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Missouri Tigers Excel in Football, Basketball; Blues Face Playoff Struggles

12/11/2025

39 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Missouri Tigers football earned bowl eligibility for the fifth straight year with an 8-4 mark, but did not reach the College Football Playoff.
Dennis Gates leads the Missouri Tigers men's basketball program toward a third NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.
The St. Louis Blues, an NHL team, have missed the playoffs in two of three seasons and must rebound to avoid a third postseason miss in four years.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA men's basketball tournament expanded to 68 teams in 2011, introducing the "First Four" round and enhancing competition. This change allowed programs like the Missouri Tigers to pursue NCAA appearances more aggressively. The tournament's popularity has grown significantly since its inception in 1939, becoming a major cultural event in the U.S., with millions participating in bracket contests annually.

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Story summary

Missouri Tigers football earned bowl eligibility for the fifth straight year with an 8-4 mark, but did not reach the College Football Playoff.
Dennis Gates leads the Missouri Tigers men's basketball program toward a third NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.
The St. Louis Blues, an NHL team, have missed the playoffs in two of three seasons and must rebound to avoid a third postseason miss in four years.

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