Bowl trips becoming tougher sell for Missouri

~ With a victory today, the Tigers could have their first nine-win season since 1969.

EL PASO, Texas -- Missouri's third bowl trip in four years has been a bit of a tough sell.

The school expects between 4,000 and 4,500 fans to attend the Sun Bowl today. That's about the same number as last year for the school's second Independence Bowl trip, but the first Independence trip in 2003 drew about 8,000 fans.

The Tigers (8-4) have a chance to win nine games for the first time since 1969 in the game against Oregon State (9-4). The Sun Bowl, the second-oldest bowl and in its 73rd year, represents an upgrade in prestige.

"The last two bowls we've been able to go to were certainly great rewards for our team and our fans," Missouri athletic director Mike Alden said. "We step up to a bowl that's been around a long time, and I think it is a good next step for the program.

"Certainly we have a long way to go on the journey, but it is the next step."

Among the mitigating factors: unenviable options of expensive air travel or a 22-hour drive from Columbia, Mo. The school gave away free tickets to 200 students who were due to arrive on buses Thursday.

"A lot of it is always going to depend on what the location is, what the destination is, and the ease that your fans can be able to get to those locations," Alden said. "I know the people of the Sun Bowl are actually very pleased with the turnout, not only for Missouri but with Oregon State.

"It's hard to be able to compare bowl to bowl to bowl to bowl."

Missouri's struggles after a 6-0 start no doubt factored into the equation.

"Our fans, they want us to achieve more," Alden said. "But I do think they're enthusiastic about what they've seen before and they're very supportive as we continue to build the program.

"That opportunity to be able to compete for the Big 12 championship in the coming years is something they're going to see as the next step."

El Paso has no signature attractions aside from its location on the Mexico border, compensating with relentlessly cheerful hospitality. Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel was impressed by the welcoming committee at the airport, complete with mariachi band and cheerleaders.

"Not to bash on Shreveport, but this is a huge thing in El Paso," Daniel said.

Oregon State, making its sixth bowl trip in eight years, expects a fan turnout similar to that of Missouri.

"I feel pretty good about our attendance because there are only so many ways to get here," Oregon State athletic director Bob De Carolis said.

Oregon State did not organize a student bus trip because it would take 29 or 30 hours.

Noteworthy

• Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said the wave of illnesses that knocked more than 20 players out of practice on Tuesday was now old news. "We are healthy," Pinkel said. "Health has nothing to do with our team. We're fine."
• The Pac-10 lost its first three bowl games. "We are in our own deal against Missouri and really have focused on that, but we do want to represent our conference," coach Mike Riley said. "I think it's a great conference, and I think this year has been the best in a long time from top to bottom."