The University of Missouri has accepted an invitation to play in the 2011 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl, as announced today by Mizzou and Independence Bowl officials.
The Tigers (7-5 overall and 5-4 in Big 12 play) will play in the 36th annual edition of the game, set for Dec. 26th in Shreveport, La., against the North Carolina Tar Heels (7-5 overall and 3-5 in ACC play [4th in Coastal Division]). The game will kickoff at 4:00 p.m. (central time) from Independence Stadium and will be televised live on ESPN2.
Tiger Fans are encouraged to wear gold to the game and to help Mizzou sell out its allotment of tickets for the contest, which will mark the third appearance for MU in the Independence Bowl. Mizzou previously split a pair of games against Southeastern Conference foes, beating South Carolina in 2005 (38-31) and dropping a 2003 contest to Arkansas (27-14).
The game will mark MU’s seventh-consecutive bowl game (an MU record), and eighth bowl appearance in the last nine seasons overall under Head Coach Gary Pinkel, after Mizzou had gone to only two bowl games in a span of 19 seasons dating from 1984-2002. Pinkel has passed College Football Hall of Fame Coach Dan Devine for most bowl appearances at Mizzou, with his eight bowl outings. The 2011 Independence Bowl appearance will be Mizzou’s 29th bowl game overall, with MU holding a 12-16 mark in its previous 28 outings.
Mizzou and North Carolina will be meeting for only the third time on the gridiron when they square off in Shreveport. Mizzou stands 2-0 alltime in the series, claiming 27-14 and 24-3 wins in Chapel Hill (1973) and Columbia (1976), respectively.
“We’re very pleased to accept an invitation to play in the 2011 Independence Bowl,” said MU Head Coach Gary Pinkel. “We obviously have a history with this game, and we know first-hand how great of an experience they provide. This is also a nice fit for our program from a recruiting standpoint, and we’ll certainly have a big challenge with a talented North Carolina team. We look forward to working hard over the next few weeks to prepare for what should be a great game and a great trip for our program,” he said.
“We are excited to be playing in our seventh-straight bowl game, and we’re pleased to be playing in the Independence Bowl,” said Director of Athletics Mike Alden. “Reaching the post-season does so much for your program, and having a chance to play in an area where we’re looking to expand our presence is a big plus. We’ve developed great friendships with the staff and look forward to renewing those,” he said.
The Mizzou Athletic Ticket Office will begin taking online orders for the 2011 Independence Bowl beginning tonight (Sunday, Dec. 4th) at 7:00 p.m. (central time), at www.mutigers.com. Fans may also order over the phone by calling 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS in Columbia) or in person at the Mizzou Arena Ticket Office beginning Monday (Dec. 5th) at 8 a.m., but are strongly encouraged to order online to ensure prompt service.
Fans who cannot attend the game, but who wish to support Mizzou’s student-athletes and football program, are encouraged to purchase tickets to be used for donation to Shreveport-area charities and military personnel at www.mutigers.com. Tiger Scholarship Fund members will receive TSF credit for the face value of donated tickets. Details can be found at www.mutigers.com.
— MU Sports Information —