I'm just as disappointed as you are. The Missouri alum in me hates it.
It's tough to see Missouri go down like that. It's hard to get so close to a conference championship in the nation's best league, just to fall short.
It's tough to swallow. Even tougher than giving up 545 rushing yards.
Missouri just couldn't keep up with Auburn in the Southeastern Conference championship game, falling 59-42 in the craziest SEC title game maybe ever.
Missouri fans are used to heartbreak. Yet it never gets any easier.
When the Cinderella story came to an end at 7:06 CST, it was just another kick in the pants.
But what a ride it was.
Who would have ever imagined Missouri would get to this point? How much fun was this season?
Missouri's quest for a national championship is over, a BCS bowl - if the Rose, Orange, Sugar Bowls, etc. are still called that next season - is out of the equation.
A berth in the Cotton Bowl, or the Outback Bowl, or some other sponsored bowl awaits against a strong Big 12 or Big Ten squad. Missouri will learn its fate at some point following today's 7:30 p.m. BCS Bowl Selection Show on ESPN.
Considering where the expectations were set - by the fans, the media, by everybody really - it's been one heck of a year from Missouri. It really has. The Tigers sit at 11-2 and will have a shot to win a very respectable bowl game.
Missouri was picked to finish sixth in the SEC East Division in the preaseason. The Tigers rose as high as fifth in the polls and BCS standings. The turnaround story is almost too great for words.
It just ended a step or two short. Again.
Missouri has a fantastic football program. Gary Pinkel is an incredible coach. All the accolades are well-deserved, as is the praise and national attention. As much as the Tigers talked about not having earned respect, they earned plenty this season.
A year like this will undoubtedly increase the football program's visiblity and help with recruiting. The future of Missouri football is in great hands. It's an exciting time to be a Tiger fan.
I just want to see Missouri win a championship, just once. I'm tired of saying that it's been a great season, especially when higher aspirations are on the table.
Pinkel's Missouri teams have given up a combined 159 points in three conference title games - Big 12 in 2007 and 2008 against Oklahoma and then Saturday against Auburn. Missouri just needs to play better in big games.
Maybe next year, Mizzou. Maybe next year.