It’s still early, but South Carolina is emerging as Missouri’s true SEC rival.
For years, the SEC has insisted that Arkansas is Mizzou’s rival. The game is scheduled during Thanksgiving week, the opponent is directly to the south, and their state’s name even includes Mizzou’s former rival!
But Arkansas isn’t Mizzou’s rival, not even close. It never has been, and it may never be in the future.
I believe there are two types of rivalries: traditional and competitive. You can have one without the other, but a rivalry requires at least one of those elements. There needs to be either tradition or competition.
The best rivalries have both, like North Carolina-Duke in basketball or Michigan-Ohio State in football. Some are traditional but lack competition—like Mizzou versus KU in football.
Then there are rivalries that are competitive but lack tradition.
This is where Mizzou and South Carolina come into play.
Let’s do a quick thought experiment: think of the most exciting, competitive games Mizzou has played since joining the SEC.
Chances are, a South Carolina game comes to mind.
Perhaps it’s the “Connor Shaw comeback” (also known as the Baggett missed kick) game in 2013. I’ll never forget the sound of the ball hitting the upright.
Maybe you’re thinking of Mizzou’s unbelievable comeback in Columbia in 2014. I still can’t quite explain how the Tigers managed that. What a strange (and fun!) season.
You might recall Drew Lock’s first start at Mizzou in challenging circumstances, or maybe last year’s frustrating loss in the monsoon stands out.
