas Ricardo Ratliffe and Matt Pressey inked letters of intents. Anderson's 2010 recruiting class is ranked as one of the country's best, maybe Mizzou's best ever.
Talk of Anderson's departure is nothing new for Missouri Tigers fans. Last season, Anderson rejected an offer from the University of Georgia that would have paid him more than a half-a-million dollars more than his current salary.

Two leaving Tigers hoops program

2010-04-12T18:01:00.002-05:00

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou's basketball roster for the 2010-2011 season will look very different than Tigers fans expected.
Missouri sophomore guard Miguel Paul and freshman forward Tyler Stone will transfer from the program, just days before the Spring signing period.
Paul averaged 3.2 points and 1.6 assists in 69 games in his two-year career. Stone played in 11 games, averaging 2 points and 0.8rebounds.

Mizzou's Anderson scores two JCUO all-America

2010-04-12T11:08:00.001-05:00

Columbia, MO - Mizzou's Mike Anderson does it again.
Anderson has turned a good recruiting class for the 2010-2011 season into one of the best in Missouri Tigers history.
Rivals.com is reporting JUCO all-Americas Ricardo Ratliffe and guard Matt Pressey committed to the Tigers after a weekend visit to Columbia.
Most college basketball analysts rate Ratliffe as the coutnry's top junior college player. The 6-foot-8-inch power forward played at Central Florida Junior College. Ratliffe averaged 27 points and 11 rebounds a game. After the commitment, Ratliffe cancelled his recruiting visit to Cincinatti. He also was considering offers from Arkansas and Alabama.
Pressey's name should sound familiar to Tigers hoops fans. His brother Phil inked with the Tigers in the early signing period. The brothers' dad is Paul Pressey, who was Mike Anderson's roommate at the University of Tulsa.
The 6-foot-two combo guard Matt Pressey averaged 17 points a game for Navarro, leading them to a top four finish in the junior college national tournament.
Missouri must replace three seniors from the 2009-2010 team that went 23 and 11. The Tigers lost to West Virginia in the second-round of the NCAA tournament.

Mizzou steals Valley coach for women's hoops top job

2010-04-08T11:04:00.000-05:00

Columbia, MO - Missouri didn't look far to name its next women's basketball head coach.
Mizzou has hired Illinois State head coach Robin Pingeton to revive its ladies program.
Pingeton has Big 12 experience. She was assistant at Iowa State before her first major head coaching job at the Missouri Valley school.
Pingeton led the Lady Rebdirds to three straight 25-win seasons.
She replaces Cindy Stein. Stein suddenly resigned last month after 12 seasons on the Tigers bench. She led the Tigers to three NCAA tournament bids during her reign as head coach.

Kansas investigates ticket office, fund

2010-03-24T18:17:00.001-05:00

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The University of Kansas is planning an independent review of the athletics department ticket office ...
It follows a report in today's Kansas City star that quotes anonymous sources saying federal investigators are asking about possible illegal sales of basketball tickets.
Athletics director Lew Perkins says the review will protect the school's reputation.

Enough already ...

2010-03-21T18:54:00.002-05:00

Get ready to get sick of hearing about Auburn. Mizzou head coach Mike Anderson didn't even know it was out there, or so he says. Would he really leave what he's building at Mizzou?

"I don't know about speculation. I guess that's you talking I don't know anything about speculation. We just got finished up with the NCAA tournament. That's all I'm talking about. I'm excited about what's taking place at the University of Missouri. I really, really am."

No pressure, no Sweet 16 for Tigers ...

2010-03-21T18:49:00.002-05:00

Buffalo, NY - The "Butler" did it. Then again he's been doing it all year for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Da'Sean Butler scored 19 of his game-high 28 points in the first half to lead two-seeded West Virginia (29-6) to a 68-59 victory over the tenth-seeded Missouri Tigers (23-11) in the second-round of the NCAA Tournament.
Butler's hot start put Missouri down early. Both teams would agree it was Butler's handling of Mizzou's pressure defense that set the tone for the game.
"We wanted to attack their pressure," Huggins said. "When you are as aggressive as what they are, you're going to foul some. And we knew that. I think you don't foul when you don't attack. And we wanted to be in an attack mode and continue to attack them."
Butler hit four of seven threes and added seven of eight free throws late to lead the West Virginia attack early.
"He put his stamp on the game, said senior J.T. Tiller. "So you can't take anything away from him. He's a good player."
Mizzou's defense forced just ten turnovers, half of what the Tigers averaged on the season. Butler's ball-handling and decision-making made the difference.
“We didn’t really panic,” Butler said. “We just stepped up to the challenge and played like men and broke the press.”
As Missouri's defense was the talk of Buffalo before the game. West Virginia's defense dominated the discussion after it. The Tigers shot or 20 of 61 from the field. Mizzou wasn't any better from the free throw line shooting just 12 of 20.
"It's tough, it's going to be tough to win when you have guys shoot 2 for 9, 3 for 8, another 2 for 9," said Tigers senior Keith Ramsey. "So, I mean, if those shots would have fell we would probably talking about us winning."
Freshman guard Michael Dixon led the Tigers in scoring with 15 points off of the bench. Dixon's hot shooting in the first 20 minutes kept Mizzou close when West Virginia's Butler was scoring at will.
"I thought he (Dixon) was real pivotal in what took place today, as we made a run back in the game," said Anderson. "We got down and he made some key shots, some key plays for us. Again, he didn't look like a freshman out there."
A 5-0 scoring run at the end of the first-half gave the Mountaineers a five point lead into the break. Early in the second-half Miuzzou cut the lead to two. That was as close as the Tigers would get the rest of the game.
Missouri's Tiller added 13 points for the Tigers. Seniors Tiller, Zaire Taylor and Keith Ramsey followed up a 31-win season with a 23-win season and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
"They will be dearly missed because of the dearly missed because of the impact they had on the program," said Anderson. "A lot of guys are about "me", these guys were about the team."

"Fastest 40 Minutes" vs. the "Slowest 40 Munutes"

2010-03-20T21:57:00.002-05:00

Buffalo, NY - It's the "Fastest 40 Minutes" versus maybe the "Slowest 40 Minutes" in college basketball.
The tenth-seeded Missouri Tigers (23-10) will play the Big East Tournament Champion two-seeded West Virginia Mountaineers (28-6) Sunday in the second-round of the NCAA Tournament in the East region.
Both teams hope to control the pace and advance to the Sweet 16. Mizzou likes it fast. West Virginia likes it slow.
"Our defense is the key to what takes place with our basketball team," said Missouri head coach Mike Anderson.
The Tigers forced 20 turnovers in the opening round win against Clemson. Mizzou scored 16 points off turnovers in the first half alone. The Tigers averaged nearly 23 points a game off of turnovers, leading the country.
"They're a pressure team,” said West Virginia forward Da’Sean Butler. “They do what they have to do defensively and make everybody pick up their pace to play to their pace, which is extremely chaotic in a way. It's chaos."
Think about this. Butler leads the Mountaineers with 32 steals this season. Four Tigers have at least 40 steals this year.
Missouri epitomizes playing as a team, going deep on its bench. West Virginia wins with its "Big 3", Devin Ebanks, Kevin Jones and Butler.
"Those are some physical players that can shoot from the outside and take it inside," said Missouri Senior J.T. Tiller. :"So it's going to be pretty much a battle of wills to see who can overpower the other."
On offense, the Mountaineers shoot 43 percent from the field. That compares to Mizzou's 44 percent for the season. That's somewhat misleading because the battle on the boards. West Virginia wins the rebounding edge, especially on the offensive end. That size advantage scares Anderson.
“We certainly are going to have to play this game and play lights out from the standpoint of matching their size, their toughness and especially at the rim," said Anderson. "I think that's what they do well. They can shoot it and they can go get it.
Mizzou is no stranger to West Virginia head coach Bobby Huggins. Huggins coached at Kansas State for one season. His then Wildcats won both match-ups against Anderson's Tigers. Anderson's not thinking about the past. He's thinking about his team's moment in the NCAA's.
"Yeah, I feel real confident about Sunday," said Anderson. "You can't win a game if you're not. I mean I think the guys to the left of me left and right of me, the guys in the locker room are all confident. The coaches are. And we're ready to just get on the court and start practicing and get prepared.
Missouri and West Virginia have played only once before, also an NCAA Tournament. game. In 1992, the fifth-seeded Tigers beat the 12-seeded Mountaineers 89-78 behind Anthony Peeler's 25 points.
The Tigers and Mountaineers tipoff at 1:40CST in Buffalo.

NCAA Tournament Podcast

2010-03-16T14:53:00.001-05:00

Join KY3, KSPR and TAGSGF for a conversation about the NCAA men's college basketball tournament.

Tune in at 11:00 AM Central time on Wednesday. Call in with your questions at 917-932-1277.

The Governor makes a 1st round prediction...

2010-03-15T17:53:00.008-05:00

The first fan knows #10 seeds in the NCAA Tournament have a better winning percentage than #7 seeds in the first round. What Governor Nixon is saying about his Tigers chances against the Clemson Tigers.

Tigers draw a mirror image in NCAA's

2010-03-14T21:16:00.001-05:00

Columbia, MO - Mizzou's dancing shoes fit again.
The #10 seeded Missouri Tigers (22-10) will play in its second straight NCAA Tournament Friday in Buffalo, New York against the #7 seeded Clemson Tigers (21-10). This is Clemson's third straight tourney appearance.
It may seem both schools are looking at each other in mirror.
Mizzou enters the tournament on a two-game losing streak after losses to #1 overall seed Kansas Jayhawks and the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Big 12 tournament.
Clemson is reeling too. It lost in the first round of the ACC Tournament to North Carolina State. It closed out the regular-season with losses to Wake Forest and North Carolina.
The best comparison though is on the court. Each press. Each prefer an up-and-down pace. Missouri's "Fastest 40 Minutes" produces nearly 23 points a game off of its turnovers. Clemson's offense feeds off the faster pace. One thing you can count on is for this first round game to be a lot of fun.

Here we go again ...

2010-03-13T06:21:00.004-06:00

Not again! Yep, again.

Mike Anderson's name is again headlining an opening in college hoops. The school: The University of Auburn. Auburn fired head coach Jeff Lebo after six seasons and no NCAA Tourney berths. "Sweet Home Alabama" is far from Anderson's theme song, but he has ties to the state. He coached at the University of Birmingham-Alabama before Mizzou. He once was a candidate for the Auburn job. Oh yeah, he was an assistant in the SEC-West at Arkansas.
However, Birmingham News reporter Kevin Scarbinsky says the Tigers opportunity with the Tigers' Anderson may be all for not.
"But if Auburn made a call to check on Anderson’s availability now, someone close to him told me, the response would not be positive."

Read Scarbinsky's entire take on Anderson and Auburn by clicking HERE.

Tigers blown out in Big 12 Tourney opener...

2010-03-10T18:44:00.002-06:00

(Associated Press)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Brandon Richardson scored 19 points and No. 12 seed Nebraska took command with an early 16-1 run and shocked No. 5 seed Missouri 75-60 Wednesday in an opening-round upset at the Big 12 tournament. The underdog Cornhuskers (15-17), who had won just two of 16 Big 12 regular-season games, outrebounded, outshot and outhustled the team that easily beaten them twice this year.
After Kim English pulled the Tigers (22-10) to 61-51 with a pair of free throws with 4:01 to play, Richardson canned a long 3-pointer, drew a foul from Zaire Taylor and made the free throw for a four-point play that clinched it.
Ryan Anderson had 16 points for Nebraska and Jorge Brian Diaz had 10, including several easy buckets as the Huskers consistently beat Missouri's pressure defense.
Laurence Bowers had 11 points for Missouri, the defending Big 12 tournament champion.

Are you smarter than a college football player ...

2010-03-10T12:44:00.000-06:00

This year's Wonderlic Test scores from the NFL Combine are in the grade books.
It is an aptitude test that judges intelligence.
OU's Sam Bradford: 36
Colt McCoy: 25
Tim Tebow: 22

The highest score possible on the test is a 50. (Harvard's Pat McInnally only perfect grade) The average quarterback score is a 24.

Some well-known names scores:
Tom Brady: 33
Peyton Manning: 28
Dan Marino: 16
Jeff George: 10
Take the TEST yourself!!!

Tigers vs. Nebraska: Big 12 Opener Wednesday

2010-03-09T11:50:00.002-06:00

Kansas City, MO - The Missouri Tigers will open up play in the Big 12 Tournament with a familiar foe.
The Tigers have beaten the Nebraska Cornhuskers twice this season. Mizzou will have to do it again to advance.
"New season, new season for us, new season for Nebraska," says Missouri head coach Mike Anderson.
The reigning Big 12 tournament champion Tigers missed out on a first-round bye Saturday with a crushing defeat against Kansas University at the Mizzou Arena.
Now, the Tigers must accomplish what's considered tough to do in conference tourney play, win four games in four days.
"I think it's one at a time," says Anderson. "I think our depth is gonna be important. You go four days, you're gonna have some guys dragging."
Nebraska head coach Doc Sadler is not buying that.
"All of that sounds good, but we've got to play good," says Sadler.
Big 12 all-conference honorable mention selection Kimmie English leads the Tigers in scoring at 14 points a game. Senior Keith Ramsey is leading the undersized Tigers with nearly six rebounds per game.
Ryan Anderson leads the Cornhuskers with 11 points, five rebounds per game.
The "Fastest 40 Minutes" of basketball has seen better days on the offensive end. The Tigers shot 35 percent against Kansas. Mizzou's Anderson says something has to change to win.
'We need to have some shots fall for us and have a chance to win some games," says Anderson.
Catch the Big 12 opener for Mizzou Wednesday afternoon at 2:00PM on the Ozarks CW.

2 former Mizzou all-America football players to sign in Springfield

2010-03-05T18:11:00.001-06:00

Springfield - Two former Missouri all-America football stars will be in Springfield to sign autographs Saturday night.
Danario Alexander and Sean Weatherspoon will appear at Fast Break Sports at the Battlefield Mall.
They'll start signing at 7:00PM. You can get both autographs for $6.
Weatherspoon is a week removed from participating in the NFL Combine. The linebacker is projected by most draft boards as a late first round draft choice. Weatherspoon clocked some of the fastest 40 times at his position.
Alexander did not compete in drills at the NFL Combine. He's still nursing a knee injury he suffered just before the Senior Bowl in January.

KU responds to porn star's gift from assistant coach

2010-03-05T12:48:00.001-06:00

Lawrence, Kan - A University of Kansas basketball assistant's free ticket gesture is the talk of the Big 12.
Adult film star Samantha Ryan posted on Twitter she received free tickets to Wednesday's KU-Kansas State game in Lawrence.
"Big thanks you know who for getting me the tix Coach T," tweeted Ryan after the game. "Best birthday present ever."
The coach "T" is Kurtis Townsend. The school says Coach Townsend did nothing inappopriate.
"After seeing that KU was playing rival KSU on my bday, I had to ask for tix," said Ryan. "Who wouldn't."
Samantha Ryan is a former student of Kansas University.

Jay Bilas talks hoops with Maria Neider?

2010-03-05T11:47:00.003-06:00

Maria goes one-on-one with ESPN's Jay Bilas.
What Bilas thinks of Mizzou's chances in the NCAA Tourney.

Border War: Columbia Style ...

2010-03-05T11:36:00.002-06:00

Columbia, MO - The 263rd "Border War" tips off Saturday afternoon at the Mizzou Arena.
Mizzou (22-8, 10-5) played one of its worst games of the season in Lawrence losing 84-65 to the Kansas Jayhawks.
That was then.
Kansas (28-2, 14-1) go into the home finale at Mizzou arena as the outright Big 12 champions. Win or lose, KU should earn a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
"They're starting to peak at the right time," said ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas in an interview with KY3.
Missouri has much more at stake. A victory could jump Mizzou to a second seed for the Big 12 Tournament. A loss could drop them to a five seed.
The secret to the Tigers success is no secret at all in the Big 12. The "Fastest 40 Minutes" is forcing more than 19 points of games. Mizzou scores an average 23 points a game off those turnovers.
"They put a lot of pressure on you," says Bilas. "They can turn you over and get easy baskets."
"Senior Day" isellout at Mizzou Arena. It has been for awhile. MU is 5-0 in home finales at Mizzou Arena. Last season the Tigers beat the #5 ranked Oklahoma Sooners.
KU not only expects it to be loud, but hopes to play off a hostile environment.
"I think it’s fun when you’re on the road," says KU guard Brady Morningstar. "I’m sure Missouri will have a pretty good crowd. It will probably be one of the best all year. We always get everyone’s best shot, whether from their fans or their players.”
Mizzou will honor three seniors, J.T. Tiller, Keith Ramsey and Zaire Taylor.
The game tips off at 1:00PM on CBS.

Hillcrest High School sophomore Green in the national spotlight ...

2010-03-04T12:16:00.002-06:00

Springfield - The Ozarks already knows he's a human-highlight film on the football field. Now word is spreading throughout the country about Springfield Hillcrest's wide receiver Dorial Green.
Sports Illustrated's Max Preps is the latest publication to jump on the sophomore's bandwagon. The high school sports website lists Green on its sophomore all-America team. It also includes the Hornets star on its five high school players to watch at a future NFL Combine.
Green surely passes the eye test for big time college coaches. The 6' 5", 215 pound wideout runs a sub 11 second 100 yard dash. He's coming off a 66 catch, 1,616 yards sophomore season. He caught 23 touchdown passes.
"Green may have deserved a spot on the overall All-American team as a sophomore," says Max Preps recruiting analysts. "He was a first-team 4A selection in Missouri, and shaping up to be a mega-recruit."
The Hillcrest star has caught the attention of both coaches at Mizzou and Arkansas. He has visited both universities. Oklahoma and Kansas are also showing interest.
High school football recruiting experts say Green would have been a top five wide receiver if he'd been a senior this year.
"Regardless of class or position, Green will be one of the country's top football players in 2010," writes Max Preps. "You can probably pencil in his ticket to the NFL Scouting Combine."
Oh, and can he dunk on the basketball. Green is considered one of the Ozarks top basketball players. The hoops Hornets will play Saturday in the quarterfinals in the Class 5 tournament.

2010-03-03T10:09:00.002-06:00

AMES, Iowa - Zaire Taylor did it again.
"Big Shot" Taylor drove the entire floor and banked in a buzzer-beater as the Missouri Tigers beat the Iowa State Cyclones 69-67 in overtime Tuesday night.
Senior J.T. Tiller added a season-high 17 points.
Sophomore Marcus Denmon scored 16 for the Tigers (22-8, 10-5 Big 12).
Iowa State (14-16, 3-12) was plagued by turnovers for much of the game, giving Mizzou second chances.
Marquis Gilstrap led five Iowa State players in double figures with 15
points and 13 rebounds.
Mizzou finishes the regular-season Saturday at the Mizzou Arena against rival Kansas.
Track everything Mizzou on Facebook: KYTV TigerTalk or Twitter: KY3TigerTalk.

Mizzou's Stein resigns...

2010-03-02T12:33:00.001-06:00

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri women's basketball coach Cindy Stein says she will resign at the end of this season.
Stein says speculation of her firing was too much of a distraction for her basketball team. The Tigers are assured of their third straight losing season under Stein. Mizzou has just one win in the Big 12 Conference.
Stein is in her 12th year at Missouri following a successful stint at Division Two Emporia State.The Lady Tigers went to three NCAA tournaments during her ten year run, most recently in 2006.
Stein is 184-175 in 12 seasons with the Tigers and reached NCAA regional semifinals in 2001.

Tigers vs. Iowa State Tuesday Night ...

2010-03-02T12:27:00.003-06:00

TUESDAY NIGHT:

Tigers (21-8) vs. Iowa State (14-15)
7:00PM

Missouri's game Tuesday night at Iowa State will be seen my most of the Ozarks on Fox Sports Midwest. Springfield Mediacom subscribers can see it on Channel 22.

Oh yeah, it's on ESPN Full Court. I think that covers it.

Breaking News: Safford hurt but not out

2010-02-25T13:16:00.001-06:00

Columbia, MO - Missouri junior forward Justin Safford will miss Saturday's game against Kansas State after an ACL injury in Wednesday night's win againt the Colorado Buffaloes.
Safford awkwardly landed after a layup in the first half.
He left the court, then showed up on the bench for the second half.
The Bloomington, Illinois native was averaging eight points a game.
Missouri team doctors will reassess the injury next week in hopes he could return for the Big 12 Tournament.

Tigers extend two winning streaks in victory over Colorado

2010-02-24T22:20:00.002-06:00

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Off the bubble? The Tigers popped that NCAA Tournament bubble with 92-63 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes at Mizzou Arena Wednesday night.
Missouri (21-7, 9-4) extended its winning streak over Colorado (12-15, 3-10) to eight games.
Tigers sophomore Marcus Denman scored 21 points in the victory.
J.T. Tiller added 10 points and dished out nine assists.
Mizzou shot 58 percent from the field. The Tigers sharp-shooters also shot 64 percent (9-14) from 3-point range.
The Tigers have won three straight Big 12 conference games.

Tigers NCAA bubble could burst with a loss to Colorado

2010-02-23T10:53:00.002-06:00

Colorado (12-14, 3-9) @ Mizzou (20-7, 8-4)

Wednesday

6:30PM

Fox Sports Midwest

Mizzou is probably off the bubble for now. That could change quickly with a loss at home to Colorado. Missouri has won seven consecutive games vs. the Buffaloes. "The Fastest 40 Minutes of Basketball" is paying off with some top national rankings. Mizzou leads the country with 11.1 steals per game and turnovers forced per game with 20.2. The Tigers like to share also, ranking 24th nationally in assists a game at nearly 16.

For Openers

> The games get bigger in February and Missouri hosts an improved Colorado squad in an important Big 12 tussle Wednesday night at Mizzou Arena ... The Tigers are 15-1 at home this season and are looking for their 35th win in the last 36 home games dating back to the 2007-08 season.

> Despite being picked seventh in the league's Preseason Poll, Missouri is just one game out of second place heading into the final two weeks of the season ... The Tigers have never enjoyed back-to-back Top 4 league finishes since joining the Big 12 and finished #3 in the Big 12 just one season ago.

> Missouri won its 20th game of the season, 74-59, at Nebraska last weekend ... Missouri has now won 51 games over the last two seasons, the sixth most wins in Division I hoops during that stretch ... The Tigers are also 20-8 in league play during that time and only Kansas (26-2) has a better record vs. Big 12 foes ... If you include three wins in last season's Big 12 Tournament the Tigers are 23-8 in their last 31 Big 12 contests.

> Congratulations to Head Coach Mike Anderson for recording his sixth 20-win season as a head coach ... Anderson now boasts six 20-win campaigns in eight seasons, including four years of 20+ wins at UAB.

Tigers earn road victory in Lincoln

2010-02-20T19:55:00.000-06:00

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Marcus Denmon scored a career-high 24 points as Missouri took control midway through the second half and pulled away to defeat Nebraska 74-59 on Saturday.
Missouri (20-7, 8-4 Big 12) trailed 39-38 when Zaire Taylor hit a jumper that gave the Tigers the lead they would never relinquish with 17:07 remaining.
Nebraska (13-14, 1-11) could manage just three baskets in the next 5 1/2 minutes against the tight Missouri man-to-man defense. The Tigers outscored the Huskers 16-6 in that stretch, going up 56-45 on Denmon's short jumper that came off a Tiger steal.
Denmon's 24 points came on 8 of 12 shooting from the field, including 5 of 7 from beyond the 3-point line. His previous career high of 22 came on Feb. 6 against Colorado.
Taylor finished with 18 points and Laurence Bowers with 12 points for Missouri.
Ryan Anderson led Nebraska with 22 points.

Baseball Tigers lose opener in Arizona to Gonzaga

2010-02-19T19:42:00.001-06:00

TUCSON, Ariz.- - For the first time since 2006, the Missouri baseball team dropped its season opener, falling to Gonzaga by a score of 10-6 in the start of play at the Collegiate Cactus Classic in Tucson, Ariz.
Prior to Friday's loss, the Tigers had won four-straight opening day games and six of their last seven.
"We got to play," Head Coach Tim Jamieson said. "We got a lot of people involved and we know what things we need to focus on. There were a few situations where if we can make the play, runs don't score."
Gonzaga put the first two runs on the board in the top of the first inning, then added a run with a second inning home run by Cameron Edman.
The Tigers put together a three-run bottom of the third inning, as a pair of newcomers helped Mizzou tie the score. Freshman Blake Brown singled to drive in Missouri's first run of the season. Junior Brett Nicholas followed Brown by connecting on a two-run home run.
Gonzaga got a run in the sixth inning to regain the lead, then put up a six-run top of the eighth inning to build a 10-3 lead.
MU scored twice in its half of the eighth, which included an RBI triple from senior Michael Liberto and an RBI double from sophomore Russell LaFleur. Mizzou added a run in the ninth for the final 10-6 margin.
Liberto tied his career high with four hits in the game, finishing 4-for-5 with a triple, an RBI and two runs scored. The four hits matched a 4-for-5 performance he recorded last April against Saint Louis.
Brown and Nicholas were two of five newcomers in the Missouri opening day lineup. Brown was 3-for-5 in his debut and Nicholas had a pair of hits, including the homer in the third inning.
Junior Jeff Scardino, a transfer from Eastern Oklahoma State, got the start on the mound for Missouri and turned in 6.1 innings of work, allowing four runs on 10 hits.
The Collegiate Cactus Classic continues on Saturday when the Tigers will play a pair of games. MU will take on Washington at 4 p.m. CT before facing New Mexico State at 8 p.m. CT. Mizzou and Gonzaga will meet again on Sunday at Noon CT.

Missouri defeats Texas in "BLACKOUT" conditions

2010-02-18T10:51:00.001-06:00

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Kim English scored 18 points and Keith Ramsey added 12 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double as Missouri beat No. 15 Texas 82-77 on Wednesday night.
Jordan Hamilton led the Longhorns (20-6, 6-5) with 24 points off the bench and Damion James added 18 as the team ranked No. 1 for two weeks in mid-January lost for the sixth time in nine games and fell into a sixth-place tie in the Big 12.
Missouri (19-7, 7-4) raced to an 8-0 lead in the first two minutes as Texas turned the ball over on its first three possessions. The gap grew to 11-1 less than three minutes in, giving Missouri enough of a cushion to take a 32-31 halftime lead despite shooting just 30 percent for the half and making only one of its nine 3-point attempts.
Texas took a one-point lead early in the second half as the teams traded points with six lead changes before English had 11 points in a six-minute spurt to break it open. Missouri led by 12 before Texas made two late 3-pointers.

Longhorns to face blackout conditions in Columbia

2010-02-17T12:05:00.001-06:00

Columbia, MO--The Missouri Tigers are facing the #15 Texas Longhorns Wednesday night in Columbia at the wrong time.
Texas (20-5, 6-4) is coming off a whipping of the Nebraska Cornhuskers 91-51.
"In terms of playing the way that I envision us to play, it was the first day all year that I thought we really played," Texas head coach Rick Barnes said.
Uh oh.
But then again that was in Austin. Mizzou is planning a Mizzou Arena blackout for the visiting Longhorns. The game is a sellout. Missouri (18-7, 6-4) is looking for its third consecutive win against Texas.
Sophomore guard Kimmie English leads the Tigers with 15 points a game. Senior Damion James pours in nearly 18 a game for the Longhorns.
ESPN2 will broadcast the game at 8:00PM.

Oh brother ... The story behind Tyler Gabbert's broken nose.

2010-02-16T12:03:00.001-06:00

COLUMBIA, MO - Oh brother. Freshman Missouri quarterback Tyler Gabbert suffered a broken nose in a fight outside a Columbia pizza place Saturday night.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports the younger Gabbert his brother, Blaine and linebacker Andrew Gachkar fought with a group of men outside Gumby's pizza. No one was arrested at the scene.
A police report claims the fight involved somebody taking too long in the bathroom. Police also say the palyers and others involved likely had been drinking. Again, no one was ticketed or arrested. Gachkar is the only Tiger player who is legal drinking age.

Tyler Gabbert is in his first semester at Mizzou after finishing high school early.

Get your Missouri Tigers news on Facebook: KYTV TigerTalk or Twitter: KY3TigerTalk.

Oh brother ...

2010-02-15T22:57:00.002-06:00

Boys will be boys. The Kansas City Star is reporting Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert and his brother, Mizzou 2010 signee Tyler, got in a fight outside of Columbia's Gumby's Pizza Saturday night. The younger Gabbert's nose is broken. The fight happened after midnight. No word on what started the altercation or who else was involved. So far Coach Gary Pinkel has yet to comment.

Tigers lose in last seconds at Baylor

2010-02-13T16:58:00.001-06:00

WACO, Texas — Ekpe Udohs tip-in with 1.6 seconds remaining capped a wild finish Saturday and gave No. 24 Baylor a 64-62 victory over Missouri.
The Bears (10-5, 6-4 Big 12) had led from the opening minute before Missouri took a 62-61 lead with 47 seconds left on Kim Englishs breakaway layup and free throw after an intentional foul on LaceDarius Dunn.
But after English missed the second free throw and J.T. Tiller misfired on the following possession, Baylors Anthony Jones grabbed the rebound and Dunn was fouled on a fast break with 6 seconds left.
Dunn made the first free throw to tie it, but he missed the second. Baylors Quincy Acy grabbed the rebound and took a fadeaway that bounced off the rim. Dunns putback was too strong, but Udoh went up between Tiller and Justin Safford for the game-winner.
Zaire Taylor led Missouri (18-7, 6-4) with 15 points.
Dunn finished with 17 points, while Tweety Carter had 14 and Acy added 12 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for the Bears.
Dunn's tying free throw was Baylor's first point since he made two free throws with 5:39 left to push the lead to 61-56.
English and Safford both had 13 points for the Tigers.
Baylor controlled the backboards and tempo for most of the first half, taking a 38-32 lead behind 14 points from Dunn. English sparked a 9-3 run in the closing minutes of the first that kept the Tigers within range.

Tigers start new home winning streak with win

2010-02-11T11:24:00.001-06:00

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - J.T. Tiller scored a season-high 17 points after discarding a face mask for a broken nose in the opening minute, helping Missouri beat Iowa State 65-56 on Wednesday night.

Laurence Bowers added 10 points and a career-best 12 rebounds, and Justin Safford had 13 points and nine rebounds for the Tigers(18-6, 6-3 Big 12).

Craig Brackins had 12 points and 14 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season for Iowa State (13-11, 2-7).

Missouri survived 4-for-20 shooting from 3-point range in its first time back in the Mizzou Arena since its 32-game homecourt winning streak was ended by Texas A&M a week earlier.

Marquis Gilstrap had 18 points and nine rebounds for the Cyclones, who cut the gap to one point five times in the second half before fading to their sixth loss in seven games.

Tigers ready for new home winning streak

2010-02-10T11:40:00.003-06:00

Mizzou (17-6) vs. Iowa State (13-10)

Wednesday

6:30PM

TV: Fox Sports Midwest

Radio: Tiger Sports Network

The Missouri Tigers hope to start a new home winning streak at the Mizzou arena as they host the Cyclones. The Tigers are a 14 point favorite. Craig Brackens leads the 'Clones with 17 points a game. Kimmie English continues to lead a balanced Tigers attack with 15 points a game.

Here's a fun stat. Mizzou leads the Big 12 in bench scoring at nearly 36 points a game. That's second nationally behind Virginia Military.

Mizzou vs. Texas A&M...

2010-02-03T11:24:00.002-06:00

Columbia, MO--The "Fastest 40 Minutes" will get a quite a test Wednesday night at the Mizzou Arena.
The Missouri Tigers (16-5, 4-2) will put their 32 game home winning streak on the line when they face the Texas A&M Aggies (15-6, 4-3).
A&M is led by guard Donald Sloan, who is averaging 18 and a half points a game.
Mizzou guard Kimmie English leads a balanced attack for the Tigers with nearly 15 points a game.
The Aggies know what's pressing about the Tigers gameplan. Mizzou leads the countrys in steals per possession off their full court press. Texas A&M head coach Mark Turgeon has a gameplan too. One the Tigers know all too well.
"Executing (game plan) and being strong with it and attacking the press. "Don't let it attack you."
Turgeon knows Mizzou's fans. The former Kansas guard says the Aggies have to limit the noise.
"Crowd's a different animal too. "They are more behind this team after the "Elite 8."
Mizzou-Texas A&M tipoff at 8:00CST on ESPNU.
Follow the Tigers on Facebook: KYTV TigerTalk or Twitter: KY3TigerTalk.

National Signing Day Live Chat

2010-02-03T11:04:00.000-06:00

National Signing Day live chat

Mizzou Blows Out the Pokes...

2010-01-30T17:19:00.000-06:00

Columbia-MO--32 straight wins and counting a the Mizzou Arena.
Kim English scored 20 points, four 3-pointers, leading the Missouri Tigers (16-5, 4-2) to a 95-80 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys (16-5, 4-3) on Saturday.
James Anderson led the Pokes with 31 points.
The Tigers bounced back from a poor shooting night at Kansas Monday night. Mizzou shot 52 percent from the field and 55 percent from 3-point range.
"“It was a good feeling," said Missouri guard Zaire Taylor. "I knew that it was bound to happen, it was just a matter of time. It’s weird that everybody goes in a slump like that at the same time. Once you see one guy make a shot, you see the ball go through the hole, it makes it feel that much easier.”
The Tigers knew early it was going to be their day. Mizzou jumped out to an early 25-10 lead led by 10 quick points from English. The sophomore from Baltimore scored 14 points in the first half, making five of his first seven shots. His performance ended a shooting slump that led to a benching at Kansas.
“We have no starters," said English. "I don’t care. Coach (Anderson) writes who he’s going to start on the board before the game and that’s who we go with. We don’t have a practice squad, we have just a team. We came out well. I was the happiest one on the bench.”
Missouri forced 24 Oklahoma State turnovers. That's a season-high for the visiting Cowboys. Missouri scored 38 points off those mistakes.
“Not much to say but it was Missouri’s day," noted Oklahoma State Head Coach Travis Ford. "Give them credit. It’s amazing we lost by 15. When you turn the ball over 24 times and they make 17 threes it was just their day. They played really well. “
The win extends Missouri's home winning streak to 32 games, which ties for the second-most active streak with Sienna and behind Kansas.
Missouri returns to the Mizzou Arena Wednesday to face the Texas A&M Aggies at 8:00PM. That game will be shown on ESPNU.

Eddie Money, Again?

2010-01-26T00:02:00.001-06:00

Can it really be? Eddie Money has made two different appearances in the month of January involving both the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Missouri Tigers. First, he was the halftime entertainment at the Liberty Bowl.

Then, he sung the National Anthem @ Phog Allen for the "Border War." He stopped in the middle of it to announce he loves this country. That got a rousing applause from all of the fans in the house. Kind of cool for a 70's, 80's rocker who I just assumed had gone into hiding.

ROCK-ON EDDIE!!!

Border War Round 1: To KU

2010-01-25T23:55:00.003-06:00

Lawrence, Kan--Which was colder? The temperature outside Phog Allen Fieldhouse or the shooting of the Missouri Tigers in it. Center Cole Aldrich recorded his second straight double-double with 12 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocked shots to lead the second-ranked Kansas Jayhawks to an 84-65 blowout Border War victory on Monday night. The Tigers(15-5, 3-2) shot just 28 percent (19-68) from the field. Aldrich's play inside slowed down the "Fastest 40 Minutes in Basketball." “His presence kind of altered guys’ shots and guys were hesitant to go into the lane,” said Missouri forward Justin Safford. The Tigers kept pace with Kansas (19-1, 5-0) early. Mizzou grabbed an early 8-3 lead after two 3-pointers by Keith Ramsey. "I thought for the first eight or nine minutes we were playing good basketball. We were executing and attacking," said Missouri head coach Mike Anderson. "Our defense was pretty good. We were battling, but even at that point in time, I thought they were attacking the glass. It just seemed like all of a sudden the game opened up." But the beatdown was on from there. Kansas led 50-30 at halftime. Marcus Morris scored 11 of his 17 points in the that first half. "I thought the first half we were super aggressive – but the second half we kind of took our foot off the gas," said Kansas' sophomore center Morris. "They got a lot of steals in the back court. I felt we played well in the first half, but fell back in the second.” KU head coach Bill Self agreed, "The game was never in doubt, but I wasn’t pleased with how we played in the second half." Missouri's frantic pace looked more successful on paper than the actual game. The Jayhawks turned the ball over 23 times to Missouri's five. Mike Anderson noted that stat immediately after the game, "We created some turnovers, but at the same time, you have to put the ball in the hole.” Mizzou's Justin Safford paced the Tigers with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Zaire Taylor added 11 points. The Big 12 win extends the Jayhawks home winning streak to 54 games. It also stretches the Border War winning streak to 11 against for Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse. Missouri's bench boss hopes his Tigers learn from playing on the road in a tough environment. "How we played tonight is how young teams play and how they react to adversity sometimes," said Anderson. When you are down 15, young guys are trying to make a 15-point play. With that being said it is still a learning process for some of these guys.” Missouri returns to the Mizzou Arena Saturday at 1:00PM for a showdown with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Border War Preview ...

2010-01-25T11:53:00.003-06:00

Lawrence, Kan--The "Border War" resumes tonight at Phog Allen Field House.

Monday night the Missouri Tigers (15-4, 3-1) will play the number two ranked Kansas Jayhawks (18-0, 4-0) as part of ESPN's "Big Monday." Tipoff is at eight.

The second ranked Jayhawks are riding a 53 game home-winning streak.

They're also coming off a blowout victory on the road at Iowa State. Senior guard Sherron Collins scored 25 points in the win. Missouri head coach Mike Anderson knows Collins is a point of emphasis on defense.

"A lot of things go through Sherron and we all know that. But you've still got other guys capable of throwing up some big numbers.

Kansas senior center Cole Aldrich notched his first double-double since January 2nd adding 19 points and 11 rebounds in the Iowa State victory too.

"They have a lot of different weapons with Aldrich, Colins, Henry. All around they are just a great team so it's going to be really important for us to play our style of basketball," said Missouri forward Justin Safford.

Going inside to the rack has served the Jayhawks well. Going 94 feet for 40 minutes has served the Tigers well. Missouri leads the country in turnovers per possession at 30 percent. Mizzou forces nearly 21 turnovers a game.
"If we go to Lawrence and play thier game we don't have a chance," says big man Laurence Bowers. A win by the Tigers would be the school's first road win against a Top 5 team since beating number four Kansas 81-74 on Feb. 2nd 1994. Mizzou won the Big 8 championship going undefeated that season.

Follow the Tigers everyday on Facebook: KYTV Tiger Talk & on Twitter: KY3TigerTalk.

2010-01-25T09:58:00.003-06:00

Mizzou @ Kansas

Big Monday:

8:ooPM

ESPN

Tiger Radio Network

Kansas leads Series: 167 to 94

Senior point guard Sherrod Collins leads the Jayhawks with 16 points a game. He also dishes 4 dimes a game. Junior big man Cole Aldrich grabs nearly 10 boards a game. Kimmie English is averaging nearly 15 points a game for the Tigers. Tigers oppoents turn the ball over an NCAA-leading 30 percent of the time.

"There are no easy wins in the Big 12. Every night, it's going to be a war---I don't care where you play." Mizzou Head Coach Mike Anderson

Tigers drop Cornhuskers ...

2010-01-23T22:49:00.000-06:00

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -Reserve Miguel Paul scored a career-best 15 points with 10 coming during a 15-1 second-half run that helped Missouri put away Nebraska 70-53 on Saturday night.
Justin Safford added nine points and 11 rebounds and Zaire Taylor had 12 points for the Tigers (15-4, 3-1 Big 12), who won their 31st in a row at home.
Sek Henry had 15 points and Brandon Richardson added 11 points and five assists for Nebraska (12-7, 0-4), which kept the score close most of the game by forcing Missouri into a half-court game.
Missouri led 28-26 at the half while frequently settling for 3-point attempts. Tigers guard Marcus Denmon scored all five of his points in the final 1:18, providing a late boost after Nebraska had scored nine straight points to take the lead.

2010-01-22T22:08:00.003-06:00

Arkansas @ Kentucky
Saturday:
3:00PM
SEC/ESPN Network (Full Court Only in the Ozarks)
Arkanas Razorbacks Radio Network

The number 2 ranked Wildcats come in undefeated at 18-0 (3-0 SEC). First year head coach John Calipari has a personal conference regular season winning streak at 52 games. (Conference USA & SEC) Calipari broke Adolph Rupp's NCAA record at UK with Saturday's win at Auburn. The cats are led by sensational freshman John Wall. Wall averages 17 points and nearly seven assists. Sophomore shooting guard Rotnei Clarke continues to pace the Hogs with more than 18 points a game. Key matchup for the Hogs: controlling the inside against Patrick Patterson and freshman DeMarcus Cousins. Mike Washington has to avoid early foul trouble. Stranger things have happened.

Mizzou vs. Nebraska

2010-01-22T21:52:00.003-06:00

Saturday:
Nebraska (12-6, 0-3) @ Mizzou (14-4, 2-1)
5:00PM
Ozarks CW
Mizzou Radio Sports Network
Doc Sadler's Nebraska team is struggling. Guard Ryan Anderson leads the Cornhuskers with 11 points per game. Nebraska shoots 40 percent from 3-point land. That's better than Mizzou. They also handle the ball well, committing two fewer turnovers a game than the Tigers. Kim English continues to lead the Tigers with 15 points per game.

Streak ends in Norman for Mizzou hoops...

2010-01-16T15:55:00.001-06:00

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -Willie Warren scored 21 points, Cade Davis had his first double-double with 15 points and a career-high 11 rebounds and Oklahoma overcame a sloppy start to beat Missouri 66-61 on Saturday.

The Sooners (11-6, 2-1 Big 12) charged ahead with a 17-5 spurt that featured a pair of two-handed jams by Ryan Wright and a three-point play by Warren. Davis drove the left baseline for a layup to push the lead to 54-49 with 5 minutes remaining.

Warren hit four free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal the victory.

Laurence Bowers had 15 points and 10 rebounds off the bench to lead the Tigers (14-4, 2-1), whose nine-game winning streak was snapped.

Wright added 12 points and Steven Pledger scored 10 for the Sooners.

Missouri hangs on to top Texas Tech 94-89 in OT

2010-01-14T10:53:00.002-06:00

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - Marcus Denmon and Kim English scored 20 points each to lead Missouri to a 94-89 win over Texas Tech in overtime Wednesday night.
The Tigers scored on their first five possessions in overtime to go up 90-86. The Red Raiders pulled within 90-89 on a 3-point play by Brad Reese with 1:01 to go. But Denmon and Michael Dixon hit two free throws each to seal it for Missouri (14-3, 2-0 Big 12).
The game went into overtime after Texas Tech scored 13 points in the final 1:01, including two 3-pointers by Reese, one by Nick Okorie and a layup by Mike Singletary to pull the Red Raiders
within 79-77 with 25.5 seconds remaining.
John Roberson hit two free throws with 15.8 seconds left to tie it 79-79 and force overtime.
Roberson scored 25 points - all in the second half - to lead the Red Raiders (12-4, 0-2).

Tigers recruit injured before T of C

2010-01-11T21:17:00.000-06:00

Springfield, Mo. -- University of Missouri Tigers recruit Kadeem Green will not play in the 2010 Tournament of Champions after suffering an achilles injury.
Green's United Faith Christian Academy of Charlotte will play Kickapoo of Springfield on Thursday night in the opening round of the Tournament of Champions. UFCA is the defending state champions in North Carolina. They are 14-3 overall, 1-1 without Green
Green likely will recover from the injury in time for his freshman season at Mizzou.

2010-01-09T20:55:00.001-06:00

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Tigers keep streaking at home.
Marcus Denman scored nine of his 14 points in the last six minutes to lift the Missouri Tigers(13-3) to a 74-68 victory over No. 11 Kansas State.
The win extends Mizzou's home winning streak to 30 games, the second longest in the country.
Kansas State (13-2) took control of the game midway through the first half. Then, the Tigers went on a 15-2 run to end the half.
Again Missouri fell behind by six late in the second half. Mizzou went without a field goal for nearly ten minutes. That's when the Tigers started making big shots. The biggest shot was a 3-pointer from "Big Shot" Zaire Taylor less than 30 second to give Mizzou a three point lead.
Jacob Pullan scored 21 for the Wildcats. Denis Clement added 16.

Mizzou ready for Big 12

2010-01-06T22:47:00.002-06:00

COLUMBIA, MO. - The Missouri Tigers needed a big run in the second half to pull away from Savannah State 74-45.
The 14-0 run came over a six minute span at the beginning of the final 20 minutes of play. Missouri (12-3) led just 28-25 at halftime.
Sophomore Kimmie English led the Tigers with 13 points. Marcus Denman and Justin Safford both added 12. The Tigers shot 44 percent from the field.
Patrick Hardy poured in a career-high 14 points for Savannah State (5-12).
The victory is Mizzou's seventh straight. The Tigers open Big 12 play Saturday night at Mizzou Arena against the Kansas State Wildcats.

Mizzou apologizes to Navy's band

2010-01-06T10:34:00.002-06:00

University of Missouri administrators apologized to the U.S. Naval Academy for what appears to be a Texas Bowl mixup. Mizzou's marching band has been criticized for sounding its fight song after the Naval Academy began playing after its game. Both bands agreed before the game the losing team's band would play first, followed by the winner. Missouri's band didn't realize Navy had started playing first hewn it played over them.

The blame game ...

2009-12-31T21:02:00.000-06:00

Gary Pinkel: “That’s probably the worst performance (in a bowl game) since I’ve been a head coach of a football team, the way they played. We just didn’t play our best. And that doesn’t mean you’re going to win, but it gives you a chance to win. There’s no excuses; I’m responsible for that. That starts right here. And without taking anything away from (Navy). They played absolutely outstanding.”

We'll miss you Danario...

2009-12-31T20:55:00.002-06:00

“You know when you score on the second play of the game you think it’s going to be easy or whatever. But I think we kind of let off the gas a little bit. We just didn’t execute the rest of the game. They tried to drop buys back into coverage or whatever, like for short 10-yard passes or whatever. Usually, I catch them over the middle. But they came out and they had a pretty good game plan.”

Danario Alexander has a lot to be proud of in his four years @ Mizzou:
4 Straight Bowls
Winningest Senior Class
Career Reception Yards: 2,074 (Mizzou Record)
Single-Season Reception Yards: 1,171 (Mizzou Record)
Graduated in 3 1/2 Years

Tigers lose big in Texas Bowl

2009-12-31T20:43:00.002-06:00

HOUSTON -- Navy's Ricky Dobbs showed why his 2010 Heisman campaign started on the last day of 2009.
The junior quarterback ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Midshipmen to a 35-13 victory in the Texas Bowl against Missouri.
Dobbs wasn't the only Midshipmen running wild on Mizzou's 12-ranked run defense. Navy gobbled up 365 yards on the ground in its rare triple-option attack.
"They're really efficient in what they do," Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said. "They run it well and they're going to keep doing it. We knew what they were going to do, but the thing is, they kind of take your instincts away from you."
Missouri's offense was far from efficient.
The Tigers (8-5) started fast. Danario Alexander caught a 58-yard touchdown pass on the second play from scrimmage to give Mizzou a quick lead. That was the only touchdown the Tigers scored.
Sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert threw three interceptions.
"This will be a good experience, certainly for him and for all of us," Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel noted.
Some of the credit goes to Navy's underrated defense.
"We're going to have 11 guys running to the football," Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. "We're like 11 hyenas - we're going to take down an elephant sooner or later, and we're going to get on you."
Navy won the time of possession battle by more than 11 minutes.
For the Tigers, sophomore all-America kicker Grant Ressel kicked two field goals for the rest of the scoring.
Danario Alexander finished with 127 yards on six catches. He continues to lead the country in receiving yards with 1,771. His big day extends his Tigers school record. The senior from Marlin, TX also set Mizzou's career receiving mark with 2,074 yards, breaking Justin Gage's record.
Freshman defensive lineman Aldon Smith also broke Missouri's season sack mark with his 12th sack in the first quarter.
The loss is only the Tigers second in five straight bowl games.

In the record books: AGAIN

2009-12-31T16:38:00.003-06:00

Mizzou's Danario Alexander just keeps on breaking school records. His 11-yard catch in the first half against Navy moved him ahead of Justin Gage for all-time Mizzou receiving yards. Gage ended his great Tiger career with 2,704 yards. Who knows how high Danario will go.

Welcome back to TEXAS!!

2009-12-31T16:27:00.004-06:00

Record-breaking Smith...

Freshman Aldon Smith's sack of Navy's Ricky Dobbs was his 12th of the year. That breaks Justin Smith's single-season record. CONGRATS.

2009-12-31T14:43:00.002-06:00

The Washington Examiner is already hyping Navy QB Ricky Dobbs for the Heisman trophy in 2010. The presidency in 2040. No really.

"I won't specifically say, 'That's my goal, to win the Heisman.' But one of my goals is to work hard and be the best I can be," said Dobbs. "If that comes with being a Heisman Trophy candidate, then so be it."

2009-12-31T14:35:00.001-06:00

The roof, the roof, the roof of Reliant is open for the Texas Bowl.

After slow start Missouri defeats UMKC 91-57

2009-12-31T07:47:00.001-06:00

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Laurence Bowers scored 17 points and Zaire Taylor added 10 to lift Missouri out of an early first-half funk in a 91-57 win over Missouri-Kansas City on Wednesday night.
Missouri (10-3) missed its first nine shots and didn't score for nearly five minutes in falling behind against UMKC (7-6). That changed after Tigers coach Mike Anderson inserted a second unit led by Taylor, a former starter.
The reserves led a 14-0 run over the next five minutes and Missouri never looked back in the rout. Marcus Denmon added 14 points and Kim English scored 11 after being held scoreless in the first half.

2009-12-29T21:54:00.002-06:00

Navy QB Ricky Dobbs is one to watch.
He runs the triple-option to perfection. The junior from Douglasville, GA broke Tim Tebow's rushing TD's in a seaosn record for a QB in 2009 with 24. He also averages 85 yards a game behind center. He knows Mizzou too.
“Watching them on tape, they’re pretty big and very physical on defense. We’re going to have to come out here and prepare and be ready for a dogfight. I’m sure they aren’t coming here ready to lay down, and neither are we. It’s a bowl game, and it’s supposed to be postseason fun, but everybody knows that we’re about business. Both teams have four losses, we’ve got a little bit to prove, and both teams are hungry so I’m prepared for a fight.”

Catch a Tigers hoops game cheap

2009-12-29T21:48:00.001-06:00

Columbia, Mo. - Mizzou Athletics has announced a special ticket offer for the Jan. 6 men's basketball contest against Savannah State at Mizzou Arena. Tiger fans can purchase a 4-Pack of reserved upper level seats for just $24. The "Savannah State 4-Pack" is on sale now through the Mizzou Athletics Ticket Office and can be ordered by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS in Columbia), online through mutigers.com or in person at the Mizzou Arena Box Office. The "Savannah State 4-Pack" will NOT be available the day of the game and all orders will be placed at Will Call and can be picked up Jan. 6. A minimum of four tickets must be purchased in order to take advantage of the offer. Discounts are not available on previously purchased tickets. Missouri concludes non-conference play with three games over the next eight days. The Tigers host UMKC on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Missouri then hosts the University of Georgia on Jan. 2 at 3 p.m. and the first 10,000 fans at this game will receive a free gold Mizzou Basketball t-shirt. Mizzou then closes non-league play with Savannah State before hosting #12 Kansas State in the Big 12 Conference opener on Jan. 9. Tickets are still available for the remainder of the home games (excluding Kansas) through the ticket office.

Who's Braggin' Now...

2009-12-24T15:37:00.004-06:00

ST. LOUIS -- Kim English scored 24 points while matching his career best with five 3-pointers, and Missouri hounded Illinois into a season-high 22 turnovers in an 81-68 victory that ended the Tigers' nine-year losing streak in the Braggin' Rights game on Wednesday night. Freshman Michael Dixon had a season-best 16 points and five assists, and J.T. Tiller had 12 points, five assists and five rebounds for the Tigers (8-3), who have won three in a row. Missouri beat Illinois (8-4) for the first time since 1999 before a raucous sellout crowd of 20,497. Mike Tisdale had 14 points and 13 rebounds for Illinois (8-4), which has lost two straight and is 1-4 on the road or at neutral sites. Mike Davis also had a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Breaking News...Marcus says he'll be a Tiger

2009-12-19T22:36:00.004-06:00

Columbia--Mizzou's Gary Pinkel does it again. Missouri's head coach has received word from the Show-Me-State's top receiver Marcus Lucas he's coming to Columbia. The Liberty High School senior chose the Tigers over some big heavyweight hitters including Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The 6'4" 190 pound was an all-state selection both his junior and senior year. Rivals.com rates him as a 4* and the country's 14th best receiver. His best stat: 3.7 grade point average and a qualifying score on the ACT test. Lucas committed to the Tigers after an official visit December 19th. Lucas is expected to play in the Army all-America game next month in San Antonio.

2009-12-18T17:15:00.002-06:00

Big 12 Move Talk of Governor's Mansion:

Governor Jay Nixon believes the University of Missouri should consider jumping to the Big Ten Conference.
This week the Big Ten conference threw out adding a 12th team to the conference in the next 12-18 months.

Nixon wants his alma mater to be open to the idea because of the Big Ten's academic excellence. However, he acknowledges he'd want the Tigers to continue to the play KU.

2009-12-17T21:56:00.003-06:00

TILLER SUSPENDED!!!

Mizzou basketball coach Mike Anderson has suspended senior guard J.T Tiller for Saturday's game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff after a morning arrest in Columbia. Tiller had a warrant out for his arrest for failing to pay a fine for speeding. "No one feels worse than J.T. Tiller, I'm going to tell you that," said Anderson. The Tigers will put the nation's third longest home winning streak on the line.

2009-12-15T17:32:00.002-06:00

Was the Texas Bowl a slight toward Mizzou? Gary Pinkel says no. I have to agree. Here's why.

McGee promoted to OC at Arkansas

2009-12-14T18:24:00.001-06:00

It was a no-brainer for Arkansas Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino. Petrino promoted QB coach Garrick McGee as his offensive coordinator. Petrino's brother Paul left the position for more money and opportunities at Illinois. McGee is considered one of the best recruiters in the county. His focus is important: OKLAHOMA. And, well, Ryan Mallett if he decides to stay.

2009-12-14T13:43:00.002-06:00

KU names Turner Gill its next head coach.
And Turner's already taking shots at Mizzou. They haven't beaten the Tigers before so why now.

2009-12-11T11:32:00.000-06:00

No ND. But KU appears to be an option for former Aubbie Head Coach Tommy Tuberville. Here's a KC Star write-up on the search.

"Kansas is a good program,” said Tuberville, 55. “It’s in a conference that you can compete in. It’s really come leaps and bounds over the last few years, going to the Orange Bowl a couple years ago. Obviously, Kansas has made a reputation in basketball, and that’s great. But I think that can just help the football program. You can win in both sports.” To get Perkins’ attention, Tuberville will have to overcome some candidates who have moved to the forefront. As KU’s search for its next coach enters its second week today, The Star has learned that Kansas has talked with Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh about the opening and that Harbaugh is likely the Jayhawks’ top choice. East Carolina coach Skip Holtz and Buffalo coach Turner Gill have also emerged from the pack of coaches that have spoken with Perkins — a group that includes Central Michigan coach Butch Jones, Houston coach Kevin Sumlin, Minnesota coach Tim Brewster and Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt. It appears that Holtz and Gill would take the job if offered. But barring Perkins’ picking up the phone and calling Tuberville, Harbaugh would be KU’s home-run hire. In Harbaugh’s three seasons at Stanford, the Cardinal has made a steady progression, improving from 1-11 the year before he took the job in 2006 to 8-4 in 2009. Under the fiery Harbaugh this season, the Cardinal crushed Southern California 55-21 in Los Angeles and beat Notre Dame 45-38 at home. Stanford will face Oklahoma in the Sun Bowl. Harbaugh, 45, a former quarterback at Michigan and for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, shares Kansas’ interest. His wife, Sarah, is from the Kansas City area. Holtz, 45, is an attractive option to Perkins because of their relationship — Perkins hired Holtz to coach Connecticut in 1994 — and the success Holtz has had in building East Carolina into the top program in Conference USA. The Pirates, now back-to-back league champions, had won just three of their last 25 games when they hired Holtz after the 2004 season. Holtz does not have many apparent connections to the Big 12 region. Gill, 47, was reportedly the first candidate contacted by Perkins. In four seasons at Buffalo, Gill has just a 20-30 record, but he led the Bulls to the 2008 Mid-American Conference title and the school’s first bowl game in 50 years. While Holtz is lacking in regional ties, Gill has plenty. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, played and coached at Nebraska, and has a daughter, Jordan, who is a KU student. Jones and Sumlin have spoken to Perkins but don’t appear to be strong candidates. Sumlin told the Houston Chronicle that he is close to signing an extension with Houston. Brewster and Nutt both publicly revealed their intention to stay at their current schools. In dealing with Tuberville, a coach’s loyalty to another school would not be a factor. “I can move overnight,” Tuberville said. “I’m a free agent, don’t have anything holding me back.”Tuberville fashions himself as a program builder. He talked with pride about “starting from scratch” at two Southeastern Conference schools.

2009-12-08T22:17:00.002-06:00

ESPN ranked the bowls from 1 through 34. Mizzou vs. Navy not getting any love.

Navy vs. Missouri3:30 p.m. ET, Dec. 31
The Tigers felt they were jobbed when the Insight Bowl selected 6-6 Iowa State over them. Worse, they'll have to spend the holidays preparing for Navy's triple-option spread attack. Missouri's defense has been pretty stout against the run, allowing only 96.4 yards per game, which was 12th-best in the country. Tigers wide receiver Danario Alexander gets one more chance to impress NFL scouts.

Bama's McClain wins Butkus Award ...

2009-12-08T11:42:00.001-06:00

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - No. 1 Alabama's Rolando McClain has won the Butkus Award as college football's top linebacker.
He was presented the award Tuesday morning in a surprise visit by Dick Butkus, a Hall of Fame linebacker and the award's namesake.
The junior is the leader of the nation's top scoring defense and helped guide the Crimson Tide to a Southeastern Conference championship and a spot in the BCS national title game against No.
2 Texas.
The other finalists were Florida's Brandon Spikes, Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon, South Carolina's Eric Norwood and Texas' Sergio Kindle.