The Tobias Ten: Photos that defined the week (2nd edition)

What a week it was for Missouri athletics. As I write this, I’ve just gotten back from Missouri’s thrilling 33-31 win over Florida, a fitting end to an eventful week that included wins for both men’s and women’s hoops, a thrilling come-from-behind win for the men on the road at Minnesota (I was there in spirit) and volleyball’s senior night.

As Rock M Nation’s staff photographer, here are my ten favorites of the thousands of photos I took this week covering our sports teams.

1. White men can jump???

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation

I took this image on Missouri’s first drive of the game, on a 16-yard Brett Norfleet reception. The true freshman (!!!!) hurdled Florida safety Miguel Mitchell and made it all the way to the Florida 9-yard line. However, Missouri ended up settling for a field goal, a thing they would end up doing several times, and almost cost them the game.

This photo immediately started racking up likes on my Twitter, and has over 400 now. As a long-time connoisseur of sports photography, I’ve seen so many hurdling shots, and thought to myself that I always wanted one of those. Well, here it is. Likely my best of the season.

2. Six for a Sack

Missouri defensive end Darius Robinson celebrates after tackling Florida quarterback Max Brown for a loss of seven yards in the fourth quarter of a game on Saturday, Nov 11, 2023, at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. During the game, Robinson wore "Mizzou" on the back of his jersey instead of his name to demonstrate his gratitude to the university. (Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation)

After Florida starting quarterback Graham Mertz went out in the third quarter, backup redshirt freshman Max Brown went in. It wouldn’t be long before Darius Robinson got to him. Robinson wore “Mizzou” on the back of his jersey instead of his name for Senior Night to show his appreciation for the university. Perhaps Max Brown was reading that jersey while he was sitting on the turf.

3. Baby Shark?

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation

In an extraordinary show of dominance, the Missouri players and fans alike started doing the Florida celebration where they mimic an alligator’s mouth. As a Washingtonian who is wholly unfamiliar with the traditions of the Southeastern Conference, I thought they were for some reason doing the “Baby Shark” dance. Well, I learn something new every day.

4. SIU-Easy

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation

Far be it from me to post an image of Missouri getting owned at something, but this shot of SIUE’s Lamar Wright blocking Mizzou’s John Tonje was too good to resist. The way Wright climbed the ladder to reject Tonje was really something. Always fun to find unique basketball shots.

5. Anthony Robbed?

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation

Here, Missouri freshman Anthony Robinson II hustles to save a ball from going out of bounds against SIUE. Shows a lot of hustle from the young guard.

6. To Be Frank

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation

Here, Missouri player Hayley Frank jumped up over the cheer section to grab a ball and stop it from going out of bounds. Many on Twitter pointed out the littany of reactions from the various students around her. Pick your favorite!!

It reminds me of this fantastic SB Nation piece where, after Alabama blew out Tennessee in 2017 (as was commonplace back then,) Tennessee defensive back Rashaan Gaulde gave Bama fans the double bird, and so they ranked the various crowd reactions.

7. You can’t do that! Clap-clap clap-clap-clap

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation

South Alabama guard Alyssa Clutter got in some foul trouble, charging Missouri’s Hayley Frank in what some have called “the most obvious charge ever.” Some noted that it almost looks like Frank is floating.

8. Mizzo! Mizzo! Hurray! Hurrah!

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation

Not all my shots have to be peak-action, big-play type stuff. Once in a while it’s fun to do a player portrait. Here’s forward Hannah Linthacum running back after a play against South Alabama. Unfortunately, the background was cropped, so Linthacum now plays for “Mizzo.” (Is Tom Izzo coming to coach at Missouri? Many are asking.)

9. The fix is in

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation

Volleyball’s senior night wasn’t nearly as exciting as football’s, with Missouri getting swept by Florida. Here, junior Morgan Isenberg pleads with a referee after an unfavorable call.

10. Can’t win ‘em all

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation

It’s unfortunate to lose one’s Senior Night. However, Jordan Iliff made the most of a tough situation, consoling her fellow player after the game. And this squad should keep their heads high, as they prepare to finish out what is already a very good season— they sit now at 17-10 and 9-7 in the conference, with but two games left to play.