#TBT THE U VERSUS MIZZOU HISTORIC REVIEW

Today is an exciting day. Everyone knows this is Minnesota's first New Years Day Bowl game in practically forever, and it's against a team the Gophers haven't played in just as long. Unless you are a 91 year old with a very impressive memory you probably don't remember playing on NYD or a Mizzou Gophers showdown. So I thought I'd give everyone the chance to get caught up on all 8 games the Gophers have played against the Tigers.

1943- THE SERIES KICKS OFF WHILE WAR WAGES IN EUROPE

The first game in 1943 was a big one as Missouri were Big Six Conference Champions in 1942 and the Gophers finished the season ranked #19.  At Memorial Stadium in Dinkytown, Minnesota defeated Mizzou 26-13. However, the rest of the world/country/state was preoccupied by ya know, Hitler and that whole war thing, but I bet this was still a fun game.

1944- PASSING THE BALL TO VICTORY

Fast forward 13 months and we are back at Memorial Stadium to see the Gophers aerial showcase. Minnesota won the game 39-27, but all the newspapers could talk about is how Gophers QB Red Williams had completed 32% of his passes. They were seriously happy about 32%. /1944 scoffs at any criticisms aimed at Mitch Leidiner's passing.

1945-FAT RUNNING BACK? DON'T CARE

Three home openers in a row for the Gophers, and this is Minnesota's biggest victory (so far). Mizzou brought with them a 280 pound running back, which is large by even today's standards. It didn't matter Mighty Double G's victorious 34-0.

1961-MIZZOU GETS ITS REVENGE

Missouri Coach Dan Devine, a Proctor Minnesota High School football star, came in to coach the Tigers in 1958, and while he was there he owned the Gophers never losing to Minnesota.

After going almost undefeated in 1960, Mizzou has some retroactive national championship aspirations. It seems like they already got their their revenge in 1961 when they upset the reigning national championship Gophers 6-0 at Memorial Stadium. SMDH, 6-0? That must be like the most boring game ever....

1962-SHAME!!!

A 0-0 tie???? SHAME. ON. EVERYONE.

1965-THE SLIDE BEGINS

Dan Devine continues his dominance over Murray Warmath as the Gophers lose 17-6.

1966 & 1970- NOTHING TO SEE HERE FOLKS

Literally. I had hoped to have some film of these games, but the University of Missouri Archives never got back to me. I know they have reel to reel footage of the games but there wasn't enough time to get them digitized to share with ya'll. Anyway the Gophers lost 34-0 and 24-12 so it's probably not worth watching anyway.

As far as program history goes Missouri and Minnesota match up well. The Gophers are ahead in some big categories (national championships, Heisman winners, and overall winning percentage), but the Tigers have a much better bowl history. The graphic below is courtesy of Winspedia.

Finally, because this is cute...