1. Better late than never, I guess?

Well, not in this case.

After a week of silence from Evansville, it took a particularly pointed column from Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch to get a statement from the other side regarding the Dru Smith transfer waiver.

Here’s the statement in full:

Basically, Evansville is hiding behind NCAA protocol for not assisting Smith in the waiver, while also adding that Smith’s claim for pursuing the waiver (the run-off rule) isn’t true — which that certainly isn’t.

But, guys. Come on.

First off, if you’re going to take this hardline stance and draw a line in the stand, why not issue the statement when Frederickson contacted your school for comment before he even published his dang column?

This isn’t a perfect situation for anyone involved, and Evansville is firmly within its rights to not assist with the waiver. But at some point, is it worth losing in the court of public opinion? Because Evansville clearly is — if it wasn’t, a statement after the fact wouldn’t have been necessary.

2. Mizzou Wrestling picked to win the MAC, again.

Let the chant start: M-A-C! M-A-C!

Missouri wrestling was picked to win its seventh-straight MAC championship on Wednesday. Six Missouri wrestlers were also picked to win their weight class:

• 133 Pounds – John Erneste
• 141 Pounds – Jaydin Eierman
• 149 Pounds – Grant Leeth
• 165 Pounds – Connor Flynn
• 174 Pounds – Daniel Lewis
• 184 Pounds – Canten Marriott

Should be another strong year on the mats for Mizzou.

3. Holy crap I miss Markus Golden.

Glad to see that he’s feeling like himself again!

Without a doubt, Golden was my favorite Missouri player to cover during my time as a beat writer. Love this video.

Yesterday at Rock M

• The first CFP rankings really do put some needed context to Missouri’s struggles.
• Can Kevin Puryear stretch defenses — and himself — to replace Jontay Porter?
• Previewing the Auburn Tigers
• Kevin Puryear leads a front court that could be Missouri’s strength

More Links:

• Florida coaches say Missouri is better than its record indicates, writes GatorSports.com.
• Damarea Keener-Crockett quietly hit 2,000 career rushing yards on Saturday, and the Columbia Missourian takes a look at that milestone.
• The Missourian also takes a look at Missouri’s possible bowl destinations.
• Hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween with their families; just a reminder that this has been the greatest Mizzou-themed costume of the last century:

• Nope, nothing to see here. Absolutely nothing to hide in Lawrence.