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Everything you need to know for this week's game

Dec. 23 — Independence Bowl Edition

Cover story: Two Jefferson City graduates meet on the line. North Carolina's Sylvester Williams and Missouri's Travis Ruth were teammates in high school. Now, four years later, they'll square off head-to-head on the line at the 2011 Independence Bowl.

Everyone knows that when a team goes to a bowl, the players come home with some pretty cool gifts. The Tigers could be taking home recliners from this year's Independence Bowl.

The five most memorable moments from the 2011 season... and we're not just talking on the field.
The opponent: Fast facts about the North Carolina Tarheels.
If you're heading to Louisiana to watch the Tigers, check out these things to do in Shreveport.
GRAPHIC: A map of routes to take to Shreveport, Independence Bowl history and Missouri bowl history by season.
You can check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Texas A&M, Five From The Film Room and all the latest news on conference realignment.

Nov. 24 — Rivalry Edition

Cover story: The last rivalry game? After 120 years of playing Kansas, the 2011 Border Showdown might be the last rivalry game. Kansas administrators have said they are uninterested in continuing the rivalry once Missouri moves to the SEC next season. Football reporter Andrew Wagaman looks back at 120 years of rivalry intensity, wins, losses, ties and, most of all, hate.

PHOTO GALLERY: A look back at the 120 years of Missouri vs. Kansas rivalry games.

There's no getting around the fact that Kansas is not having the best season. Even as the Jayhawks could become the first Big 12 team to lose nine straight conference games, the Tigers insist the rivalry is still cranked up.
The opponent: Fast facts about Kansas, including the dispute on whether this year is a rivalry tiebreaker.
Even though Kansas administration has said they will not continue the rivalry games with Missouri, the SEC is full of nonconference rivalry games. Here's a look at five notable match-ups.
You can check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Texas A&M, Five From The Film Room and all the latest news on conference realignment.

Nov. 19

Cover story: The Lone Star Tigers. Nine of the 2011 starters are from Texas, and the roster has 35 players who call the Lone Star State home. Missouri has found a niche in the recruiting scene, often finding hidden gems that other teams pass up. Football reporter Harry Plumer spent a week in Texas visiting the places that Tiger football stars got their start.
MAP: Where in Texas are the players from?

Texas Tech has been inconsistent all season long, making it impossible to predict what might go down on Faurot Field this Saturday.
The opponent: Fun facts about Texas Tech.
Truman the Tiger better be ready for company in the SEC — real, live company. Here's our five favorite live animal SEC mascots.
Before MU’s move to the SEC move became official last week, many in the media speculated that the addition would be beneficial for the SEC academically, arguing that Missouri adds academic prowess to the conference – much of which was fueled by Missouri's status as a member of the Association of American Universities. In terms of other academic measures, however, MU ranks very similarly to SEC schools. See how MU compares to SEC schools in terms of average ACT composite score, six-year graduation rate and freshman retention rate.
CHART: Big 12 and SEC ticket prices comparison.
MAP: How Missouri fits in with the SEC in regards to population, electoral votes in the 2008 presidential election, time zones and region.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Texas A&M, Five From The Film Room and all the latest news on conference realignment.

Nov. 11 — SEC Edition

Cover story: Will the Tigers be dead on arrival in the SEC? Many people are saying that Missouri doesn't have a chance to be competitive in the SEC, but the outlook might not be so grim for Tiger fans after all.
See for yourself how Missouri stacks up against other SEC institutions, including recently accepted Texas A&M. Here's a look at each school's credentials.
BUT FIRST... The Tigers take on the Texas running game at home this weekend.
This week's opponent: Things to know about the University of Texas.

New bowl destinations await the Tigers in the SEC. Here's a list of where they could end up playing.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but here's a hypothetical 2012 schedule for the Tigers in the SEC East.
What comes next? The transition team is made up of the people who are in charge of making the switch to the SEC as seamless as possible for MU.
Are we there yet? Here's a graphic of the driving distances to each of the other SEC schools. Compare that to the distance to other Big 12 schools.
If you can't make it to the game, you'll still be able to catch Tiger football on TV, but the channels you'll find them on will change next year.
One of the goals of conference expansion is to reach new TV audiences. Here’s how the SEC and Big 12 match up in terms of TV market sizes. With Missouri's move to the SEC, it will be exposed to much larger audiences.
MU’s Memorial Stadium ranked fourth in capacity among Big 12 football stadiums behind Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma, respectively. Memorial Stadium will lose its “Big Fish” status as the Tigers join the SEC in July 2012 making Missouri’s stadium the 10th largest in the 14-team conference. With the addition of Texas A&M, the SEC now lays claim to seven of the largest 15 collegiate football stadiums in the nation.
How will competition in other MU sports be impacted? Here is a breakdown of how Big 12 and SEC softball, women's volleyball, baseball and women's soccer programs stack up both on the playing field and in the classroom. And, of course, we have similar graphics for football and basketball.
The schools that make up the SEC are full of traditions. Here's a look at some of them.
A timeline of SEC history: Thirteen schools left the Southern Conference in 1932 to form the Southeastern Conference. Since that time, three schools have left and four schools have joined. Here's also a look at Big 12 membership history.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets this week. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Texas, Five From The Film Room and all the latest news on conference realignment.

Nov. 6

Cover story: It takes a pretty powerful plan to get the Missouri football team ready to travel. Ready with three versions of the itinerary for the players, staff and boosters, the Tigers treat away games like business trips.
Backup tight end Stephen Drain is familiar with Baylor. After high school, he went to Baylor on scholarship, but he ended up transferring to Missouri after his freshmen year.
Headed to see the Tigers take on Baylor this weekend? We gathered advice on things to do in Waco, Texas.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Texas A&M, Five From The Film Room and all the latest news on conference realignment.

Oct. 28

Cover story: Noise simulators help prepare team for loud crowd at A&M. As the Tigers head to College Station to play in one of the noisiest stadiums in the country, they practice with a simulated crowd over loud speakers.
Texas A&M isn't the same team the Tigers faced last year. Behind a receiver-turned-quarterback, Texas A&M is a much better team than the one that lost when Missouri went to College Station last season.
Get the low-down on this week's opponent: Texas A&M.
Headed to see the Tigers take on Texas A&M this weekend? We gathered advice on things to do in College Station, Texas.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Texas A&M, Five From The Film Room and all the latest news on conference realignment.

Oct. 21 — The Realignment Issue

Cover story: Where's the plan for conference realignment? After much speculation, it looks like the answer is: Ask again later. It's become an every-school-for-itself food fight, and without a master plan, the student-athletes might be the ones suffering.
For schools that have left or plan on leaving the Big 12 Conference, part of transition is getting rid of everything with the old conference logo and replacing it with the new one. Nebraska and Colorado tell us how they handled the old memorabilia, and Texas A&M is already planning on the switch.
Cartoons: The Big 12 mascots give us a sneak peek in how their school views conference realignment.
Role Reversal: In 2008, Oklahoma State came to Columbia and knocked off the then-No. 3 Tigers, altering the rest of Missouri's season. This time around, it's the Cowboys with a high ranking and an undefeated record, and it's Missouri with a chance to return the favor.
Get the low-down on this week's opponent: Oklahoma State.
Five things you didn't know about... Brad Madison. Madison often devours White Castle sandwiches, enjoys hunting and fishing and leaves his socks on while his ankles are taped.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Find out how much MU football players and teammates Zaviar Gooden and Jacquies Smith know about each other.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Oklahoma State and all the latest news on conference realignment.

Oct. 14 - Missouri's 100th Homecoming Game

Cover story: The opening kickoff return memory that will last a lifetime. Many Tiger fans will never forget Gahn McGaffie's opening kickoff return for a touchdown in last year's Homecoming game. Check out the memories made from all views of the stadium as the Tigers took an early lead against Oklahoma.
Feelings for the University of Missouri don't end at graduation. Five Missouri School of Journalism alumni who now work at ESPN share their MU Homecoming memories. Read the memories of Pat Forde, Wright Thompson, Seth Wickersham, Michael Kim and John Anderson in their own words.
Test your knowledge of all this MU with an interactive 100-question quiz. Be sure to study up on your campus traditions, history and athletics before celebrating the 100th MU Homecoming.

Five things NOT about Homecoming. Between the daily drama that is conference realignment and the hullabaloo of the 100th Homecoming, it might be easy to forget that there is actually a football game Saturday. We keep you in the know with what to expect on the field.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Iowa State and all the latest news on conference realignment. There will not be a Five From The Film Room feature this week because the game is not going to be televised.

Oct. 7

Cover story: Come hungry, leave healthy. Staff at the Missouri Athletic Training Center dining hall focus on nutrition and moderation through a variety of workout-friendly foods served to the athletes for breakfast and dinner.

The Tigers won't have to worry about the quick pace that kept them on their toes in the game at Oklahoma. Kansas State's slower pace makes them a unique team in the league.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Oklahoma, the weekly Five From The Film Room and, of course, all the latest news on conference realignment.
If you're headed to Manhattan, Kan. to watch the Tigers take on Kansas State, check out our list of things to not miss in "The Little Apple."
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.

Sept. 23

Cover story: The scooter gang. When T.J. Moe, Corey Sudhoff, Brad Madison and several other players want to get to and from the athletic facilities, they ride their scooters. It's undeniable that a big man on a little bike is funny.

After last year's unforgettable homecoming win against Oklahoma, the Tigers are looking for a repeat. It won't be easy on the road, though. Oklahoma has only lost two games at home since Bob Stoops took over in 1999.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Caption Contest: You tell us what's going on. Tweet us what you think Andrew Baggett is up to in this photo, and we'll publish the best responses. You can tweet to us at @CoMoSports using the hashtag #captioncontest.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about the NCAA simulation of Missouri v. Oklahoma, the weekly Five From The Film Room and, of course, all the latest news on conference realignment.
It's impossible to put on a football uniform without the possibility of getting hurt. Injuries have plagued the Tigers this year, and we take a look at the most common football injuries.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.

Sept. 16

Cover story: When the lights go out. The crew who works the graveyard shift keeps Mizzou Sports Park in tip top shape.

The current crop of football players is in uncharted terrority with a week two loss. The game at Arizona State was also the first game that went into overtime since the 2008 Alamo Bowl.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
The opponent: Western Illinois. What is a leatherneck anyway?
Five things you didn't know about... defensive tackle Dominique Hamilton.
Caption Contest: You tell us what's going on. Tweet us what you think Andrew Baggett is up to in this photo, and we'll publish the best responses. You can tweet to us at @CoMoSports using the hashtag #captioncontest.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a post about cornerback Robert Steeples who does stand-up comedy, the first person account of the photographer who was hit in the face by Grant Ressel's missed field goal at Arizona State and, of course, all the latest news on conference realignment.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.

Sept. 9

Cover story: Arizona State not a cupcake game. Usually Missouri's nonconference games are scheduled for wins, but Arizona State might be the Tigers toughest nonconference opponent yet.

Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict has the ability to make life miserable for the Tigers, but he's known to get in trouble with personal fouls and conduct calls, too.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Caption Contest: You tell us what's going on. Tweet us what you think Brad Madison is up to in this photo, and we'll publish the best responses. You can tweet to us at @CoMoSports using the hashtag #captioncontest.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a collection of outstanding starting quarterback James Franklin quotes, a YouTube video that the offensive line suggests and how the Tigers fared in an NCAA '12 simulation against Miami (Ohio).
We gathered the best places to eat and sites to not miss if you're headed to Tempe to watch the Tigers take on Arizona State.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television scheduleof all the games.

Sept. 2

Cover story: The art of making sporty stylish. It's the jersey's job to identify the player, team and perform under the rough and tumble of contact football. But it is also important to look good. MU textile and apparel management students and faculty tell us what they think about the black and gold.
Linebacker Darvin Ruise is thankful for not only his football abilities, but his musical talents, as well. He plays four instruments.
The opponent: Miami (Ohio). Some facts about the first team Missouri will face on the field.
Tweeting Tigers: We kept track of the most interesting player tweets during preseason. You can also check out our list of Missouri players and coaches with Twitter and follow us at @CoMoSports for the latest information.
Caption Contest: You tell us what's going on. Tweet us what you think Brad Madison is up to in this photo, and we'll publish the best responses. You can tweet to us at @CoMoSports using the hashtag #captioncontest.
Don't forget to check out the Missourian's sports blog. This week you'll find a collection of outstanding starting quarterback James Franklin quotes, a YouTube video that the offensive line suggests and how the Tigers fared in an NCAA '12 simulation against Miami (Ohio).
Five things you didn't know about ... left tackle Justin Britt.
Keep up with the Big 12 conference this week. We have a television schedule of all the games.