Football seniors to play on Faurot for final time

The class has won 34 games so far in its four years.

By Nick Forrester

Published Nov. 6, 2008

The most successful class in Missouri history, highlighted by players like senior quarterback Chase Daniel and senior tight end Chase Coffman, will step on Faurot Field for the last time on Saturday when the Tigers take on the Kansas State Wildcats in Missouri's "blackout game."

The senior class has won 34 games to date, the most of any class in school history. They are also on pace to join the 1981 graduating class as the only classes to play in a bowl game all four years.

"It will be an emotional day for me," coach Gary Pinkel said. "What they've done for our program, I don't really think we can put it into words.... We want to honor our seniors more than ever. It's going to be very difficult. I'll just have to get my head together by the time we kick off."

Saturday's game would be senior day for fallen teammate Aaron O'Neal, and the Tigers are planning on honoring him. O'Neal died during a voluntary summer workout in 2005.

"Hopefully, Aaron O'Neal's family is going to be there," Pinkel said. "We all know the emotion that goes with all that. That will be a tough time. We'll really want to celebrate for him. For everyone that's out there."

Despite all the accolades that the senior class has so far and how emotional Saturday will be for them, they still have to focus on Big 12 North Division rival Kansas State. Missouri will be looking for its third straight victory against the Wildcats.

"We've been through a lot as a class, and this week and this last game at Mizzou mean a lot to us," senior wide receiver Tommy Saunders said. "We've just got to prepare and really focus on the game, and not really worry about emotions and the things that are going to be in this game."

Junior quarterback Josh Freeman leads Kansas State. So far this season, Freeman has thrown for 2,431 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also leads the team in rushing with 313 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Despite the positive things that Freeman has done for Kansas State, he has thrown eight interceptions so far in the season.

"We'll take advantage of them, if he makes any of those tough decisions while we play them," senior defensive end Stryker Sulak said. "But right now we're preparing like he will be playing his A game. Last year he had a pretty good game against us, and he's a tough, physical quarterback. That's something we're going to have to definitely play for."