All of that and more played a role in one of the most memorable, most important victories for the Missouri football program. It was on Oct. 12, 2013 when the Tigers first stepped on the natural grass at Georgia’s Sanford Stadium and 3 hours 30 minutes later marched off contenders.
Mizzou came to Athens, Ga., ranked No. 25, touchdown underdogs but unbeaten at 5-0, already as many wins as the previous season, the program’s first year in the Southeastern Conference. Gary Pinkel didn’t have to say it, but his team understood what was at stake that day. The Tigers wanted respect.