The implications of the next two games for the Missouri football team are perhaps as big as any since the 2007 season, when the Tigers were one win away from playing for the BCS Championship. They …
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Next Two Games Critical For Mizzou Football
Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
The implications of the next two games for the Missouri football team are perhaps as big as any since the 2007 season, when the Tigers were one win away from playing for the BCS Championship.They lost to Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game and never had a chance to play for the crystal ball.It’s perhaps the letdown from that season or even the onslaught of disappointment that followed in 2008 — when a Chase Daniel-laden team that was projected to win the title flopped midseason against Oklahoma State — that infuses me with caution.The thought of seeing Mizzou play in Atlanta for the SEC Championship on Dec. 7 is both mind-boggling and astounding.And getting to that point won’t be easy over the next couple weeks.The Tigers travel to Ole Miss on Saturday for what I consider a trap game. The Rebels are a young, up-and-coming mid-level SEC team that has flirted with the Top 25 and has proven daunting at home this season.This program has played the role of spoiler on several occasions and is the reason for Tim Tebow’s motivating ‘I’m Sorry’ speech, in which he promised to overcome an upset at Ole Miss and lead his team to the National Title — which he did.But there likely won’t be any second chances for Mizzou. The Tigers have already taken their Mulligan against South Carolina.Ole Miss defeated LSU in Oxford and should have beaten Texas A&M after having the Aggies on the ropes before losing in overtime.Mizzou is favored and certainly capable of winning in The Grove.If they manage to do so, the Tigers will return home for one of the most intriguing match-ups of the season against Texas A&M.Football is undoubtedly a team sport, but one can’t help salivate at the thought of Johnny Manziel scurrying around in the backfield in an effort to avoid Mizzou defensive end Michael Sam.Both are elite players at their respective positions, and Sam has been named a finalist for multiple national awards after racking up an SEC-best 10 sacks and 16 tackles for loss.Winning these next two contests would be a remarkable feat for the Tigers, who will then likely face Alabama at the Georgia Dome.Winning out would provide Missouri the possibility of playing for a national championship or in a BCS game, at the least. It would require beating the No. 1 team in the nation, meaning a huge catapult in the rankings.But losing any of the next three games would likely drop the Tigers into a less desirable bowl.For as surprisingly successful as Mizzou has been this season, there is little room for error if they wish to make this season one for the ages.I hope they are able to accomplish what many considered unfathomable following a dismal 5-7 finish during their first year in the SEC last season.But I would guard you from becoming too optimistic or celebrating before the Tigers have for certain crossed a threshold they are yet to eclipse.
The Missouri football team travels to Ole Miss this Saturday.
