Unlikely Contenders Collide

First, let’s establish the fundamental assumptions underlying this column. I’m a native Missourian. I’m president of a company named Show-Me Publishing. I’m a proud graduate of the University of Missouri. I love my Tigers, even though they’ve not always returned the love, and my veins pretty much bleed Black and Gold.

Having established my allegiances, I must, however, admit that I am also a KU fan, except, of course, when they play Mizzou. I should also say that I’m not only surprised by Missouri’s and Kansas’ football success this season, I’m absolutely stunned and thrilled. 

The last time the University of Kansas’ football team was10-0 was in 1899. Some teams take a few years to rebuild their programs. KU took a century. As I recall, Mizzou was ranked Number 1 and was poised for an undefeated season in 1960 and lost to—of all teams—an unranked Kansas in its final game.

Looking back, I’m amused that preseason polls didn’t even rank Kansas or Missouri. But, as of this writing, they reside at 3rd and 5th in the nation, respectively. Pollsters did, however, at the front end of the season, rank the following Big 12 teams in the following order: Texas 4th; Oklahoma 8th; Nebraska 20th; and Texas A&M 25th. Yep, even Nebraska in the Top 25.

I was also amused during the halftime analysis of the Kansas vs. Oklahoma State game a couple weeks ago, commentators simply stated that all Kansas had to do to play for the National Championship was to beat Iowa State, Missouri and OU. Missouri, on the other hand, was not included in the discussion, other than being briefly acknowledged as one of the “single loss” teams. Yet one of these teams will represent the North Division well in San Antonio for the Big 12 title game against Oklahoma. Beyond that, who knows?

Truth is no one could have predicted that MU or KU would have a legitimate shot at the National Championship. But here we are. By this time most years, folks are talking about power forwards and point guards, not wide receivers and Heisman candidates. Who’d have ever guessed that the KU-MU football rivalry would push aside their legendary basketball rivalry?

If Mizzou doesn’t win it all, I hope KU does. Really.

The Kansas-Missouri football rivalry is the oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi. It is deeply ingrained in our identity as Kansans and Missourians. It is something to be savored and celebrated. We’re privileged to have such great universities as well as sports programs in our midst, including K-State and many others around the bi-state.

Speaking of Kansas State, I have to tell you that Missouri has no easy task, nor historical success, playing in Manhattan. I just hope that K-State doesn’t vent its frustrations against Missouri after its recent thumping by the worst team in Nebraska history.

Frankly, for someone in my position, it’s just not good business to be overtly or obnoxiously partisan and partial to one school or another. An overwhelming percentage of our readers and clients are KU grads and fans. I may not go so far as to “wave the wheat” but I will curb my enthusiasm if the “ZOU” turns against the Jayhawks at Arrowhead.

By the time you read this, the BCS postseason picture will be clearer than it is at the time of this writing. Will Iowa State upset KU? Will MU find the secret formula for winning in Manhattan? Will the BCS bigwigs allow an unexpected champion from the Big 12 to be seriously considered to play for the National Championship?

If either KU or MU “runs the table” they will have earned the right to play for the National Championship. They’re well-coached, talented, disciplined teams that have, ironically, enjoyed their most extraordinary seasons in recent memory in the same year. I’m hopeful that the national title trophy will in fact reside close (preferably two hours) from my office when it’s all said and done. We should all be proudof our Tigers and Jayhawks for an incredible season.

Joe Sweeney

Editor-In-Chief & Publisher

JSweeney@IngramsOnLine.com