Can't miss 2008 football games
The Border War against Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium is shaping up to be a must-see game.
Sure, Coach Pinkel may say that every game is equally important, but there are always those special few games that just can’t be missed. The games that give you goose bumps, make you lose your voice and bring tears to your eyes.
Last year those games were against Nebraska and Kansas. Over 70,000 people filled Faurot Field to watch the Tigers take on the Cornhuskers. The golden stands glowed for a national audience on ESPN, and the atmosphere was electric.
It was that night when Missouri proved they were the real deal, when they proved they could climb all the way to the top of the national rankings and eventually win the Cotton Bowl. The other top game of the 2007 season was against Missouri’s bitter rival Kansas. The Tiger’s proved their dominance and earned the right to play in the Big 12 Championship by beating the Jayhawks in Kansas City.
So which games will define 2008? Unfortunately that’s impossible to predict, but we’re going to try anyways:
- Make the road trip to St. Louis to watch the season opener against Illinois Aug. 30. Last year, Missouri nearly blew a big lead against the Illini, but managed to hold them off thanks to a timely interception. This game can literally make or break Missouri’s season. With a win, the Tigers will gain confidence, but with just one slip up Missouri can kiss their National Championship dreams good bye. Illinois runs a dynamic spread offense, so get ready for a shoot out.
- While it is asking a lot to make the drive down to Austin Oct. 18, this is hands down Missouri’s most crucial game of the season. A win against a powerhouse like Texas on the road will skyrocket the Tiger’s BCS ranking.
- No one should miss the Kansas game Nov. 29. This is what college football is all about—arch rivals playing each other in the last guaranteed game of the season. At this point we will have an idea of whether or not Missouri has a shot at the National Championship. If they do, they’ll have to get past Kansas first.