Daniel’s intensity remains intact

The Missouri football team’s practice on Thursday was the second to last before it departs for El Paso, Texas on Dec. 22. Most of the team was in light spirits throughout practice, with players belting out songs during drills and showcasing their dance moves whenever they had the chance.

Defensive tackle Lorenzo Williams said there was nothing wrong with the fun they were having because of how hard they had been working, but not every player had loosened up.

Quarterback Chase Daniel, an unquestioned leader of the team, was intense and passionate about every play and demanded perfection of himself.

His fiery play was unmistakable on a flea-flicker (a play where the quarterback hands off the ball to the running back, who then pitches it back to the quarterback for a pass down the field) the offense ran toward the end of practice.

Daniel took the snap in the shotgun formation, handed it off and had just got the ball back when he slipped and fell. He angrily got up, ripped his chin strap loose from his helmet and marched off the field, fuming about the accident.

“I had new cleats, and it was the second time (I had slipped),” Daniel said. “It was frustrating cause I had Tommy (Saunders) wide open down the field. If you’re real into practice and emotionally involved, game time comes and it’s real easy.”

His drive and work ethic are extremely strong, and when most of the team is jovial and enjoying preparation for the postseason in a more boisterous manner, the coaching staff notices his mood.

“He’s a tenacious competitor,” coach Gary Pinkel said. “He’s absolutely a tenacious competitor. I really can’t think of a much better compliment for a player.”

Pinkel said he didn’t expect Daniel to play so well this season, and that Daniel

is doing things college players, regardless of what year they are, rarely do.

“His knowledge is amazing,” Pinkel said. “He could coach right now if he wanted to.”

OFFENSE WINS AGAIN: Thursday was also the sequel to Tuesday’s “Big Man 7-on-7,” a drill in which members of the defensive line played skill positions on offense, while offensive linemen played defense.

The “Little Man 7-on-7” drill wrapped up practice with defensive backs and linebackers trying to drive the field against the offense’s skill positions.

Safety David Overstreet, who quarterbacked the squad, met the same fate as defensive tackle Lorenzo Williams, throwing an interception to end it.

True freshman Danario Alexander was like Velcro on the receiver and made an amazing leaping play to bring in the ball.

Alexander, grinning afterward, said it wasn’t anything great and that he was used to it because he played almost every position in high school.

“I even played defensive end,” the 205-pound receiver said.

GAMBLING MAN: Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt and Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski have agreed to a bet for the Sun Bowl between Missouri and Oregon State.

According to a news release from Blunt’s office, if the Tigers beat the Beavers, Kulongoski has agreed to provide Blunt with a bounty of Oregon goods including a large selection of Oregon microbrews, three full wheels of bleu cheese and a sampling of fresh Oregon seafood.

If Missouri loses, Blunt will give Kulongoski a selection of Missouri beef, wines and barbecue, along with several other Missouri gourmet items.

Kulongoski is actually from Missouri. He was born in rural Missouri and grew up in a Catholic boys’ home in St. Louis. He served in the military, and afterward, attended MU because of the financial help provided by the GI Bill. After finishing his undergraduate work, he earned an MU law degree.