Top 25 College Football Teams Who Exceeded Expectations the Past 10 Years
Dec 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back E.J. Gaines (31) celebrates his touchdown after a fumble recovery with linebacker Donovan Bonner against the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter during the 2013 SEC Championship game at Georgia Dome.. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
So going into the 2013 season following that, it was perfectly fine to pick the Tigers to finish last in the SEC East.
But they started the year 5-0 after their four non-conference wins and an impressive road win against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Then they really showed who they were behind James Franklin with a huge win over the Georgia Bulldogs, who were No. 7 at the time, and their next win coming against the Florida Gators.
Their only regular season loss was a 27-24 overtime loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks with Maty Mauk in at quarterback. They still managed to run the table, even beating the Texas A&M Aggies to win the SEC East.
Sure, they lost to the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship, but winning the division was shocking enough, and then they knocked off the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Cotton Bowl to finish the year ranked No. 5.
Now that is a pleasant surprise.
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Missouri Tigers 2013
Last week: 2013 Record: 12-2
Last rank: No. 5 (Final AP Rank)
The Missouri Tigers under Gary Pinkel get to be on here again. This time, it is for what they did in the SEC.
Like the Texas A&M Aggies, the Tigers were not supposed to do anything upon initially entering rhe conference. Unlike Texas A&M, they had not recruited well or hired a new coach, and they stumbled to 4-8 the first year, proving every doubter right.
So going into the 2013 season following that, it was perfectly fine to pick the Tigers to finish last in the SEC East.
But they started the year 5-0 after their four non-conference wins and an impressive road win against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Then they really showed who they were behind James Franklin with a huge win over the Georgia Bulldogs, who were No. 7 at the time, and their next win coming against the Florida Gators.
Their only regular season loss was a 27-24 overtime loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks with Maty Mauk in at quarterback. They still managed to run the table, even beating the Texas A&M Aggies to win the SEC East.
Sure, they lost to the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship, but winning the division was shocking enough, and then they knocked off the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Cotton Bowl to finish the year ranked No. 5.
Now that is a pleasant surprise.
Next: #6: 2007 Kansas