If you want a visual representation of the Missouri Tigers’ sudden rise to national prominence, take a look at the above chart from TradeSports.com.   The online futures exchange, based in Ireland, is essentially  a way for  fans to bet money on various sporting events.  Each contract on the exchange pays off at $100  if the specified outcome happens.

Folks speculating on the national title chase didn’t show much interest in Mizzou until very recently. The  Tigers contract — remember, it pays off at $100 if they win the BCS title —  was quoted at  just 40 cents on Nov. 4, the day after Mizzou beat Colorado 55-10. It jumped to $4 by Nov. 12, after Illinois’ upset of Ohio State gave Mizzou a much clearer shot at the title. It crept up to $11.40 by Nov. 23, just before the Border War showdown with Kansas. There was one trade at $28 on Saturday, reflecting the victory over KU.  Now the Tigers are at $20.90, a huge gain for any true believer who “invested” a couple of weeks ago.

But the people who have put money on the line still don’t really respect the Tigers’ chances. West Virginia is the overwhelming favorite, trading at $48.60, and Ohio State is also trading ahead of the Tigers at $28.