My idea of a good time is being at Faurot Field to honor this year’s seniors that day, morning, PM, or night, sun, rain or snow, and enjoying the game, win or lose, the band, the Golden Girls, Big Mo, the crowd, the cheerleaders the Cannon Crew, Truman, and all of the college atmosphere, and remembering that it is a game.

Gabbert is a young QB, learning his craft. We now know how lucky we were with Daniel.

As long as you are going to be snarky, I will return the favor: When will the Post Dispatch assign a regular beat writer to MU, and not just pass it around to the loser of the weekly musical chairs contest?

I’m actually with you on the atmosphere. Football aside, there was nothing else that wasn’t enjoyable Saturday.

Gabbert’s not the problem. It’s coaching that sends 3-5 receivers into 8-man zone pass coverage on (practically) every play that ought to be held accountable.

Dear Loser of the Week…

Thanks for jumping off the bandwagon Mike….Please remember the Tigers lost a number of Seniors off the 2008 squad. How soon we forget that Mizzou is rebuilding this year…but will be bowl eligible when the season ends in Kansas City on Nov. 28.

Bob Broeg is rolling in his grave…

As you infer Mizzou continues to be one dimensional (think: “This is who we are.”)despite adjustments made by opposing defensive coordinators. I don’t know who is responsible for the scheming but until Mizzou commits to the run game we can expect more of the same. I thought they had the same tendency last year and it cost them even with Daniel and the outstanding 2008 receiving corps which is far better than the 2009 corps.

The object is to win the game and you do this by dominating the line of scrimmage, controlling the clock, and keeping your defense off the field. I am not a big fan of the spread offense but with the athletes Mizzou has they should be able to force the issue with the running game (wild cat anyone?) if opponents are dropping 8 into coverage. Run until the opponent stacks the box and then throw.

“Loser of the week” is fine.

But since I’ve been following, attending (and even covering) Mizzou games for 48 years, with one league title to show for it, please desist with bandwagon-jumping claims. Thank you.

And finally: it was Mr. Broeg who once wrote after a particularly galling Mizzou defeat that “if Don Faurot was dead, he’d be rolling in his grave right now.” True story.

Dear Bandwagon Jumper–Mike,

Thank you for the walk down memory lane. You have the audacity to pull only one comment from Mr. Broeg…..UNBELIEVABLE!!!

To your point, Yes, the Tigers have certainly had it’s challenges during the Woody, Stull, Smith and the early Pinkel era. However, it is my hope that the local media would recognize the unbelievable turnaround that Pinkel has created at Mizzou. As a reporter of our local paper, maybe you should spend more time talking about the positives of the program rather than printing the negative that has the potential to run potential STL area recruits away from the ZOU.

However, Funny thing….If you are going to point to the negatives…you should certainly not reference the offense in your comments below. When an offense puts up over 400+yds and 30+ points against a lower tier team like Baylor….Well, sir…it was hardly Pinkels offense that lost the game on Saturday.

I certainly see why you…PREVIOUSLY…covered the Tigers. Please do us all a favor and transfer to the advertisement department. The Post needs more Macy’s adds in the Sunday paper….

At least Mike Smith can spell and use proper grammar, unlike you illiterate rednecks. Get a sense of humor. The Mizzou game last week was ugly. It’s OK to make fun of things you like when they’re bad.

Seems to me the “rebuilding year” excuse is just a big cop out for bad recruiting. This far into Pinkel’s time at MU they should have players lined up ready to step in when the kids leave. That is what the always good schools do.. Why can’t MU be more like Florida, Alabama or Texas… or for that matter Southern Cal..you never hear them talk about rebuilding years, they are expected to win every season… no cop outs.

Mike, perhaps you heard the comments of the recently fired Memphis football coach. One of his comments really stuck with me. It dealt with having the press being supportive and promoting the school even in adversity so the press actually helps in recruiting, promotion, etc. I think this is worth considering. While critical comments are appropriate when due, the sarcasm, petty comments don’t help the team. How about an article about the youth of the team who might really be good in the next year or two and learn from the current adversity.

Touchy Tiger,

Thank you for your post regarding the Tigers. This is exactly my point as well. I totally agree with your comments regarding our young Tiger team. In fact, even though we have a lot of youth on the squad, we still have a great opportunity in attending another bowl game this year. I am sure the experience will serve the Tigers well in the next few years.

I am sure members of the media (doubtful Mike Smith will be attending) would welcome the opportunity to expense trips to the Texas Bowl, Independence Bowl or maybe even the Insight Bowl. I would say a bowl trip during a rebuilding year is certainly a positive for the program.

Mike: Thanks for editing your original post. Hope the new position in the advertising department is going well.