Aug. 10, 2004

Columbia, Mo. -

The Missouri Tigers went through day two of pre-season workouts on Tuesday, in preparation for the 2004 season opener versus Arkansas State on Sept. 4th. Once again, the weather was atypical of August, with temperatures in the lower 80s, making for a very pleasant day.

• The team practiced again in helmets and shorts, with the first full pad practice set for 8:15 a.m. on Friday. The first day of two-a-days is set for Saturday, with practices going at 8:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. that day.
• The Tiger defense made several nice plays today during 7-on-7 scrimmaging, including interceptions by veterans James Kinney and A.J. Kincade. Also making big plays were junior linebacker Derrick Ming, who made a nice running, finger-tip interception, and freshman defensive back William Moore, who deflected a pass and corralled the ball for an interception that he would have returned for a touchdown.
• Offensively, the passing game was effective during scrimmaging as well, as quarterback Brad Smith and tight end Victor Sesay connected on several nice plays during the day. The highlight came from reserves Brandon Coleman and Jason Ray, as Coleman hit Ray over the middle, and Ray broke free for a 70-yard touchdown.
• Tiger fans will notice one change to the aesthetics of Memorial Stadium when they visit this season - the old juniper bushes previously kept just below the fence at the bottom of the grass hill in the north rim have been torn out. The old bushes met their Waterloo effectively after the Nebraska game last season, when they got trampled mercilessly by fans rushing the field after MU's historic win. Enough of them got killed off by that event that the decision was made this summer to tear them out and replace them with a grass burm, just like the burms that line the east and west sides of the field. The sod has taken nicely and further enhances Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field as one of the best looking stadium settings in the country.
• For those Tiger fans who dig the Kansas City barbeque scene, your wishes have been granted. MU officials announced recently that the legendary KC Masterpiece franchise will be moving into Memorial Stadium this season to serve as a gameday vendor. More notes regarding culinary items: prime rib and chicken cordon bleu were the main fares tonight for dinner for the team. It was magnifique!

That's all for today, be sure to stay tuned to www.mutigers.com for continuing reports on pre-season camp.