The Mizzou football team got back on the practice field for the first time on Monday since the SEC Championship game. After missing a bowl game last season, the Tigers will not only prepare for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, but also get in extra reps for the young players over the next two weeks.
There is a level of conference pride. While head coach Gary Pinkel wouldn’t make too big of a deal in the fact that the Tigers were facing a former Big 12 opponent, he knows the importance of winning a bowl game for the SEC.
“You’re not only playing for your team, but you’re playing for your league. You know as your start going, they start logging (bowl wins) which league has won the most…that’s just the responsibility you have when you’re the member of a league.”
Despite coming off a disappointing loss, the players seemed to be in good moods after practice and Pinkel said he wasn’t surprised, but encouraged to see high energy. Aside from some players being a little rusty, which will get fixed soon, he was pleased with the first day back.