Business as usual is booming
In his press conference today in San Antonio, Coach Gary Pinkel referred to his Tigers as a “business as usual” team. About an hour later, when they strolled casually into the Alamodome and took a look around, it seemed like it might be true.
This team makes the ubiquitous “one game at a time” cliche come true. In previous years, as Mizzou’s ranking and national stock has risen, play has dwindled.
This year, as each week has brought more attention, more naysayers and more national possibilities, the players have tightened their focus. They hadn’t won at Colorado since 1997. No problem. They hadn’t won at K-State since 1989. Big deal, even with the Kansas showdown looming a week later. They had to win their sixth game straight — against an undefeated Kansas, no less — to get to the Big 12 Championship. Done.
“I think definitely the past seasons have really helped us out a lot,” said Lorenzo Williams earlier this week. “We know what happens if you don’t take it one game at a time, if you get too busy or wrapped up in rankings or wrapped up in what’s coming ahead.”
As soon as each game is over, though, it’s on to the next bit of business. Here’s the scene in the locker room after the Kansas game, as described by Williams: The team has just clinched the Big 12 North title and probably become the No. 1 team in the country, but the players aren’t celebrating as much as you’d expect.
“You could see in guys’ eyes that they weren’t done yet.” Williams said. “They wanted more.”
Injury update: Pinkel also noted today that tight end Chase Coffman is “questionable” for tomorrow because of his ankle injury. Coffman has practiced some this week, but whether or not he plays will be a game-day decision.
Photos by Rob Hill
Lorenzo Williams, Gary Pinkel and Chase Daniel take a walk around the Alamodome.
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