Thanks to yesterday's epic set of links, we don't have a ton to share today...
K-State Wrap-up Links
The Trib (Dave Matter): Emptying the Notebook
With another brilliant game, Danario Alexander is making a case for the most outstanding season by a Missouri wide receiver. Yes, better than Jeremy Maclin’s All-American campaigns in 2007-08, when, don’t forget, Maclin was honored as an all-purpose player for his return game contributions, too.Somehow, though, Alexander was not included among the 10 finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, a list that was compiled almost a month ago. (Which, in itself, makes no sense.) The 10 finalists includes these three players: Minnesota’s Eric Decker, a fantastic receiver but one whose season ended with a foot injury after eight games; San Diego State’s Vincent Brown, who’s missed the last three games with a thumb injury; and Syracuse’s Mike Williams, another gifted and prolific receiver, but one whose rocky career at Syracuse probably ended earlier this month when he inexplicably quit the team, after seven games.
Surely, then, there must be room for Alexander on the list. Right? I’ve left messages with a spokesman for the Biletnikoff, as has Missouri’s media relations department, to see if the finalists list will be updated. No response, yet.
I mentioned this on Varsity Numbers a couple of weeks ago, but ... why in the hell do we still have "semifinalist" lists and "finalist" lists? Wasn't the whole concept of those lists because it was too hard to keep up with all players, so they limited the number as the season progressed? Isn't this the internet age, where you can track just about every good player in the country with ESPN 360 and ChannelSurfing.net? Never mind why Danario's not on the Biletnikoff list ... why the hell does the list still exist?
The Missourian: MIssouri football win against Kansas State about more than one game
KOMU.com: Second Half Spark
KOMU.com: Smooch Into the Stands
Manhattan Mercury: Red zone turns into dead zone for cats
Manhattan Mercury: Wildcats too conservative in loss
Manhattan Mercury: Danario Alexander too much for KSU defense
Big 12 Links
Corn Nation: Husker Report Card: Nebraska 31, Kansas 17
Waco Tribune: Baylor still sighting bowl appearance
BASKETBALL!!
MUtigers.com: It Gets Started Tuesday
Mizzou played improved defense in the second half of their two exhibition games, as the Tigers outscored both Truman State and Northwest Missouri State by a combined 84-to-36 in the final 20 minutes of play ... MU limited Truman State to just one second-half field goal and 5.9 percent shooting in its 96-33 victory and held Northwest Missouri to just 37 percent shooting in the 83-60 win.
Missouri has typically been a strong second-half club under the watch of Mike Anderson ... In 2008-09 MU outscored its opposition 44.4-to-35.8 in the final period and out-ran opponents 45.8-to-33.9 in the second half of homes games.
Other Mizzou Links
MU Women's Basketball
MUtigers.com: Mizzou Runs Past Northern Iowa, 74-57
The Missourian: Missouri women's basketball team rolls in season opener
The Missourian: Missouri's depth points to promising women's basketball season