Monday, November 29, 2004

Mizzou Football: Things keep getting worse!!

On Saturday Mizzou concluded the season with a 17-14OT win at Iowa St. The Tigers, who were predicted to contend for the Big 12 North title and finally make a push to get into the top 10 and BCS contention, finished 5-6. They lost four games in a row prior to their season ending victory. Their coach, who everyone thought was a perfect fit for this team, became a jerk to the media (who cares), the boosters (bad, bad, idea) and the players (even worse idea). Today there is news that starting running back Damien Nash quit the team.

Nash, who is from East St. Louis, was the big recruit everyone was hoping for when he signed. Finally the Tigers landed a big name recruit from the St. Louis area (where they normally have a tough time recruiting), and he spurned Nebraska to come to Mizzou. What could go wrong? Two words: Gary Pinkel. Pinkel is stubborn and has obviously lost this team. Why were Nash and Pinkel not getting along? The offensive (in more ways the one) play-calling. This quote from Nash got him suspended for a game:

"I wish I had the headphones on to hear what's going on. I wish I could call the offense. I didn't understand a lot of the plays."
This quote came after a loss 20-17 to Oklahoma State where Mizzou had a 17-0 with a minute left in the first half and did nothing offensively in the second half. Nash received seven carries in the second half and had every right to be upset. I agree that Nash shouldn't have publicly called out the play-calling (which was horrible), but to be suspended for a whole game (a game that was important at the time against Nebraska) is ridiculous. That suspension was the turning point of a horrible season. The lost every game until this past Saturday. Now Nash is leaving. I hope Pinkel goes next.

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