What Is 2007 Missouri Tigers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 11–2 record and achieving a program-best No. 4 final AP Poll ranking after winning the Cotton Bowl Classic 38–7 over Arkansas.

Key Facts

Finished the season with an 11–2 overall record
Achieved a program-high No. 4 ranking in the final AP Poll
Defeated Arkansas 38–7 in the 2008 Cotton Bowl Classic
Started the season 12–0 before losing the Big 12 Championship
Quarterback Chase Daniel was a Heisman Trophy finalist

Overview

The 2007 Missouri Tigers football team marked one of the most successful seasons in University of Missouri history. Competing in the NCAA Division I FBS as members of the Big 12 Conference, the Tigers posted an 11–2 record and earned their highest-ever national ranking.

Under head coach Gary Pinkel, the team achieved unprecedented success, highlighted by a 36–28 victory over then-No. 2 Kansas that propelled them to No. 1 in the AP Poll for the first time. Though they lost the Big 12 Championship to Oklahoma, their overall performance defined a historic season.

Started the season 12–0: Missouri opened with a perfect record before falling to Oklahoma 38–17 in the Big 12 Championship Game on December 1, 2007.
Chase Daniel finished third in Heisman voting: Quarterback Chase Daniel threw for 4,305 yards and 33 touchdowns, earning him a top-three finish in the 2007 Heisman Trophy race.
Defeated Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl: The Tigers won the 2008 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic 38–7 on January 1, 2008, securing an 11–2 final record.
Reached No. 1 in the AP Poll: Missouri ascended to the top of the Associated Press rankings for the first time in school history during Week 13 of the season.
Set offensive records: The team averaged 43.3 points per game, the highest in the nation that season, and scored over 30 points in 10 of 13 games.

How It Works

The success of the 2007 Missouri Tigers stemmed from a high-powered offense, disciplined coaching, and standout individual performances. The team's structure and strategy exemplified modern college football at its most dynamic.

Offensive System: Missouri ran a spread offense under offensive coordinator David Yost, emphasizing quick passes and tempo. This system maximized quarterback Chase Daniel’s decision-making and mobility.
Quarterback Leadership: Chase Daniel completed 67.5% of his passes for 4,305 yards and 33 touchdowns, leading the nation in total offense and becoming a Heisman contender.
Wide Receiver Talent: Jeremy Maclin, a true freshman, recorded 82 receptions for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors.
Defensive Improvements: The defense, led by linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, improved significantly mid-season, allowing only 15.6 points per game in their final five regular-season contests.
Coaching Strategy: Gary Pinkel, in his seventh season, emphasized player development and consistency, transforming Missouri into a national contender after years of mediocrity.
Strength of Schedule: The Tigers faced a challenging slate, including wins over No. 2 Kansas and No. 8 Kansas State, which validated their national ranking.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2007 season compared favorably to previous Missouri teams and peer programs in terms of rankings, wins, and national recognition.

Team	Record	Final AP Rank	Bowl Result	Heisman Finish
2007 Missouri	11–2	No. 4	Won Cotton Bowl 38–7	3rd (Daniel)
2008 Utah	13–0	No. 2	Won Sugar Bowl	N/A
2006 Boise State	13–0	No. 3	Won Fiesta Bowl	N/A
2007 Kansas	12–1	No. 7	Lost Orange Bowl	4th (Reesing)
2007 Oklahoma	11–3	No. 9	Lost Fiesta Bowl	2nd (Anderson)

The 2007 Missouri Tigers outperformed most non-BCS powerhouse teams in final rankings and offensive production. While not a national champion, their season was comparable to other elite mid-major campaigns, and their No. 4 finish remains a program high.

Why It Matters

The 2007 season redefined Missouri football and had lasting implications for college football’s competitive landscape.

Elevated program status: Missouri’s rise to No. 1 demonstrated that non-traditional powers could compete nationally with strong coaching and development.
Boosted recruiting: Success attracted higher-profile recruits, including future NFL players like Aldon Smith and Blaine Gabbert.
Increased conference influence: The Big 12 gained credibility as a multi-team powerhouse league beyond Texas and Oklahoma.
Legacy of Chase Daniel: Daniel became a Missouri icon, holding multiple school records and finishing fourth in Heisman voting the following year.
Set attendance records: Faurot Field regularly sold out, with average attendance exceeding 69,000 per game in 2007.
Long-term impact: Missouri’s success contributed to its eventual move to the Southeastern Conference in 2012, seeking more consistent exposure.

The 2007 Missouri Tigers remain a benchmark for excellence in the program’s history, symbolizing a breakthrough season that reshaped perceptions and expectations.