The University of Missouri: A History of Innovation and Rivalry
The University of Missouri Tigers claim one of the oldest and most historically significant programs west of the Mississippi River. The school is officially recognized as the "Birthplace of Homecoming," a tradition that has become a staple of autumn weekends across America. Missouri's identity was forged by innovative coaches who brought the program to the brink of national glory and by one of the fiercest rivalries in all of sports.
The primary architect of Missouri football was the legendary Don Faurot. A brilliant innovator who coached for over two decades, Faurot invented the revolutionary Split-T offense in the 1940s. This powerful option attack was so effective that it was widely copied by other programs, including Bud Wilkinson's Oklahoma dynasty, and it dominated the sport for years. Faurot used his creation to transform the Tigers into a respected national program, laying the groundwork for future success and earning the honor of having the field at Memorial Stadium named in his honor.
Coach Dan Devine built upon Faurot's foundation, leading Missouri through its golden age in the 1960s. His teams were a constant presence in the nation's top 10, and his 1960 squad came within one controversial game of a potential national championship.
Decades later, coach Gary Pinkel engineered an incredible modern resurgence. Pinkel became the school's all-time winningest coach, led the 2007 team to a number one ranking late in the season, and successfully transitioned the program into the SEC, winning two division titles.
This rich history of innovation, near-championship glory, and the intense "Border War" rivalry with Kansas gives the Tigers a compelling and enduring place in college football history. 🏈
