There were many games during the last two years when Chase Daniel led his Missouri team to victory; however, the Tigers won the 2008 Alamo Bowl against Northwestern Wildcats 30-23 Monday (12-29-08) not because of Daniel but in spite of him.

Daniel was not on his game early on, throwing 3 interceptions, the first a tipped ball on Missouri's opening drive that led to Northwestern's first touchdown. The second was on an ill-advised throw into coverage that could have been a score on a 47-yard field goal attempt.

Daniel was part of the go-ahead play in overtime when he threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin to put Missouri up 30-23. Playing without Daniel on defense, the Tigers sacked backpedaling Wildcat quarterback C. J. Bacher, forcing a fumble that left Northwestern with a 4th-and-goal from the 32-yard line. A desperation heave into the end zone was knocked down and Missouri players and fans were celebrating like there was no tomorrow.

Daniel, the Tigers' senior quarterback who finished 4th in the 2007 Heisman Trophy voting, completed 27-of-44 for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. Bacher, Northwestern's senior quarterback, had an even better day, completing 27-of-43 for 304 yards and an Alamo Bowl-record 3 touchdowns. Bacher's day was no doubt very disappointing.

Missouri was behind in the game 10-3 in the 2nd quarter and lacking momentum when its sensational sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Maclin electrified the Tigers and their fans with a show-stopping 75-yard punt return that left the Wildcats flat-footed and wondering what happened. It was Maclin's first punt return for a TD this season and could not have come at a more opportune time.

Maclin, who has enough speed and moves to run away from defensive backs, is arguably one of the most exciting players in college football today, and certainly Missouri's most explosive threat. Maclin caught 7 passes for 43 yards, including the winning touchdown in overtime, and ran 5 times for another 43 yards.

The Alamo Bowl victory by the Tigers brought the team to a 10-4 final record and gave coach Gary Pinkel and the Tigers double-digit victories in consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald and his Wildcats ended the year at 9-4. All things considered, it was a great year for Northwestern football, and an even better year for Missouri football.

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley