Dear Gary,
Well, this is awkward. Just six months ago, I was lamenting the beginning of another Mizzou football season. I’d ask friends “You ready to get run over again by the SEC? Because I sure am!” I predicted 7 wins at this team, at the most. I was hoping for a little luck and maybe a warm weather bowl game (any place not named Shreveport.) I also called for your head, because I am apparently irrational and swayed by a injury-filled 5-7 inaugural SEC campaign.

But, then something happened. The team started winning. The best part: they didn’t just start winning, they kept winning. Admittedly though, I wasn’t sold. At 4-0, this team looked like they had just run through 3 weak non-conference foes and Indiana. Then they went into Nashville and stomped Vanderbilt on their home field. This was when it really seemed like something might be cooking. Then they took down Georgia between the hedges, and turned the Florida Gators into mincemeat at Ol’ Faurot.
 
Suddenly though, it all came crashing down on Homecoming. Some tough breaks, injuries, and the unmentionable events of two overtimes put the Tigers in a tough spot. But Gary, you grizzled vet, kept them on track. The unflappable man under the visor that we all admire forced the Tigers to keep looking forward, and not back at what could have been a season destroying loss.
Finally, look where we are. A team that people said would struggle in the SEC and couldn’t compete with the big boys is now, two seasons later, playing for their biggest prize against a conference stalwart. This has undoubtedly been one of the greatest runs in Missouri history, and one man was there to lead it all.
 
Long story short, I was very wrong about you Coach Pinkel. You are certainly the man to lead this team into the SEC Championship, and win or lose; this school and this state are behind you. So take your team of underdogs into the Georgia Dome and shock the world. The best part is that maybe, just maybe, we might finally see you crack a smile if we come out on top.