Celebration in Columbia

Surrounded by thousands of their gold-clad fans, the Missouri Tigers savored every second after the clock hit zero on their 36-27 win over top-ranked Oklahoma on Saturday night. As the fans ignored the warnings to stay off Faurot Field, the players welcomed them with open arms to bask in the celebration of perhaps the biggest win in school history.

"That's what I came to Missouri for," linebacker Andrew Gachkar said.

"We ain't the underdogs no more," screamed safety Jasper Simmons.

Even Dominique Hamilton, likely sidelined for the season after breaking his right ankle, couldn't help but smile.

"I'll play next week," Hamilton said with a smile, knowing it wasn't true. "We just beat number one!"

The Tigers tried to keep a level head. Running back DeVion Moore, off a career night with 10 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown, said Missouri would enjoy this win no longer than any other, just through the night.

"It's a big win," Zaviar Gooden said. "We've got to keep improving every week and we can make this a special season."

Asked about getting his team grounded again for next week's showdown with Nebraska, Gary Pinkel smiled. "You had to remind me of that, didn't you?"

Yes, the Tigers have another big game next week. And, yes, they know it. But Saturday night wasn't for talking about that. Saturday night on Faurot Field was about squeezing every last bit of joy out of this one. It was about the second win over the Sooners since 1974 and the first in a dozen years, not to mention the first ever for Gary Pinkel. It was about the first win over a No. 1 team in school history.

"Biggest win in Missouri history," T.J. Moe said. "Take that Lee Corso!"

Biggest win for how long?

"Until next week," Moe said. "And the week after that, and the week after that, and the week after that."

Nobody covers the Tigers year-round like PowerMizzou.com. If you are not yet a member, just try out our free trial.