Good-bye to Missouri

This story from The Oklahoman’s sports columnist Berry Tramel assesses the Tigers’ recent move to the SEC. It was refreshing to hear from a writer from a Big 12 state actually express a belief in Mizzou’s chances to contend in the SEC. Unlike most writers and critics, Tramel realizes that Mizzou will not be playing in the same division as Alabama, Arkansas, and LSU, but instead will be in the SEC East with the likes of Florida, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt. The Tigers are already better than most of the teams in their new division and will be ready to compete right away.

However, Tramel grossly overestimates the remorse the Tigers will feel in losing their rivalry with Kansas. Granted saying goodbye to a century-old rivalry is tough, but a true rivalry should be slightly more competitive (Mizzou has won seven of the last nine football meetings and Kansas football is not exactly on the upswing). If Kansas is too stubborn to continue the rivalry, Mizzou can find a new rival in the SEC; one that can provide more challenge in football. Tramel also understates the tradition of Mizzou football. Granted, Mizzou’s heritage is not as rich as the Oklahoma teams Tramel covers, but as the birthplace of homecoming and the home of 40 wins in four seasons (including several seasons that nearly ended in BCS bowls for the Tigers) Mizzou will benefit and fit in relatively well with the tradition of the SEC.