I photographed the Missouri versus Texas Tech football game over the weekend. The game marked the final home game of the season, and Missouri’s last home game as members of the Big XII conference. Saturday was senior day which is always a fun game to photograph. Each player is announced individually before the game starts and is greeted by the coaching staff. Following the game the players have a tradition of picking a rock out of the rock M on the hill in the north end zone of Faurot Field and being carried off of the field on the shoulders of the underclassmen.
The game got off to a slow start, but the last few minutes were packed with excitement. Missouri quarter back James Franklin scored the go-ahead touchdown with 2:22 left in the game. The Missouri defense needed a big stop and got it with under a minute left in the game after Dominique Hamilton tipped a ball at the line of scrimmage and Michael Sam came down with an interception sealing Missouri’s 31-27.
Missouri senior wide receiver Wes Kemp and defensive coordinator Dave Steckel embrace during senior day recognition prior to Missouri's game against Texas Tech, Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. This year's senior class is one of the winningest in Missouri football history.
Missouri fans cheer as Truman the Tiger sprays them with water prior to kickoff of the Tigers game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo.
Truman the Tiger cheers with fans as Texas Tech kicks off to Missouri to start the final home game of the season at Faurot Field on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo.
Missouri defensive coordinator and acting head coach Dave Steckel calls a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel was serving a one game suspension after being arrested for a DWI during the previous week.
Missouri tailback Kendial Lawrence fumbles the ball at the goal line during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. The ball went out of the end zone giving Texas Tech a touchback.
Missouri quarterback James Franklin crosses the goal line to score his first touchdown of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo.
(LEFT)Missouri wide receiver T.J. Moe flips in the air after being hit by Texas Tech's Happiness Osunde during during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. (RIGHT)Missouri wide receiver Wes Kemp catches a pass over Texas Tech's Happiness Osunde during during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri held on to win the game 31-27.
Missouri linebacker Zavier Gooden brings down Texas Tech running back Kenny Williams during during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo.
Missouri quarterback James Franklin stretches the ball across the goal line past Texas Tech defender Cornelius Douglas for the go-ahead score with 2:22 remaining in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. Franklin accounted for four touchdowns on the day.
Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam pulls in an interception in the final minute of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. Sam's interception sealed a 31-27 victory for Missouri.
Missouri's Luke Lambert, (33) and Matt White (17) celebrate while linebacker Michael Sam covers the ball after pulling in an interception to seal Missouri's victory over Texas Tech, Saturday, November 19, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri defeated Texas Tech 31-27.
The Missouri football team sings the school's fight song with the student section after defeating Texas Tech in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November 19, in Columbia, Mo. The game marked Missouri's final home game as a member of the Big XII conference.
Missouri senior wide receiver Terry Dennis looks for a rock to take with him from the M in the north end zone after Missouri's game against Texas Tech Saturday, November 19, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri defeated Texas Tech 31-27. After their final home game at Missouri seniors take a rock home with them.
Missouri senior wide receiver Jerrell Jackson is carried off the field by teammates T.J. Moe, left, and Marcus Lucas, with his rock following their victory over Texas Tech Saturday, November 19, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri defeated Texas Tech 31-27. Members of the senior class are carried off the field by their teammates following their final home game at Faurot Field.
