And The Winner of The insideSTL.com September Girl Next Door Is...

...Maria Clayton.

Congratulations to Maria, who won $500 and the title of insideSTL.com Girl Next Door this past Friday at Sugar Lounge on Washington Avenue.

Before getting into the vote totals, I want to thank Jim Cordes and Dave Ingamills of Sugar for helping us put on a damn good time Friday. We've had some strong Girls Next Door Parties over the last two years, but this one may have been one of the best as far as turnout and good times.

That's also a credit to insideSTL.com's new Marketing Director/Sales Associate Anna-Marie Benassi and our VP of Web Operations Justin Boyd. It ran smoothly. The place was packed. And, it looked like everybody had a good time...including Producer Joe, who went into his "special place" again and began wrestling strangers in our booth at the end of the evening, and insideSTL.com Message Board World hero "itsvon," who, as usual, creeped on a potpourri of unsuspecting lasses on the dance floor. But, as an added bonus this time around, when leaving Sugar on Washington Avenue around 2:30 a.m., itsvon attempted to get into a stranger's vehicle by pulling on the passenger side door handle and calling "shotgun."

Timberfake did not show up...no surprise. Angry Alex---the nemesis of Team 1380 and TheDirty.com "celeb" Timberfake---did show and was ready to meet his radio sparring partner. But, alas, Timberfake was nowhere to be found. He must've gotten caught up at "The Four Seasons."

Once again, we had a good month for quality in the Girls Next Door competition. And, once again, the voting was close. Here's how it broke down:

Online At insideSTL.com

1. Jessica Marie: 121 votes (4 points)

2. Maria Clayton: 85 votes (3 points)

3. Amy Watts: 41 votes (2 points)

4. Cherish Kelly: 36 votes (1 point)

At Sugar

1. Maria Clayton: 54 votes (4 points)

2. Amy Watts: 50 votes (3 points)

3. Cherish Kelly: 32 votes (2 points)

4. Jessica Marie: 18 votes (1 point)

Final Point Totals

1. Maria Clayton: 7 points

2 (tie). Jessica Marie & Amy Watts: 5 points

4. Cherish Kelly: 3 points

With the win, Maria Clayton not only takes home the $500 prize, but she is also eligible to compete in the $2,500 Girl Next Door of The Year competition on Sunday January 18th at Lush. However, the other three lasses will still have their shot with the end-of-the-year wild card selections (one voted on by the insideSTL.com readers online...and the other voted on by insideSTL.com ownership/staff). Those winners...along with the November 2008 Girl Next Door...will be announced at Lucas Park on Washington Avenue December 12th. The winner of the October 2008 Girl Next Door will be announced at our next GND Party at Bar Louie on November 1st.

As always, if you or someone you know would like a free photo shoot with one of the best photographry teams in the area---Jason and Emily Campagna of Sedura---and a chance to win $500 in the insideSTL.com Girl Next Door competition, email me at tmckernan@insidestl.com.

Oklahoma State 28

Missouri 23

What A Shame

If you listen to The ITD Morning After on Team 1380, you may have heard me and insideSTL.com's STL Missouri Tigers writer Gabe "The Colonel" De Armond worrying about the match-up with Oklahoma State back in September.

I don't want to speak for The Colonel, but I know my reasons for fearing the match-up were mainly rooted in the Tigers' issues in the secondary...not, by any means, Oklahoma State's defense.

Never did I forsee the Cowboys' ability to get pressure on Chase Daniel like they did. I figured that would be about as likely as the chances of the Missouri quarterback coming out Saturday night with a fauxhawk and mustache.

Unfortunately, both happened.

I'm up writing this column at 8:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning, which here at my no-child household, is quite rare. Why am I up this early...especially after being out until 6:00 a.m. the night before and sleeping until 1 p.m. Saturday? Because I couldn't sleep.

I knew right when the game ended that I was going to have one of those moments where you wake up, realize you just woke up, and then, about 2 seconds into your consciousness, you realize something happened last night that will cause you to be unable to go back into a state of unconsciousness.

I've had it before with things that actually really matter in life...as I'm sure most of you have. And, then I've had it with sporting events...like the 2002 NLCS, my bust-out at this year's World Series of Poker, and last night's Missouri loss.

For the first time since the bandwagon got full (October 2007), Missouri lost a game that it was expected to win. Those fucking hurt.

If the Tigers were to have gone into Austin undefeated next week, lose to the Longhorns in a respectable fashion, and then head home to face what appears to be a pretty weak schedule the rest of the way, I would've slept like a baby. But, Saturday night hurts, and having been through this crap as a fan and nutjob myself a number of times, I know that the only thing that will heal it is time.

The great thing---and also the awful thing---is that time will be on the fast-track this week, because I assure you, you won't be thinking about this Oklahoma State game this time next Monday. That's because Missouri will either be right back in the thick of things with a win at Texas...or they'll be holding on for dear life to winning the Big 12 North and avoiding something like the Gator Bowl or Holiday Bowl.

Here's what I got from Saturday night:

Missouri Overconfidence

It's human nature. I really believe that. And, the numbers bear it out: when a team, in this case Missouri, beats the hell out of an opponent the previous week and reads/hears how great they are, it oftentimes---not all the time...but more often than not in my incredibly unscientific study---leads to a much-lesser quality of performance in the next game.

I build my case around the following:

1. Last November, Missouri puts on a clinic in beating a legitimately very good Kansas team last year. Chase Daniel and Tim Tebow are now the Heisman front-runners. The Tigers get the Sports Illustrated cover. And, they're ranked number 1 in the country. The next week they play their worst and most uncharacteristic game of the season in losing to Oklahoma.

2. Last month, Missouri gives Nevada the Ving Rhames-in-a-gimp-suit treatment by putting up 69 points in a game they could've won by 100 if they needed to. The next week, they have to scratch and claw to pull away from something called Buffalo.

3. This month, Missouri ends the losing streak at Lincoln by putting it on the Huskers in another game that they could've put up 100 points if they needed to. Missouri rises to #3 in one poll and #2 in another. The eyes of the nation are focused on Columbia Saturday night to see just how bad the Tigers will beat the Cowboys, and Gary Pinkel and Chase Daniel perform uncharacteristically poorly in a loss to a legitimately good team...but relative to Missouri...a team that would lose to the 2008 Tigers at least 7 times out of 10 on a neutral field.

The Decision That Set The Tone

I was shocked when Gary Pinkel elected to kick the field goal instead of going for it on 4th and goal at the OSU 6 inch line.

First off, I believe Chase Coffman scored a touchdown on 2nd down (more on that in a bit). Secondly, the fact that Derrick Washington couldn't get in on the next play was foreshadowing for #25's struggles throughout the evening. And, finally, even if Missouri can't get in on 4th down, Oklahoma State is starting their first possession at the Tony Banks Memorial goal line with 70,000 people screaming at them.

It was, in my opinion, a bad move and an illustration of Pinkel coaching scared. And, as noted in this space last December after the OU loss in the Big 12 Championship Game, when Pinkel and his offensive staff coach scared, Missouri looks like a different team. But, when they coach aggressive and go balls to the wall, they play the style of football that makes them so dangerous.

For example, in a scoreless 1st Quarter at last year's Armageddon At Arrowhead, Missouri had the ball at KU's 1 yard line. It was 4th down. Same situation.

Pinkel went for it.

Missouri scored.

It set the tone.

So, why did he change the plan this time?

His reasoning was that the Tigers had been stopped on 4th and 1 every time they've gone for it so far this year. Missouri is 1 for 6 on 4th down this season.

But, going for it on 4th down on the 6 inch line is different than going for it at the 50. And, going for it at home is a hell of a lot different than going for it on the road.

The decision was a mistake...and, it was uncharacteristic of Pinkel and offensive coordinator Dave Christiansen.

It also speaks to a bigger problem, and one that has been discussed a number of times: Missouri refuses to even lineup with Daniel under center...much less run a crucial play from that formation. I think the resistance to doing so has caused the Tigers to allow teams back in games, because they can't kill the clock (2007 Illinois, 2007 Kansas, 2008 Illinois), and I think it limits Missouri's options on 4th downs and down inside the 5 yard line.

I just can't grasp how they don't even attempt it. Hell, wouldn't the buttass portion of the schedule (SEMO, Nevada, Buffalo) been a good time to at least give it a dry run with Daniel under center?

Even Texas Tech yesterday lined Graham Harrell up under center late in the Red Raiders' overtime win over Nebraska.

If Missouri goes for it on 4th down, I believe they get in. But, even if they don't, OSU is backed up badly. It set a terrible tone for the game, and it spoke to a bigger problem surrounding Missouri's offense. Furthermore, it illustrated Pinkel was coaching scared...just like the Tigers coached and played at San Antonio last December.

The results in each contest speak for themselves.

Chase Daniel's Performance And Behavior

Knowing a handful of College Fan Whackjobs will take offense to this as if the Missouri quarterback is their own child, I'll put this disclaimer on the following: Chase Daniel has done more for Missouri football than anyone in my lifetime. He's a phenomenal quarterback. His athletic ability and NFL potential are underrated. His leadership on the field---and I suspect off it, as well---gives Gary Pinkel, essentially, another coach. And, when it's all said and done, his name and number will be engraved on the brick wall surrounding Faurot Field forever.

However...

...in order for Daniel to maximize all of those talents mentioned above, in my opinion, he must learn to handle adversity better.

His behavior on the sideline during last year's Big 12 Championship loss to OU was not the conduct of a leader. Quite honestly, it came off as surprisingly immature for someone who displays head coach like leadership at so many other times.

And, last night, Daniel was huffing and puffing when things didn't go his way once again.

There were a couple of drops in the first half, and Daniel let his receivers know he wasn't pleased. Then, in the second half, when Daniel threw three interceptions, he was clearly rattled making uncharacteristic decisions (again, similar to the OU game).

Now, the first interception is not on Daniel at all. That was a ball breaking terrible, unforced error by Danario Alexander...who just flat out dropped a ball that hit him in the numbers...and OSU picked it off.

But, the last two interceptions---even though the last one may not have been an interception (photo evidence: more on that in a moment)---were bad decisions by Daniel...who usually looks calm and in control.

Something just wasn't right with him last night. I don't know if it was the adversity early. I don't know if it was looking ahead to the game he's circled since he signed with Missouri. I don't know if he just simply had a bad game. But, Chase Daniel was bad, and when the game isn't going your way, you still need to lead.

Personally, I don't care about the fauxhawk and mustache. And, I don't think the #25 somehow led to a jinx. But, I'm sure Daniel is beating himself up even moreso than normal, because he was wearing Aaron O'Neal's number when he played his worst game as a Tiger.

Luck And Camera Angles

I'd argue this game was decided in the first 10 minutes. I've already addressed Missouri's failure to get into the endzone on the first drive...and then the decision to not go for it on 4th down at the 6 inch line. But, on OSU's first possession, Dez Bryant caught a pass, took two steps, clearly fumbled, and Missouri recovered.

However, the play was ruled an incomplete pass.

And, by rule, it couldn't have been reviewed.

Everytime that bullshit play happens---whether it's for "my" team or against "my" team---I think of how it's such a horrible rule.

That one, in my opinion, was the most obvious blown call on the evening.

And, as noted, that one couldn't be reviewed.

But, there were three other reviews on the evening...and in each case, I think the officials got them wrong...but not necessarily because they got the review wrong, but rather because the ESPN cameras had poor angles that couldn't provide irrefutable evidence. Sounds like sour grapes to the KU and Illinois fans who are erect with schaudenfreude this morning. But, fortunately, for two of the three, I can submit photographic evidence...and one of the blown reviews went for Missouri.

Exhibit A:

1st Quarter: Chase Coffman rumbles into the endzone on a short pass reception. He's ruled down at the 6 inch line. The play is reviewed. Because of no conclusive evidence, the call on the field stands. Missouri fails to get in on 3rd down. And, as noted, Pinkel decides to kick a field goal on 4th and goal.

Exhibit B:

3rd Quarter: Trailing OSU, Jimmy Jackson is given a touchdown for Missouri to give the Tigers the lead. The play is reviewed to see if Jackson's knee was down before he crossed the goal line. After the review...which was inconclusive...the touchdown stood.

However, take a look at the fine photography of insideSTL.com's Lyle Whitworth at the inset:

Clearly, Jackson's knee was down before the ball crossed the goal line. But, once again, ESPN's camera angles didn't provide that evidence to the officials.

Exhibit C:

And, this is the one that will drive Tiger fans up the wall for awhile.

The play that quieted fans from St. Louis to Kansas City was Daniel's final interception that all but ended the game.

For those watching it on TV, the whistle before OSU's ensuing play from scrimmage calling for a play review was probably a surprise...because the ESPN camera angle didn't really allow for a shot of the ball as it went to OSU defender Patrick Lavine.

But, the play was reviewed, and not one of the angles really gave a clear shot...at least not enough for irrefutable evidence to the naked eye...unless the officials went frame by frame.

If they would've went frame by frame, they would've seen this:

The ball is clearly hitting the ground. Lavine trapped it. 

Now, who's to say---especially based on Daniel not looking right and Jeremy Maclin looking beat up throughout the night---that Missouri would've scored the game-winning touchdown if there was a better camera angle. And, furthermore, Oklahoma State outplayed and (with the exception of whatever the hell was going on with the fake punt from their own 24) outcoached Missouri. The Cowboys actually should've won by more based on the number of Tiger turnovers and just overall lackluster Missouri offense...and great OSU defense. The Cowboys took it to the Tigers---very surprisingly---in the trenches.

But, it was there for them to win it...and unfortunately, the camera angles weren't there to provide Chase Daniel with one last shot...after he was already given one last shot.

Schadenfreude

Taking a look at my email and then taking a look at the time the Missouri game actually ended, it appears it took about 2 minutes before a gentleman calling himself "Ed" sent a message to taunt me with Missouri's loss. Seriously...are things that bad at home for "Ed" that he watches a college football game and thinks of his dislike for me that he sends me an email?

As noted in last week's column, College Fan Whackjob is one of the most fascinating---and scary---individuals I've encountered in 10 years of sports broadcasting. In a (not-so-surprising) tinge of irony, plenty of them displayed the psychosis in the comments section of that very article.

However, in what I do consider to be surprising, it seems more of the venom is coming from angry Illinois fans...not Kansas fans.

Obviously, more Illinois fans live in the area, so that contributes to more numbers via email, message board postings, and angry comments on this site. But, the apparent obsession some Illini fans have with Missouri's success that began in 2007 is rather surprising.

I definitely pull for Missouri over Illinois, but, for example, when the 2005 Illini basketball team made its run, I was cheering and screaming at the TV as they made that famous comeback against Arizona in the NCAA Tournament.

So, where is the Illini penis envy coming from? Is it because their team lost to Minnesota that they're resigned to pulling against Missouri? Or, are some Missouri fans who have been absurdly annoying with the Tigers' recent success to blame?

Your thoughts are welcome below...(over/under on total posts before College Fan Whackjob shows up in the discussion: 1.5).

Saturday At Austin

You want to talk about a critical game? This thing is even bigger now locally (not nationally) now that Missouri has lost.

Here's why: if Missouri loses, barring running the table and winning the Big 12 Championship Game, the Tigers are, at best, on their way to something like the Holiday or Gator Bowl (although my guess is the Gator Bowl will take advantage of Notre Dame being eligible this year).

That's right.

I said Holiday Bowl.

That's where CBSSportsline.com has them going right now.

And, to think that 2 days ago, most locally were thinking National Championship.

Even the most ardent of supporters would acknowledge a Holiday Bowl appearance would be a huge disappointment this year. Hell, Missouri went to the Holiday Bowl in 1997 when most people in the state didn't even realize the Tigers still played football until that November afternoon when Nebraska needed the "flea-kicker." This year, the state has been on board since August.

Therefore, to take a step back this year would be devastating to the long-term health of the program. The national media who still look at things like a school's "program DNA" (ie, the fact that schools like Missouri and Kansas were considered pretenders last year while LSU won the National Title with 2 losses against another DNA-deep school like Ohio State) would see Missouri as a Texas Tech-like flash in the pan as they go down to around ranked #18 or so. The casual Missourians who have gotten on board with the program would say to themselves, "Same old Mizzou." And, much of the momentum built up last year would go by the wayside.

That's what a loss would do.

On the other hand, if Missouri goes into Austin and wins for the first time since 1896, they are back in the top 7 and in the National Championship picture again...with some smooth sailing scheduling-wise up until Kansas in the final game of the season.

Just like last year after they lost to Oklahoma---in which I wrote in this space that Missouri could play in the National Championship Game on October 14th and was deemed a homer and/or psycho...both of which may be true---it seems quite homerish/psycho to talk National Championship after losing at home to Oklahoma State. But, the schedule lends itself to that discussion. After Texas, it's Colorado at home, at Baylor, K-State at home, and at Iowa State before going to Arrowhead for KU. Missouri will be favorites---big favorites barring injury---in all of those games. And, unlike Oklahoma State, a team that no one really knew how good they were, it's clear on the strength of all of the remaining teams...with the exception of KU.

But, none of that will matter if Missouri loses in Austin.

This is a defining moment for the program...the coaches, the players, and specifically, Chase Daniel.

Daniel has waited for this game all his life. And, now, he has to go play it less than a week after playing the worst game of his life.

The short-term (and perhaps long-term) program he helped build over the last three years is on the line against the program that told him he wasn't good enough to be a part of it. They're number 1 and riding high. Daniel is number 11 and as low as he's ever been.

Remember what I said about psychology?

Log-in and post your comments on the Girls Next Door and/or Missouri football, or you can email me at tmckernan@insidestl.com.