Missouri Tigers Look To Get Monkey Off Their Back, Lead Sooners 36-21 in Fourth

The last couple years have been difficult for Missouri fans, and no games have been harder to watch than the Tigers/Sooners games. 2007 was particularly painful, as the Tigers watched their shot at a BCS bowl crumble in the Big 12 Championship. The Tigers held on through halftime, but collapsed in the third quarter before losing 38-17.

Watching tonight's game reminded me of that 2007 matchup, and how a close college game can fall apart in an instant.

Coming to the final ten minutes of tonight's contest between the No. 1 Sooners and No. 11 Tigers, I think this might just wash that three-year foul taste that's been in my mouth.

Looking back, Missouri has lost seven straight to Oklahoma, with their last victory coming in 1998.  The Sooners and head coach Bob Stoops has consistently put a stop to any of Missouri's high hopes.

Missouri hasn't had any trouble moving the ball on offense, though they have performed poorly in the red zone.  Three times straight, Missouri has been inside the 20, but only have nine points to show for it.

Where the Tigers have shined tonight, though, is on defense. Against the top-ranked Sooners, Missouri has stymied Oklahoma again and again, forcing three punts in the second half.

The defense has also dialed in on two interceptions, including a momentum-changing grab by Zaviar Gooden at the Sooner 22.

And Missouri has just shown their ability to chew up yards in the middle of the field, gaining 76 yards and six points in just four plays.

With seven minutes left in the game, the Tigers are holding on to a 15-point lead. Maybe tonight is Missouri's chance to break the cycle.