Intro:
Before the book is officially closed on the Border War rivalry, The Maneater takes a look back at the five games that stand out the most from the 120-year history between Missouri and Kansas.
Nov. 22, 1941
Missouri wins 45-6
Faurot’s ascension
Missouri couldn’t have asked for a sweeter end to such a program-changing season. Harry Ice’s historic performance of 240 rushing yards on just eight carries closed the book on a year in which coach Don Faurot’s innovative new Split-T offense led the Tigers to a Big Six Conference championship. Faurot’s system would help Missouri win the Big Six two of the next four seasons while outscoring Kansas by a combined score of 121-31 in each championship year.
Dec. 1, 1956
Missouri wins, 15-13
Faurot’s farewell
After Missouri mounted a last-minute comeback to beat the Jayhawks, coach Don Faurot is carried off the field on the shoulders of his players. It was Faurot’s final game as a coach. In 19 years with Missouri, Faurot posted 101 wins, 79 losses and 10 ties.
Nov. 19, 1960
KU wins 23-7*
The Ineligible Bowl
Missouri came into the Border War game in 1960 with an unblemished record, the nation’s top ranking and an eye on the national championship game. But the Jayhawks stunned the Tigers and claimed the Big Eight title thanks to two touchdowns by running back Bert Coan. But Missouri was awarded the conference championship instead when Coan was ruled ineligible a few weeks later for a recruiting violation. The true winner of this game is still hotly debated half a decade later, as both KU and MU claim the contest as a victory. Either way, the on-field loss to Kansas cost Missouri the 1960 national championship. The final AP poll was released before Kansas forfeited, giving the 8–1 Minnesota Gophers Missouri’s spot at number one in the poll and the AP National Championship.
Nov. 4, 1995
Kansas wins 42-23
Larry Smith flips the bird
By all accounts, this game played out just as it should’ve. Kansas came in with only one loss, eager to trounce its rival en route to a New Year’s Day bowl. Meanwhile, Missouri had dwelled in the cellar of the Big Eight all season and hadn’t beaten the Jayhawks in two years. So it wasn’t much of a surprise that Kansas held a comfortable lead with 1:28 left in the game. What was surprising was that Kansas coach Glen Mason chose that moment to call a pass play that ended in a KU touchdown. Missouri coach Larry Smith took exception to Mason running up the score, and let loose a rather inappropriate gesture across the sidelines towards the Kansas coach.
Nov. 24, 2007
Missouri wins 36-28
Daniel delivers Big 12 North title
Never before had the two rivals played with so much on the line. The No. 2 Jayhawks and No. 3 Tigers met on a cold night in Arrowhead to decide the Big 12 North winner and the nation’s top ranking, and the game lived up to the hype. Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel completed 41-of-49 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns, helping Missouri to a 28-7 lead at one point. But Kansas narrowed the lead to six points with under a minute to play before quarterback Todd Reesing was sacked for a safety, giving Missouri the Big 12 North title and a chance to play Oklahoma in the conference title game. It was arguably the most important win in program history for the Tigers, who’ve been to three bowls and won 35 games since. The Jayhawks are 18-31 and have lost three of four Border War games since losing in Kansas City in 2007.