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THE RIVALRY
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PERSPECTIVES (CONTINUED FROM 6)
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KANSAN FILE PHOTO
During the 2008 Border Showdown, senior safety Darrell Stuckey intercepts a pass from Missouu quarterback Chase Daniel. During thar game, Stuckey had two interceptions and a forced and recovered fumble.
and even after the game, Stuckey and Maclin exchanged pleasantries on a more literal level. But during that game's four quarters, the heat between the two sides rose a little higher than in most other contests.
"On one play, Chase Daniel threw the ball a little high, and Maclin didn't go after it, so Stuckey was like, 'Whoo! If you would have jumped for that itd be lights out," Jones said. "The rest of that conversation of course needs to be edited."
Now, we know Stuckey did more than talk that day. His two interceptions and a forced and recovered fumble may often be lost in the offensive theatrics as the snow-spotted game wound down, but there's little doubting those turnovers made a tremendous difference in a game decided by three points.
"You have to realize that that was one of the biggest matchups he and the team had all year," Jones said. "And take the rivalry, what that game meant for both programs. Darrell not only played above himself but also had fun in the aftermath."
Jones, who played from 1999 to 2002, is well acquainted with what's at stake when the two sides meet.
Jones recalled that before one game, a pair of Kansas legends — Gale Sayers and John Hadl — delivered a rousing address that he described as "out of this world."
"They showed how big this is to Kansas people." Jones said. "If you're a Kansas Jayhawk, this is not just a game."
Kansas went 2-2 against Missouri during Jones' career — a four-year stretch that saw considerably fewer successes than the early-to-mid 60s, when Hadl and Sayers were leaving their marks on the program's record books.
But that did little to cheapen the passion that Jones felt, and still feels, about the game. He may say the history between the two programs is sufficient for proper motivation, but Hadl and Sayers' address added a little more fire.
SEE PERSPECTIVES ON PAGE 8
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARMADA
MCNDAY NOVEMBER 16 2009