The symbolism was glaring for the cynical — and maybe even tempting for some others of us: Quarterback Drew Lock’s stellar career at the University of Missouri, including a momentous decision to come back for his senior year, effectively ended a foot or so short of what was shaping up as a beautiful finale against Oklahoma State on New Year’s Eve day in the Liberty Bowl.
But the decisive moment in the 38-33 defeat was merely an anguished last scene for Lock, not a valid verdict on his return. And MU’s loss in a game it never would have been in without a superb performance by Lock (373 yards and three touchdowns) will ultimately stand as merely incidental to his legacy.