Fan Primer: Mizzou vs. Texas A&M

Tigers to face Aggies for Blackout Game and Senior Night

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Mizzou Football team (10-1, 6-1) wraps up the home portion of its 2013 season Saturday night when it faces Texas A&M (8-3, 4-3) at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium. Set for a 6:45 p.m. kickoff on ESPN, the game is Mizzou’s annual Blackout Game, where fans are encouraged to wear black, and it will also serve as Senior Night. Mizzou’s 18 seniors will be recognized before making their final appearance on Faurot Field.

The best source for updated game day information, including maps, traffic flow, parking, tailgating information and much more is mizzougameday.com.

SENIOR NIGHT, ARRIVE EARLY – Fans are encouraged to arrive early and get to their seats for Saturday night’s game at Memorial Stadium, as Mizzou’s Senior Night pre-game festivities will be starting at 6:30 P.M. The Tigers’ 18 seniors will be honored on the field prior to kickoff.

Additionally, due to the large crowd that is expected for the Texas A&M game, fans are encouraged to arrive early and make plans to enter the stadium early. Long lines can form outside of the stadium just before kickoff, and with security checks of bags, it can take a while to get into the stadium. The stadium gates will open at 5:15 p.m.

SELL OUT – The Mizzou-Texas A&M game is a sellout. Fans looking for tickets should consider VividSeats, Mizzou’s official ticket reseller. Click here for more information. The Mizzou Arena and Memorial Stadium ticket offices will open at 3 p.m. for fan service.

WEAR BLACK – All fans are encouraged to wear black for the annual Blackout game on Saturday vs. Texas A&M. The Tiger Team Store, located on the North concourse of Memorial Stadium, has plenty of merchandise on sale, with the store opening at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Additionally, the Tiger Team Store located in the lobby of Mizzou Arena will be open on Saturday from Noon until kickoff. Temporary Tiger Team Store locations will also be available near Lot TQBC, Lot M and Lot X (open at Noon) on game day.

TIGER WALK – Approximately two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff (4:30 p.m. this Saturday), the Mizzou team will arrive via bus at the Mizzou Athletics Training Complex (MATC). Don’t miss the opportunity to join in on this game day tradition that has become a fan favorite. Join hundreds of Tiger fans and welcome the team and coaches as they cross the Tiger Walk Bridge, spanning Providence Road, and walk down behind the stadium to their locker room.

PARKING INFORMATION – All parking lots will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Tailgating tents should not exceed 10’x10′ and may not be set up prior to Saturday when the parking lots open. Fans are reminded that fire pits are prohibited in parking areas.

Separately, Truman’s Landing will open at 6 p.m. on Friday evening; with RV staging beginning at 2 p.m. Fans are not permitted to setup at Truman’s Landing before the lot opens at 6 p.m.

Fans can park in any general public lots, which include a small lot to the immediate south of Truman’s Landing on Research Park Drive, as well as in the Dalton Parking Lot located to the north of Truman’s Landing on Research Park Drive. The Tiger Ave. Garage and Parking Structure #7 are also available during any home game this season on a first come, first served for a fee of $25. Complete parking information is available in detail at mizzougameday.com.

TIGER TAILGATE RADIO SHOW FROM THE HEARNES CENTER’S WEST LAWN – The Tiger Tailgate Radio Show, presented by St. Louis RV, on the Mizzou Radio Network is every Tiger fan’s chance to get ready for the game, with each hour-long show beginning two hours prior to home kickoffs (4 p.m. on Saturday). Hosted by Brad Tregnago, weekly appearances are made by Voice of the Tigers Mike Kelly and broadcast partner Howard Richards, as well as other Mizzou personalities. Broadcast from the Hearnes Center’s west lawn, fans can get in on the action with prize giveaways each week.

MIZZOU EXPERIENCE AND KIDS CARNIVAL – Fans and children can take part in the Mizzou Experience and Kids Carnival prior to kickoff (3 p.m.-6 p.m.) inside the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse. The event includes an inflatable bounce house, face painting and balloon artists. A big-screen TV will be on hand to help attendees keep track of other games around the country. 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES – Due to ongoing construction on Memorial Stadium’s east side, Mizzou fans are asked to pay careful attention to added signage and directions posted throughout the facility. Continue to visit @mizzougameday on football game days for additional updates on the east side construction.

East Ramp Closed: The ramp which allowed movement between the south side and east side of the stadium has been closed. A temporary stairwell has been constructed to provide access directly south of the previous stairwell near Gate 6E and Mick Deaver.

Gate 2E: In an effort to assist guests who access the east side of the stadium, this gate has been temporarily expanded for the 2013 season. When approaching the stadium from the east side, please follow any directional signage in order to expedite entry into the stadium. Please plan on allowing extra time for entering the stadium from the east side.

Gates 3E, 4E, 5E and 6E: These gates will all remain open during construction and will remain the designated entry point for students. When approaching the stadium from the east side, please follow any directional signage in order to expedite entry into the stadium. Please plan on allowing extra time for entering the stadium from the east side.

MIZZOU STATS APPLICATION – A new, free, in-game statistical distribution system is in place for Mizzou fans during home events. MizzouStats.com can be accessed from desktop and mobile devices, with the mobile website available to most smart phones and tablets (Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, etc.). The TapStats mobile application used in previous years on iOS devices will no longer be in service.

MIZZOUGAMEDAY.COM – Fans can get all of the information they need to attend a Tiger Football game at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium by going to the new and improved mizzougameday.com. Everything from parking and tailgating information to maps and Mizzou traditions can be found in that one convenient location. Follow us on Twitter @mizzougameday for up to the minute parking, traffic and game day information.

PASS OUTS – This is a reminder that there are NO pass outs at Mizzou football games. For many years our fans have had the chance to enter the stadium for the start of the game, exit at some point and re-enter. That no longer became a possibility last season, per SEC policy, and will continue for 2013 and going forward. We know this will continue to be an adjustment for some of you, and we appreciate your understanding.

SMOKING POLICY – As of July 1, 2013, the University of Missouri has become a smoke-free campus. In order to promote an enjoyable game day experience for everyone, smoking is not permitted in Memorial Stadium or in the surrounding parking lots. For more information you can visit smokefree.missouri.edu.

BE LOUD, BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE – Fans make a difference for the team when they’re loud. Along with that, fans are always expected to be respectful of those around them and to be responsible with their actions.

GAME DAY TEXTING SYSTEM – Fans who have an issue or concern within Memorial Stadium on game day are encouraged to utilize the game day text messaging system. By texting “MIZFAN (space) issue and location” to 51234, the appropriate personnel will be dispatched to aid in resolving the issue in a timely manner. The system is primarily for facility, security or medical issues. Standard text messaging rates apply.

MIZZOU FAN FEEDBACK FORUM – Have a question about Mizzou Athletics, or an opinion to share about an experience at a Tiger home game? Fans are invited to share these with the Athletic Department by visiting mutigers.com, and clicking on the “Fan Forum Feedback” button, located on the front page, to let us know what you think. You may also email any comments or questions to fanfeedback@missouri.edu. After each game the most common fan questions are noted and addressed.

FOLLOW MIZZOU ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER – Fans can share their experience, including photos and video, of their day at the game on Mizzou’s page on Facebook. For more frequent updates, including text messages to your phone, fans can follow the Tigers on Twitter.

MIZZOU PRIDE POINTS – Remember our Pride Points that encompass all of the above:

Wear Gold – but Black on Saturday!

Be Responsible

Arrive Early/Stay Late – Support Mizzou by cheering until the final whistle!

Celebrate our Traditions

Respect the Game

Mizzou Football Nike Uniform Combination – November 30

Click to download as wallpaper

Click to download as wallpaper

Saturday, November 30 is the final regular season game for the Mizzou Tiger Football Team. It’s also the last time the seniors will play in The ZOU. Help the Tigers protect The ZOU and wear black for the annual Blackout game. This isn’t the first time Mizzou will pair the Nike elite black jerseys with black pants, but it is the first time the combination will be worn with the alternate helmet. Arrive early to honor the seniors, as pre-game festivities begin at 6:30pm.

#ThrowbackThursday: 2013 Mizzou Football Senior Class

In honor of Senior Night in The ZOU this Saturday, here’s a #ThrowbackThursday look at the 2013 Mizzou Football Senior Class. Each player’s freshman photo is shown as he introduces himself, his position, and his hometown.

The Mizzou Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies at 6:45pm on ESPN in the annual Blackout Game. Mizzou fans are encouraged to wear black and arrive early to honor the outgoing senior class.

#MizzouMade: Watch Tigers in the NFL Week 13

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#99 C.J. Mosley – Detroit Lions Defensive Tackle – Thursday, 11:30, FOX

#96 Ziggy Hood – Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive End – Thursday, 7:30, NBC

#11 Blaine Gabbert – Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback – Sunday, 12:00, CBS

#48 Beau Brinkley – Tennessee Titans Long Snapper – Sunday, 3:05, CBS

#50 Zaviar Gooden – Tennessee Titans Linebacker – Sunday, 3:05, CBS

#84 Michael Egnew – Miami Dolphins Tight End – Sunday, 12:00, CBS

#91 Sheldon Richardson – New York Jets Defensive Tackle – Sunday, 12:00, CBS

#16 Brad Smith – Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver – Sunday, 12:00, FOX

#25 William Moore – Atlanta Falcons Safety – Sunday, 3:05, FOX

#86 Chase Coffman – Atlanta Falcons Tight End – Sunday, 3:05, FOX

#56 Sean Weatherspoon – Atlanta Falcons Linebacker – Sunday, 3:05, FOX

#61 Tim Barnes – St. Louis Rams Center – Sunday, 3:05, FOX

#99 Aldon Smith – San Francisco 49ers Linebacker – Sunday, 3:05, FOX

#94 Justin Smith – San Francisco 49ers Defensive Tackle – Sunday, 3:05, FOX

#10 Chase Daniel – Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback – Sunday, 3:25, CBS

#59 Andrew Gachkar – San Diego Chargers Linebacker – Sunday, 3:25, CBS

Mizzou Football Big Hits

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Mizzou’s road trip to face Ole Miss this past week was full of big hits. The Missouri Tiger defense was extremely stingy against the Rebels as they allowed only three points in as many red zone trips. Mizzou jumped out to a 17-3 halftime lead on a ranked opponent on the road. These big hits were a huge factor in the defensive success.

Morgan Steward – The first big hit is on a special teams play during a punt return. Steward rides his man well during the punt and then lights him up about 40 yards downfield.

Matt White – White delivers a devastating hit to an Ole Miss receiver and keeps him from making a critical first down reception.

Justin Britt – When an offensive lineman gets a big hit, you better look out. Britt sends a defensive tackle flying across the line of scrimmage like the game was being played on the moon and enables the Mizzou running back.

Kyle Peasel & Michael Scherer – This next hit is a combo highlight as the two players were able to smother a kickoff coverage man into the turf.

Andrew Wilson – A running back attempts to come out of the backfield and engage Mizzou’s leading active career tackler, which is a bad idea. Wilson blasts the would-be blocker onto his backside with ease.

Shane Ray – Just when the Ole Miss running back thinks he’s got some daylight, Ray comes charging from behind and swallows the back up, keeping him from the first down.

Evan Boehm – The final big hit comes from Boehm who looks for a man to block and sends his target backward off of his feet.

Mizzou Football Special Teams Play of the Week

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This Special Teams Play of the Week went to the man who earned the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week award, thanks in most part to this play.

On a fourth down, Coach Gary Pinkel had seen something in the punt return that caught his eye and led him to call a gutsy fake. Defensive tackle Harold Brantley took the snap and ran it up the left side before finding some daylight.

Brantley also had a blocked field goal earlier in the game that kept Ole Miss from getting on the scoreboard, which contributed to his weekly conference award.

Mizzou Tiger Talk with Gary Pinkel, Shane Ray, Randy Ponder, Brayden Burnett, and Max Copeland

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There was a host of Mizzou football players in the house for a memorable edition of Tiger Talk this past Monday night. Shane Ray, Randy Ponder, Brayden Burnett and Max Copeland were all a part of the festivities with Head Coach Gary Pinkel.

The Voice of the Tigers Mike Kelly started off by talking about the incredible fan presence that Mizzou has enjoyed on its away games so far. Those fans were treated to victories every time as Mizzou went 5-0 on the road for the first time since 1978.

“That’s pretty good,” Pinkel said with a chuckle. “I wish I could do that all the time.”

The first set of players to talk were Ray and Ponder. Kelly asked Ray first why he chose Mizzou.

“It was the family atmosphere,” Ray said. “When I was a recruit, I came to a basketball game and Jeremy Maclin was here and Sean Weatherspoon was here, and I was able to talk to those guys. And I asked them, ‘What made you guys make your decision?’ The first thing they said was the family atmosphere. ‘You’re going to be taken care of. People are going to look after you, and we’re all brothers here.’”

Kelly asked Ponder if he’d heard about the family atmosphere from the players first. “Yeah it was players,” Ponder replied.

Next up was Burnett and Copeland. Kelly pointed that Burnett didn’t always have a beard. That’s when he revealed that growing it had been somewhat of a contest with his friend Andrew Wilson.

“Andrew and I came together and said ‘You know this is our senior year, we’re probably going to have jobs after this—I hope—and we’ll both have to be clean cut and shaven the rest of our lives,” Burnett said. “We decided we were going to make a little bet and see who could go the longest. Unfortunately, Andrew with his red hair, he couldn’t grow a beard so he decided that he was going to grow his hair out, and I was going to grow my beard out and see who could go the longest without cutting it.”

Then it was Copeland’s turn to talk and he touched on some of the things he’ll take from his Mizzou experience.

“We feel really blessed,” Copeland said. “Along the way, five years of being in this program and growing together as a class and as a team. We’ve had a lot of good experiences, and we feel very blessed to be a part of this.”

During the part of the show where one player reveals something about the other player that people might not know, Ray was hit hard when Ponder actually accused him of being from Kansas. In a bold and daring move of defense, Ray proudly dropped his address and indicated to anyone who would look it up that his home is indeed in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ray fired back, though, and said that Ponder has a nickname on the team, “Thick Ponder,” because he’s one of the heavier defensive backs.

Copeland went first in busting out Burnett when they were at the mic. He talked about how Burnett puts up a towel in between their lockers to dampen the smell that supposedly comes from Copeland’s locker.

Burnett mentioned that Copeland is actually a lot more friendly than he appears. He said that Copeland’s look is intimidating, but that he is actually a very kind-hearted individual.

Pinkel finished up the program talking about how important Senior Day is, and that he would be speaking with the team about it. The final game of Mizzou’s regular season will be Saturday at The ZOU as the Tigers take on Texas A&M. Kickoff time is set for 6:45 p.m. CST, and the game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Mizzou Offensive Lineman Max Copeland Named Burlsworth Finalist

Copeland, Boehm_0641

Tiger left guard one of three finalists nationally for national top walk-on award

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Mizzou Football senior offensive lineman Max Copeland (Billings, Mont.) has been named one of three finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded annually to honor the nation’s top collegiate football player who began his career as a walk-on. Copeland is joined by Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis and Tulsa running back Trey Watts as a finalist, chosen from an initial list of 53 nominees, nationally.

Copeland stands as a key piece of Mizzou’s stout offensive line unit, whose performance this season has helped vault the Tigers to No. 5 in the latest BCS standings. Mizzou’s offense ranks 17th in the nation in total offense (491 yards/avg.), 18th in rushing offense (238 yards/avg.) and 13th in offensive scoring (39.7 points/avg.).

A dedicated scout team player for Tigers for his first three seasons in the program, Copeland received his opportunity to play as a junior in 2012, when he started 11 games. Following the season, Copeland was awarded Mizzou’s Unsung Hero Award for his outstanding dedication to the program.

Copeland has thrived in the class room at Missouri, as he pursues a physics major. He chose to walk on with head coach Gary Pinkel’s program despite living in Montana, as his father is a Missouri graduate. Copeland was awarded a scholarship prior to the 2012 season.

A walk-on is defined as a player who began his first season of participation with a Division I (FBS) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university’s athletic department.

Mizzou fans are encouraged to support Copeland by way of a Fan Vote at www.burlsworthtrophy.com. Fans are limited to one vote per day, and the voting will conclude Wednesday, Dec. 4, at midnight CST. The Fan Vote counts as five percent, and it is combined with the results from the Selection Committee.

The Burlsworth Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, who walked on to the Arkansas Razorbacks in 1994, worked his way to being a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft, but was killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children that have limited opportunities.

For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit www.burlsworthtrophy.com.

No. 5 Mizzou (10-1, 6-1) heads into an exciting, sold-out game vs. No. 19 Texas A&M at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field to end the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 30. The contest will kick off at 6:45 p.m. on ESPN, with the game serving as Mizzou’s annual “Blackout” game.

Mizzou Football v. Ole Miss Game Recap

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Missouri vs Ole Miss (Photo by Ben Walton)

Missouri vs Ole Miss (Photo by Ben Walton)

James Franklin started his first game in six weeks, and he led Mizzou to a 24-10 victory over Ole Miss in Oxford on Saturday night.

The senior captain wasted no time getting back in a groove, as he connected with Marcus Lucas for a gain of 19 yards on Mizzou’s first play from scrimmage. Seven plays later, Henry Josey found the end zone from 4 yards out to put Mizzou up 7-0 two minutes and 45 seconds into the game.

After trading stops, the Rebels put together a 90-yard drive to give themselves a first-and-goal at the one. Mizzou’s bend-but-don’t-break defense came up big in the red zone once again though, just as they have all season, and forced Ole Miss to attempt a field goal. That’s when Harold Brantley made his first of two big special teams plays, blocking the kick and preserving the Missouri Tiger’s 7-0 lead.

Maty Mauk took the helm on Mizzou’s fourth possession, and he performed brilliantly. He completed his first pass to Jimmie Hunt for 11 yards and then an incompletion and a 2-yard scramble made it third-and-eight. Mauk then threw a perfect pass to Bud Sasser, who had a step on his defender and turned the completion into a 60-yard gain. Andrew Baggett put three more points on the board with a 33-yard field goal right down the middle to give Mizzou a 10-point advantage.

The Missouri defense buckled down in the red zone yet again its next time on the field and forced another Ole Miss field goal attempt. This one made it through the uprights to bring the Rebels within a touchdown.

The Mizzou offense answered right back. Franklin was 3-3 for 52 yards on Mizzou’s ensuring possession and executed a perfect option run to Marcus Murphy, who finished off the drive to make it 17-3 before the half.

In the third quarter, Mizzou faked a punt and snapped it to Brantley, who picked up the first down and then some and gained 26 yards on the play.

Some nice running by Josey and Franklin and two big completions to L’Damian Washington drove Mizzou to the Ole Miss 10-yard line on its ensuing possession. Josey knew what do from there, as he scampered into the end zone untouched for his second touchdown of the day to put Mizzou up 24-10.

The Mizzou defense put the clamps down for the remainder of the game, limiting Ole Miss to just 75 yards on their final three possessions. One more red zone hold gave Mizzou the ball at its own 13 with 8:08 remaining. The Tigers orchestrated a beautiful drive to run out the clock and secure the victory.

Franklin finished the day 12-19 for 142 yards. He also carried the ball eight times for 50 yards. Josey turned in 95 yards to go along with his two scores. Murphy and Russell Hansbrough held up their ends of the three-headed attack and gained 69 and 33 yards on the ground respectively. In total, Mizzou outgained Ole Miss 485-378.

The win was Coach Gary Pinkel’s 100th career victory at Mizzou. It also secured the Missouri Tiger’s fourth 10-win season in the last seven years.

Mizzou returns home this week to face Texas A&M. Kickoff is set for 6:45 pm CT in The ZOU and will air on ESPN. It’s the annual blackout game and senior night. Fans are encouraged to wear black and be in their seats early to honor the outgoing 2013 senior class.

Mizzou’s Russell Hansbrough Talks About Team and Uplifting One Another

We caught up with Mizzou running back Russell Hansbrough this week, one of the three backs that has been used this year in Mizzou’s highly effective rushing attack.

We asked Hansbrough about coexisting with his other backs, team unity and why he likes Columbia. You will not want to miss what he had to say.