Mizzou Football's Top 25 Games Since 2000: No. 6-10

Mizzou Football's Top 25 Games Since 2000: No. 6-10 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

We’re continuing with the fourth part of our five-part series highlighting the top 25 Missouri Tigers football games from the 21st century. Today, we’ll kick off our top 10, exploring numbers 10 through 6. 

#10 - November 9, 2024: vs Oklahoma

The Tigers scored 14 points in the final 63 seconds to top the Sooners 30-23. 

The Tigers pulled off a stunning 30–23 comeback win over Oklahoma by scoring 14 points in the final 63 seconds of the game. Quarterback Drew Pyne threw a game-tying touchdown to Theo Wease Jr., then the Tiger defense forced a fumble that Zion Young returned 17 yards for the game-winning score with just 22 seconds left. After trailing 9–3 at halftime, Mizzou’s offense came alive in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Pyne’s three touchdown passes in his first ever start. The defense delivered with a turnover-turned touchdown that silenced the Sooners.

#9 - November 28, 2009: vs Kansas (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo)

The Tigers rallied for a comeback victory against KU at the Border Showdown. 

Missouri edged out rival Kansas 41–39 in a wild Border Showdown at Arrowhead, highlighted by Danario Alexander’s 15 catches for 233 receiving yards. Trailing late into the fourth quarter, the Tigers answered the Jayhawks’ go-ahead field goal by orchestrating a final drive that led to a game-winning 27-yard field goal from kicker Grant Ressel as time expired. Ressel earned Big 12 Special Teams honors after going 4-for-4 on the biggest stage. QB Blaine Gabbert piled up 303 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, and Derrick Washington rushed for 111 yards and two scores, each boosting Mizzou to an unforgettable victory. 

#8 - September 16, 2023: vs #15 Kansas State

Harrison Mevis kicks a game-winning field goal as time expired. 

The Tigers stunned then-ranked No. 15 Kansas State 30-27 in a back-and-forth nail-biter at Memorial Stadium. Brady Cook passed for 356 yards and two touchdowns, including two long strikes to Luther Burden III (47 and 26 yards). After seven different lead changes, the game ended with kicker Harrison Mevis drilling an SEC-record 61-yard field goal as time expired to ice the Wildcats. The thrilling home win marked a signature early-season victory for Eli Drinkwitz, kicking off a march towards the Cotton Bowl later that season.

Walk-off FG from 61 yards out.

The longest field goal in SEC history.

MONEY MEVIS 😤💰@MizzouFootball | #SECNTakeoverpic.twitter.com/QHmFsaWAWt

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 6, 2024

#7 - December 30, 2005: vs South Carolina (Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA)

Brad Smith staged an epic comeback in his last game. 

The Tigers completed one of the greatest comebacks in school history, rallying from a 21-0 first-quarter deficit to defeat South Carolina 38-31 in the Independence Bowl. Quarterback Brad Smith delivered a legendary performance in his final game for Mizzou, racking up 431 total yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winning 1-yard score with just over two minutes left. MU’s defense helped shift momentum with Marcus King’s 99-yard interception return in the second quarter. From there, the Tigers outscored the Gamecocks 31-3 in the second half. Smith earned Offensive MVP honors and King took Defensive MVP. Not one did the win cap a memorable season, but it also signaled the Tigers’ rising trajectory under coach Gary Pinkel.

#6 - December 7, 2013: vs #3 Auburn

The Tigers lost to eventual BCS Champion Auburn in a high scoring affair.

Missouri fell to then-ranked No. 3 Auburn 59-42 in the SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Despite a furious effort, the Tigers were overwhelmed by Auburn’s record-setting rushing, as Tre Mason ripped off 304 yards and four touchdowns, powering Auburn’s 677 total yards. Mizzou still managed 534 offensive yards, led by QB James Franklin’s 303 passing yards and three touchdowns, as well Henry Josey’s 123 yards on nine carries, and E.J. Gaines’ fumble return touchdown to keep the game within reach. In a back-and-forth battle through three quarters, the Tigers led after the third, but Auburn shut the door with a dominant fourth quarter. Mizzou’s strong offensive showing showcased the team’s grit in just its second season in the SEC, proving early that they belonged in the conference. 

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.