MU Big 12 North Champs

It's official.  The Missouri Tigers beat the Kansas Jayhawks 36-28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO for the Big 12 North title this evening.  They played in front of a packed house, split nearly down the middle between KU and MU fans.  They obviously were not bothered by the Kansas fans, ESPN Gameday crew, and the national television broadcast.  Missouri got on the board first, jumping out to a 14-0 halftime lead.  Kansas missed 2 field goals in the first half and Todd Reesing threw his first interception in well over 200 attempts.  Reesing finished the game going 28-49 for 349 yards, 2 TD's, 2 INT's and one rushing TD.  Missouri's Chase Daniel had a Heisman-esque performance going 40-49, for nearly 82% completion percentage for 361 yards and 3 TD's.  The game was filled with big play after big play.  It was a great night for the 2nd largest crowd ever at Arrowhead Stadium.  Kansas came firing back in the second half, but came up short at the end.  After cutting the score to a 6 point game with just a couple minutes to play, the onside kick went to Missouri's Tommy Saunders and Missouri began to run the clock.  Kansas got the ball back, but Reesing was sacked in the end zone for a safety and all that was left was for a Missouri return and to sit on the ball for the game's final play.  Missouri was presented the annual drum award following the game.  They were also presented the first annual Lamar Hunt trophy, named for the late founder of the Kansas City Chiefs.  This award will be presented at the border showdown games played at Arrowhead stadium including next years event.  The Missouri faithful cheered the team with chants of M-I-Z-Z-O-U and Heisman.  The Heisman chants were for Missouri QB Chase Daniel as he seems to be ranking third in the race, currently behind Florida's QB Tim Tebow and Arkansas RB Darren McFadden.

Kansas and Missouri both finish the regular season at 11-1 and 7-1 in the conference.  Missouri's next opponent is the Oklahoma Sooners.  This will be the Big 12 Championship in San Antonio.  If Missouri can avenge the 41-31 loss earlier this season to the Sooners, they will be playing in the BCS National Championship game at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.  Missouri should be ranked #1 in the BCS standings and AP poll as of Sunday night when the poll results come out.  The most likely opponent for Missouri, if they make it to the BCS National Championship game, will be West Virginia.  The Mountaineers, won their game against the University of Connecticut Huskies 66-21 today and should be ranked #2 in the BCS standings and AP poll.