Sacred Ground
09-25-2006, 07:17 PM
By CHIP BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
11:23 PM CDT on Sunday, September 24, 2006
Some strange things are happening at undefeated (4-0) and newly ranked Missouri (No. 25), starting with coach Gary Pinkel, who is more relaxed and media-friendly.
Before the Tigers opened the season against Murray State, Pinkel asked reporters to wait for a moment after his weekly news conference. Pinkel returned with a sheet cake that read, "Happy Birthday to My Media Friends."
He then led stunned reporters in a round of "Happy Birthday to You." This is the same Pinkel who has routinely barked and scowled at reporters for questions he didn't like, including a meltdown after a loss at Texas two years ago.
Maybe Pinkel's new Jimmy Buffet attitude came from beating Steve Spurrier and South Carolina in the Independence Bowl last season.
Maybe it came from the mature-beyond-his-years play of sophomore quarterback Chase Daniel of Southlake Carroll. Daniel has nine touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 63.4 percent of his passes.
Or maybe it's come from Pinkel's menacing defense, led by a deep and talented front seven. The Tigers have 16 sacks and are ranked No. 1 nationally in total defense.
Pinkel says his improved mood is because he likes and trusts his team. The new Pinkel will be on display Saturday against Colorado in Columbia. Missouri has lost six of its last seven meetings with the Buffaloes and could clear a big mental hurdle with a win.
L.G. PATTERSON/AP
Missouri sophomore Chase Daniel has the Tigers off to just their sixth 4-0 start since 1925. The Southlake Carroll product has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 1,020 yards and has accounted for 12 touchdowns (nine passing, three rushing).
11:23 PM CDT on Sunday, September 24, 2006
Some strange things are happening at undefeated (4-0) and newly ranked Missouri (No. 25), starting with coach Gary Pinkel, who is more relaxed and media-friendly.
Before the Tigers opened the season against Murray State, Pinkel asked reporters to wait for a moment after his weekly news conference. Pinkel returned with a sheet cake that read, "Happy Birthday to My Media Friends."
He then led stunned reporters in a round of "Happy Birthday to You." This is the same Pinkel who has routinely barked and scowled at reporters for questions he didn't like, including a meltdown after a loss at Texas two years ago.
Maybe Pinkel's new Jimmy Buffet attitude came from beating Steve Spurrier and South Carolina in the Independence Bowl last season.
Maybe it came from the mature-beyond-his-years play of sophomore quarterback Chase Daniel of Southlake Carroll. Daniel has nine touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 63.4 percent of his passes.
Or maybe it's come from Pinkel's menacing defense, led by a deep and talented front seven. The Tigers have 16 sacks and are ranked No. 1 nationally in total defense.
Pinkel says his improved mood is because he likes and trusts his team. The new Pinkel will be on display Saturday against Colorado in Columbia. Missouri has lost six of its last seven meetings with the Buffaloes and could clear a big mental hurdle with a win.
L.G. PATTERSON/AP
Missouri sophomore Chase Daniel has the Tigers off to just their sixth 4-0 start since 1925. The Southlake Carroll product has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 1,020 yards and has accounted for 12 touchdowns (nine passing, three rushing).