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Missouri Tigers Are Playing Idaho… And I’m Mad About It

By Derek Franks

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When I found out that the Missouri Tigers would be playing Idaho in 2017 to round out its non-conference schedule, I quickly winced in pain. No, not in vicarious pain for the Idaho Vandals, although, judging by the 1-10 record last season, I could’ve been.

No. I started feeling awful for the University Of Missouri football program. What in the world are they doing scheduling this game?

Now, after finding this out and doing research about Idaho’s football team (so that I could report to you that they’ve been to two bowl games in their program’s history—and neither of them were played outside the state of Idaho), I discovered some really interesting things about Idaho.

MU can’t look scared to play these schools. The goal here is a national championship, correct? Believe it or not, you’re going to have to beat one of the best teams in the country to get there, at least once.

Did you know Idaho is known as the “Gem State”—not the “potato state” – and that its one of only two places in the world that you can find the Star Garnet stone? The other is India, by the way.

I also discovered that Idaho looks beautiful. Having never been there before, I decided in that moment, “someday, I ought to make it up to Idaho. It looks pretty awesome.”

So Idaho, the state might be awesome. The University of Idaho is a grand school, I’m sure. But I have to tell you, I, as a Missouri fan, do not want to be playing Idaho’s football team.

This is a terrible scheduling move; plain and simple.

Last year, the SEC attempted to force relevance upon all of its schools by making it mandatory that every team schedule at least one “Power 5” non conference game each season. Mizzou responded by going out and talking with the weakest links of the Power 5 to get games scheduled.

The Missouri Tigers have done a poor job in recent years at scheduling formidable opponents. And it’s hurt their reputation. Whenever we get into the heart of the season, and teams are vying for placement in the Top 25 rankings, it never looks good to have these cupcake programs on the schedule. Let’s repeat. It NEVER looks good.

But when that’s all your non-conference schedule consists of, it’s downright embarrassing.

Here’s what the schedule looks like in 2017 before league play for the Tigers: Missouri State, Purdue, Idaho, UCONN.

This is part of a theme. 2016? Southeast Missouri State, Arkansas State, UCONN and BYU. You’ll also see in the coming years, Wyoming, Eastern Michigan, Memphis and perhaps the toughest on their future schedule, West Virginia.

This is trash, Mizzou. Trash. It has to be said.

Idaho Vandals head coach Paul Petrino lead his team to an awesome 1-10 record last season. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

It’s time to cut these games out. It’s time to schedule TOP 25 opponents. Or, better yet, top 15, top 10.

Think about the benefits. Think about how the Missouri Tigers will finally get the respect they deserve. (Speaking of respect, MU is picked by Vegas to finish 3rd in the SEC East this year, despite two straight division titles).

Well, how can we make the argument that you belong in the SEC Championship conversation when you’re toughest non-conference home game was Idaho?

Considering you’re wasting a home game on this garbage match up, and that you’ve decided that raising ticket prices in recent years because you’re in the SEC is a justified move, then why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and schedule somebody more challenging and more enticing than a home-and-home with Connecticut?

What do you tell recruits who you invite to come watch your games early in the season? “Hey, look, we beat the snot out of Southeast Missouri State, betcha wanna come play with us huh?”

In fact, you hurt your cause last year by struggling against Murray State in the season opener.

Come on, Mizzou, let’s bring in a big time player here!

A neutral game with BYU is a step in the right direction—I guess. But it’s time to start getting some more fierce opponents. MU can’t look scared to play these schools. The goal here is a national championship, correct? Believe it or not, you’re going to have to beat one of the best teams in the country to get there, at least once.

And remember, the Tigers LOST to Indiana last year. If they’re going to lose to a non-conference opponent, why not make it a worthy one?

It’s time for the powers that be in the Missouri Tigers front office to stop scheduling such terrible non-conference games. Hey, I don’t want to shell SEC money out on tickets to a game like this—surely your fans don’t either.

Rant over.

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