Missouri wins Homecoming game;
fans tear down goalpost

Anthony Robb, Corner Post staff

Oct. 26, 2002 - A Homecoming victory on Saturday gave the Missouri football team its first Big 12 win of the season. Following MU's 36-12 defeat of Kansas, thousands of Missouri fans - led by football players - rushed the field and tore down the north goalpost.

MU broke open a relatively close game in the third quarter by scoring three touchdowns, and the team never looked back against the rival Jayhawks from KU.

Missouri's win came without starting running back Zack Abron. T.J. Leon, who started in place of Abron, rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns.

Quarterback Brad Smith continued to build on his outstanding freshman season by rushing for 117 yards with 135 yards passing and three touchdowns.

Senior wide receiver Justin Gage had a memorable game, setting records for the most touchdowns in Mizzou history and the most career receptions in the Big 12. Gage's four catches for 77 yards put him at 176 career receptions, which is two more than the previous record holder.

More than 60,000 fans showed up for the Homecoming game, and many fans wore gold to celebrate "Gold Rush 2002."

MU's first Homecoming win since 1998 ended with fans sawing pieces of the goalpost off at Harpo's after Mizzou students carried the post through campus and then downtown screaming, "M-I-Z—Z-O-U."


Story originally posted 10/29/02

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