What Is 1970 Missouri Tigers football team

Overview

The 1970 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri during the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Big Eight Conference, the team was led by head coach Dan Devine in what would be his final season before departing for the NFL.

Missouri finished the season with a losing record of 5–6 overall and 3–4 in conference play, marking a decline from previous years of dominance under Devine. Despite strong individual performances, the team struggled with consistency on both offense and defense throughout the year.

• Head coach Dan Devine completed his 13th and final season with Missouri, compiling a 5–6 record before joining the Green Bay Packers.
• The Tigers finished 3–4 in Big Eight Conference play, placing them in the lower half of the conference standings.
• Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri served as the team’s home field, hosting all six of their home games that season.
• The team was outscored 248 to 245 over the course of the season, indicating closely contested matchups throughout.
• Missouri did not qualify for a bowl game in 1970, ending a streak of consecutive postseason appearances under Devine.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1970 season featured a mix of competitive wins and disappointing losses, with several games decided by narrow margins. Missouri opened the season with a loss to Kansas State but rebounded with victories over Colorado and Iowa State.

• September 12, 1970: Missouri lost 24–17 to Kansas State in a season-opening road game, setting an early tone of struggle.
• October 3, 1970: The Tigers defeated Colorado 24–10, showcasing improved defensive performance in a home contest.
• October 17, 1970: A 21–14 win over Iowa State highlighted quarterback Steve Pisarkiewicz’s emerging leadership.
• November 7, 1970: Missouri lost 24–14 to rival Nebraska, who finished the season ranked nationally.
• November 21, 1970: The season concluded with a 24–14 loss to Kansas in the annual Border War game.
• Final record: The team ended at 5–6 overall, their first losing season since the mid-1960s under Devine.

Comparison at a Glance

Missouri’s 1970 performance compared to recent prior seasons highlights a downturn in team success:

The decline in win totals from 1968 to 1970 reflects the end of an era for Missouri football. Dan Devine’s departure marked a transition period, and subsequent seasons under Al Onofrio continued to struggle, failing to regain consistent winning form.

Why It Matters

The 1970 season is a notable turning point in Missouri Tigers football history, symbolizing the end of a successful era under Dan Devine. It also provides context for the program’s rebuilding phase in the early 1970s.

• End of an era: Dan Devine’s departure to the NFL marked the close of a 13-year tenure that included three conference titles.
• Transition to new leadership: Al Onofrio took over in 1971, beginning a rebuilding process with limited immediate success.
• Recruiting shifts: The team’s performance reflected changes in player development and competition within the Big Eight.
• Historical benchmark: The 5–6 record is often cited when analyzing long-term program performance trends.
• Fan engagement: Declining records led to reduced attendance and growing calls for modernization of the football program.
• Legacy impact: Despite the losing record, the 1970 team laid groundwork for future adaptations in coaching and strategy.

While not a standout season in terms of wins, the 1970 Missouri Tigers remain significant for their role in the program’s evolution and transition into a new coaching era.