Story by Marcus Wilkins
Photos by Shane Epping and Rob Hill
Mizzou stayed with its 2014 theme of posting a strong second-half performance, but in the end Alabama’s push on the offensive and defensive lines proved too much. The Tigers (10-3, 7-2 SEC) fell to the No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide (12-1, 8-1) 42-13 in the Southeastern Conference Football Championship Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Senior wide receiver Jimmie Hunt (Cahokia, Illinois) led the Mizzou offense with six catches for 169 yards, most of which were gained on broken plays when sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk (Kenton, Ohio) scrambled to keep them alive. It wasn’t enough to overcome Alabama’s steady offensive attack.
Missouri’s defense was forced to play shorthanded after junior defensive end Shane Ray (Kansas City, Missouri) was ejected in the second quarter for a targeting penalty on a pass from Alabama quarterback Blake Sims. The play resulted in a 58-yard touchdown reception by DeAndrew White.
For the Tigers, the SEC East division champions, it was the second-consecutive trip to the conference title game. Fans spent the weekend in Atlanta, where rallies, ceremonies and parties inspired a surge of Mizzou spirit.
Mizzou will play Minnesota in the Citrus Bowl Jan. 1 in Orlando, Florida.
Drew Graff cheers for the Tigers at the SEC FanFare before the game. Photo by Shane Epping.
A packed crowd turns the room into a sea of black and gold during the Tiger Tailgate. Photo by Rob Hill.
MU cheerleaders take to the air at the SEC FanFare. Photo by Shane Epping.
Marching Mizzou's drum line stands at attention at the SEC FanFare. Photo by Shane Epping.
Tim May (left), Paul Shomper, Philip Schroeder and Ron Henry gather with the Golden Girls at Saturday's Tiger Tailgate. Schroeder's stuffed tiger had a seat for the game. Photo by Rob Hill.
Mizzou featured twirler Halie Hart shows off her skills at the SEC FanFare. Photo by Shane Epping.
The Golden Girls warm up the crowd at Saturday's Tiger Tailgate. Photo by Rob Hill.
Marching Mizzou trombone players excite fans at the SEC FanFare. Photo by Shane Epping.
A Tigers fan wears black and gold on his head at the Tiger Tailgate part in Atlanta. Photo by Rob Hill.
Marching Mizzou's trumpet section performs at the SEC FanFare. Photo by Shane Epping.
Members of Marching Mizzou yell during the SEC FanFare. Photo by Shane Epping.
Thomas Stewart of Columbia has his photo taken at the Tiger Tailgate before the SEC Championship game Saturday. Photo by Rob Hill.
The Golden Girls and Marching Mizzou perform at the SEC FanFare. Photo by Shane Epping.
Former MU football player and current NFL defensive star Sean Weatherspoon shows off his Tiger pride on the sidelines before the game. Photo by Shane Epping.
Veronica DeStefano, center, leads members of the Tiger's Lair student cheering section above the Mizzou end zone. Photo by Shane Epping.
Loyal Tigers fans listen to the national anthem. Photo by Shane Epping.
The Tigers take the field immediately before the game. Photo by Shane Epping.
The Tigers defend their end zone early in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Photo by Shane Epping.
Junior cornerback Kenya Dennis tackles Alabama's wide receiver, Amari Cooper. Photo by Shane Epping.
Freshman safety Thomas Wilson earns a tackle. Photo by Shane Epping.
A zealous MU fan lets loose during the kickoff. Photo by Shane Epping.
Junior defensive end Shane Ray pushes Alabama's quarterback Blake Sims to the field. Ray was penalized for targeting and ejected from the game in the first quarter. Photo by Shane Epping.
Mizzou quarterback Maty Mauk finishes 16 of 34 for 272 yards passing and a touchdown. Photo by Rob Hill.
Russell Hanbrough, 32, leads Mizzou in rushing with 13 carries for 21 yards. Photo by Rob Hill.
A crowd of 73,526 fans fill the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the 2014 SEC Football Championship. Photo by Rob Hill.
Senior wide receiver Jimmie Hunt makes a catch on a long pass. Photo by Shane Epping.
A Mizzou fans celebrates a big gain by the Tigers. Photo by Shane Epping.
Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin meets and greets a few fans in the Mizzou section of the Georgia Dome. Photo by Shane Epping.
Senior wide receiver Jimmie Hunt makes a catch on a long pass and stirs up the emotions of nearby Alabama fans. Photo by Shane Epping.
Mizzou fans wave their pompons after a big gain by the Tigers. Photo by Shane Epping.
Senior defensive end Markus Golden almost blocks a punt by Alabama kicker JK Scott. Photo by Shane Epping.
Senior wide receiver Jimmie Hunt makes a catch on a long pass. Photo by Shane Epping.
Truman and Big Al share a hug on the sidelines. Photo by Shane Epping.
Defensive lineman Lucas Vincent, 96, pursues Alabama quarterback Blake Sims, 6, as Marcus Loud, 35, attempts a deflection. Sims was the game’s most valuable player. Photo by Shane Epping.
Senior defensive tackle Lucas Vincent brings down Alabama's running back T. J. Yeldon. Photo by Shane Epping.
A dejected Mizzou fan, surrounded by attendees cheering for Alabama, waits for the Tigers to make a comeback during the second half. Photo by Shane Epping.
Fans react to the action in the second half of the game, as Alabama outscores Mizzou 21-10. Photo by Rob Hill.
A Mizzou fan and an Alabama shake hands at the end of the game, with a final score of 42-13. Photo by Shane Epping.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban prepares for post-game interviews in a sea of confetti. Photo by Shane Epping.
MU players leave the field after their second straight appearance in the SEC Championship. Photo by Shane Epping.
