Tigers Dominate Jayhawks in Border Showdown 35-7: What's Next For Mizzou?

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Kendial Lawrence #4 of the Missouri Tigers carries the ball across the goal line for a touchdown as Greg Brown #5 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends during the game on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Miss

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The Missouri Tigers improved to 10-2 on the season as they dismantled the Kansas Jayhawks 35-7 this weekend at Arrowhead Stadium.

Mizzou entered the Border Showdown ranked 14th in the BCS and many felt that the Tigers could end up going to the Orange Bowl, as a rep from the Orange Bowl met with team officials prior to MU's game with Kansas (the Tigers are now ranked 12th in the BCS standings).

With LSU losing to Arkansas, it appears the Orange Bowl is no longer in play for Mizzou. The Tigers are more likely to end up in the Cotton Bowl or Alamo Bowl for their post season finale.

If the Tigers somehow fail to get an invite to either the Cotton or Alamo, they could end up going to the Insight or Holiday Bowl which would be a huge disappointment after the season Mizzou had in 2010.

Here are some arguments for the Tigers going to the Cotton or Alamo Bowl:

Argument No. 1: Winning Program

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Gary Pinkel and the Missouri Tigers watch from the sidelines during the game against the Texas Longhorns on October 24, 2009 at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Image

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Mizzou is the ninth winningest program in the NCAA from 2007-2010, winning 40 games. Among automatic qualifying BCS conferences, the Tigers have the sixth most wins during that time period, trailing only Ohio State (43), Alabama (42), Florida (42), Oklahoma (41) and Virginia Tech (41).

Pretty lofty company for the Tigers.

Argument No. 2: Strength Of Schedule

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers congratulates receiver T.J. Moe #28 after a touchdown during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (P

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Missouri achieved their 10-2 record despite playing against the nation's seventh toughest schedule (according to the NCAA). The Tigers opponents had a combined record of 69-43 on the season.

Everyone always talks about strength of schedule and strength of conference. Mizzou handled the seventh most difficult schedule, going for 10 wins and only two losses.

Argument No. 3: Defense

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Jordan Webb #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks carries the ball into the endzone for a touchdown as Kenji Jackson #13 of the Missouri Tigers defends on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (P

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Mizzou closed out the regular season leading the Big 12 Conference in scoring defense, allowing an average of 15.17 points per game (ranked sixth in the NCAA).

The Tigers lead the Big 12 in sacks (ranked seventh in the NCAA) as well as turnover margin at 0.92-plus (13th in the NCAA).

Argument No. 4: Fan Support

Last, but not least, the Tiger fans themselves. Bowl committees are always interested in fans that will travel for their team.

After covering several games this season, home and away...I can attest to the Missouri fans ability to travel and support their No. 12 ranked Tigers.

Playing games, chanting MIZ...ZOU hours before kickoff and grilling with family and friends, Tiger fans have supported their team all season.

For more Mizzou news and coverage, visit: Missouri Sports Blog

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