What Is 1967 Missouri Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1967 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri in the 1967 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 6–4 record under head coach Dan Devine. They played in the Big Eight Conference and won the Sugar Bowl 14–7 against LSU on January 1, 1968.

Key Facts

Finished the season with a 6–4 overall record
Won the Sugar Bowl 14–7 against LSU on January 1, 1968
Represented the Big Eight Conference in the Sugar Bowl
Head coach Dan Devine led the team for the fifth consecutive season
Quarterback Jim Johnson was a key offensive leader

Overview

The 1967 Missouri Tigers football team competed in the NCAA University Division season as a member of the Big Eight Conference. Led by head coach Dan Devine, who was in his fifth season at the helm, the team achieved a 6–4 overall record and a 5–2 conference standing, marking a strong finish to a competitive year.

The season is best remembered for Missouri’s appearance in the Sugar Bowl, where they secured a 14–7 victory over the LSU Tigers on January 1, 1968. This win capped off a notable campaign and highlighted the program's growing national presence during the late 1960s.

6–4 record: The team finished the regular season with six wins and four losses, demonstrating consistent but not dominant performance across matchups.
Sugar Bowl champions: Missouri defeated LSU 14–7 in the 1968 Sugar Bowl, played in New Orleans, securing a major postseason victory.
Big Eight Conference: The Tigers competed in a tough conference that included powerhouses like Oklahoma and Nebraska, finishing second in the standings.
Dan Devine as head coach: Devine, in his fifth year, was known for his disciplined coaching style and strong defensive strategies that shaped the team’s identity.
Quarterback Jim Johnson: Johnson led the offense with poise and efficiency, guiding the Tigers through critical conference games and the bowl season.

Season Performance

The 1967 campaign featured a mix of hard-fought wins and narrow losses, with Missouri showing resilience in key moments. The team’s schedule included tough road games and pivotal conference matchups that tested their depth and preparation.

September 16, 1967: Missouri opened the season with a 21–0 shutout victory over Washington State, setting an early defensive tone.
October 14, 1967: The Tigers defeated Oklahoma 17–13 in a hard-fought road win, a highlight of their conference play.
November 11, 1967: A 21–14 loss to Nebraska ended Missouri’s hopes for a conference title but didn’t derail their postseason chances.
Defensive strength: The team allowed just 193 total points over 10 games, averaging 19.3 points per game against strong offensive opponents.
Offensive output: Missouri scored 208 total points during the season, averaging 20.8 points per game, powered by balanced rushing and passing attacks.
Sugar Bowl berth: Despite not winning the Big Eight, Missouri was selected for the Sugar Bowl due to strong national rankings and competitive record.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1967 Missouri Tigers compared to other top teams in the Big Eight Conference:

Team	Conference Record	Overall Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
Nebraska	6–1	9–2	Lost Orange Bowl	11
Oklahoma	5–2	7–4	Lost Bluebonnet Bowl	Unranked
Missouri	5–2	6–4	Won Sugar Bowl	15
Kansas	4–3	6–5	Lost Bluebonnet Bowl	Unranked
Colorado	4–3	6–5	Lost Liberty Bowl	Unranked

Missouri’s Sugar Bowl victory elevated their national profile, finishing the season ranked 15th in the final AP Poll. While Nebraska claimed the conference title, Missouri’s postseason success gave them the most memorable finish of the year among Big Eight teams. The win over LSU also showcased the Tigers’ ability to perform under pressure on a national stage.

Why It Matters

The 1967 season remains a significant chapter in Missouri football history, representing both competitive excellence and national recognition. The Sugar Bowl victory was only the second major bowl win in program history, cementing the era as one of the most successful in the school’s gridiron legacy.

Historic bowl win: The 14–7 victory over LSU marked Missouri’s first Sugar Bowl appearance and win, a milestone for the program.
National ranking: Finishing 15th in the AP Poll reflected strong national respect and improved recruiting visibility.
Coaching legacy: Dan Devine’s leadership during this period elevated his status, eventually leading to a successful NFL career.
Recruiting boost: Success in 1967 helped attract top-tier talent to Columbia in subsequent years.
Program momentum: The season laid the foundation for continued competitiveness in the Big Eight through the early 1970s.
Cultural impact: The win galvanized fan support and increased attendance and media coverage for future seasons.

Ultimately, the 1967 Missouri Tigers demonstrated that a well-coached, disciplined team could achieve national success even without a conference title. Their legacy endures as a benchmark for excellence in the university’s athletic history.