Tigers try to keep Temple running with extra season

~ Missouri is trying to get 2004 declared a redshirt season.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Senior Day was a gut-wrenching experience for Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, who fought back tears as he hugged all 20 of his outgoing players and then needed the distraction of game action to ease back into the routine.

"Seven minutes into the game, I'm still trying to get a hold of myself," Pinkel recalled.

It was much worse for running back Tony Temple, who sprinted off the field after a successful home finale and hopped into a car to drive to his grandmother's funeral in Kansas City.

"It was probably one of the hardest games I've ever played in mentally," Temple said. "It was tough."

If the sixth-ranked Tigers (9-1) have their way, Temple will get a second Senior Day send-off next fall. The school is seeking a medical redshirt fifth season of eligibility for their leading rusher.

"It would be nice," Pinkel said. "We're preparing our materials that we would have to send to the NCAA for the appeal."

Missouri's case hinges on Temple's extremely limited play as a freshman in 2004, although it's a bit unusual because the game he played in came late in the season rather than at the start.

Temple is hopeful for a bonus season to build his resume.

"That would be great to have another opportunity, but I'm not sure how that's going to end up," Temple said. "I've got to wait until this year's over and then we'll see what goes on."

Temple made his debut against Nebraska to replace the late Damien Nash, who had been suspended for disciplinary reasons. He had six carries for 13 yards in the eighth game of the season before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury.

"I was ready," Temple said. "That was my year. Unfortunately I got hurt and that was it."

Temple rushed for 1,000 yards last year, highlighted by a 194-yard effort with two touchdowns against Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. Running with a heavy heart against Texas A&M brought out his best effort of 2007, 141 yards and a 44-yard scoring run that's the school's longest of the season.

During the game, instead of paying attention to the game clock, he found himself watching the real-time minutes crawl past.

"I was like 'Please, stay inbounds, everybody stay inbounds,'" Temple said. "I wanted to take care of business with my team, my other family, and be with my family during this tough time.

"As soon as the game was over I ran off the field so I could get home. It was good carrying a win with me."

Teammates were not surprised that Temple played so well and ran so hard.

"It's Tony, he's Superman," quarterback Chase Daniel said. "I think football for guys that are worrying about family and stuff like that, it's an escape for them."