DREARY DAY KEEPS MU CARAVAN FROM DRURY

Larry Smith was present in spirit and voice -- if not body -- during the University of Missouri Tiger Caravan get-together in Cape Girardeau Thursday evening.

Smith, the Tigers' head football coach, and several other MU officials were unable to depart the Columbia airport because of extremely bad weather conditions in that area.

Instead, about 100 MU supporters who showed up at the Drury Lodge got to hear Smith by way of a speaker telephone. He talked about the state of the Tigers' resurgent program and also fielded questions from the crowd.

The 1997 Tigers, in their fourth season under Smith, went 7-5 and lost to Colorado State in the Holiday Bowl. It was MU's first winning season and first bowl appearance since 1983.

"I really think we had a football team that played with great heart. We found a way to win and we expected to win," said Smith of last year's squad. "Our seniors gave us great leadership and we have a great coaching staff."

No discussion of MU's 1997 season can be held without mention of the memorable overtime loss to national co-champion Nebraska that featured the Cornhuskers' miracle touchdown on the final play of regulation.

"I get asked about that game quite a bit," said Smith. "It's kind of a strange thing. First of all, it was one of the most exciting games I've ever coached in.

"Another thing, I've never had a football team of mine play as hard or with as much heart as that day. And the intensity at Faurot Field was just unbelievable."

Smith said that, even though the Tigers lost despite appearing to be headed for a certain victory, MU's football program gained as much respect and notoriety from a defeat as is possible.

"Three weeks after the game, I was in New York walking down Fifth Avenue with my wife. People stopped us and said we should have won that game," he said. "That game really put us on the map. I think it really helped us in recruiting and taking a step forward in our program."

Speaking of recruiting, one of MU's incoming freshman for next season -- Jackson High product J.P. Hall -- was in attendance and drew mention from Smith.

"We're excited about J.P. coming to school at Missouri," Smith said. "He'll be coming in with an outstanding class."

Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Corby Jones at quarterback and with a host of other key players returning, the 1998 Tigers figure to again challenge for a bowl berth.

"Offensively we will have an experienced football team. Corby Jones is a great quarterback and a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate," said Smith. "Defensively, I think we're going to be improved. We're very excited about the season."