Mizzou Football’s Top 25 Games Since 2000: No. 15-11 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
We’re continuing with the third part of our five-part series highlighting the top 25 Missouri Tigers football games from the 21st century. Today, we’ll explore numbers 15 through 11.
#15 – December 29, 2008: vs #22 Northwestern (San Antonio, Texas) Chase Daniel leads Mizou to 30-23 OT win in his final game with the Tigers
Mizzou capped its 2008 season by facing off against No. 22 Northwestern in the Alamo Bowl. Led by senior quarterback Chase Daniel, the Tigers rallied from an early deficit, highlighted by Jeremy Maclin’s monstrous 75-yard punt return for a touchdown. Daniel passed for 200+ yards despite three interceptions, and Jeff Wolfert’s clutch 37-yard field goal tied the game late. In overtime, Daniel hit Maclin for the go-ahead score to make it 30-23. The Tigers’ defense came up strong in OT, shutting down the Wildcats’ final drive to seal Mizzou’s second straight 10-win season.
#14 – October 15, 2005: vs Iowa State Chase Daniel replaces injured Brad Smith, leads team to 27-24 OT win
The Tigers dominated Iowa State early as William Moore’s 62‑yard interception return and Xzavie Jackson’s fumble recovery for a touchdown put Mizzou up 14‑0 inside 90 seconds. Iowa State fought back to lead 24‑14 by the fourth quarter. After starting quarterback Brad Smith went down with an injury, freshman QB Chase Daniel rallied Missouri late, setting up Adam Crossett’s overtime-winning 26‑yard field goal. Daniel’s composure after relief duties, and the Tigers’ opportunistic defense secured a gritty OT win on homecoming, topping the Cyclones 27-24.
#13 – October 25, 2003: vs. Texas Tech QB Brad Smith rushes for 291 yards in 62-31 rout of Red Raiders
In an incredible showing of athleticism, quarterback Brad Smith exploded for 291 rushing yards and five touchdowns on just 19 carries, plus a solid 128 passing yards. Running back Zack Abron added 139 yards and three short rushing scores, cementing the Tigers’ bowl eligibility. Missouri piled up 469 rushing yards and forced early turnovers, leading to a commanding 34–10 halftime lead. Smith’s explosive fourth quarter runs of 41 and 61 yards capped the blowout, and the Tigers topped the Red Raiders for a homecoming victory of 62-31.
#12 – September 27, 2014: at #13 South Carolina Mizzou wins battle of Columbia with 21-20 upset
Trailing 20–7 deep into the fourth against the Gamecocks, the Tigers relied on senior Russell Hansbrough, who scored all three touchdowns, including two within the final seven minutes of the game. QB Maty Mauk delivered clutch throws late—a 41-yard strike to Bud Sasser and a 26-yard pass to Wesley Leftwich—to set up Hansbrough’s game‑winning score. Missouri’s defense forced South Carolina into a scoreless final drive, preserving the Tigers’ razor‑thin lead of 21-20. Their massive comeback marked Mizzou’s seventh straight road win and fueled their SEC East title defense.
#11 – November 3, 2018: at #13 Florida Mizzou downs #13 Gators in the Swamp
The Tigers bolted to a 21-3 lead before the half and pulled away with two third-quarter TDs. Florida struggled early, benching QB Feleipe Franks midway through the third, but it was too little, too late as Missouri outgained the Gators 471-323. Drew Lock was on fire, completing 24/32 for 250 yards and three touchdowns, while Missouri’s ground attack racked up 223 rushing yards. Under Barry Odom, the Tigers silenced the home crowd, executed in all three phases, and defiantly reminded everyone that they belonged in the SEC.
Related: Mizzou Football’s Top 25 Games Since 2000: No. 20-16
Related: Mizzou Football’s Top 25 Games Since 2000: No. 21-25
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
