Border War Wrap: Hey Biletnikoff Committee

You know Missouri's Danario Alexander is not a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the best receiver in college football.

You know how bogus that award will be if the voters don't write in the name of the Missouri senior receiver and give him the award anyway?

Alexander, after 15 catches for 233 yards against Kansas in Mizzou's 41-39 Border War victory, now:

Leads the nation with 1,644 yards receiving and 137 yards per game in receptions.

Ranks second in the nation with 107 catches.

Has 200 yards or more receiving in three of the last four games and in the fourth had 173.

"I don't know the procedure," Missouri Coach Gary Pinkel said. "Obviously, you've got to live in a cave to not realize how good this kid is.

"The Heisman is one award that really fluctuates during the season. For some reason the Biletnikoff doesn't.

"You guys can e-mail 'em if you want to."

And here is MU quarterback Blaine Gabberts view of that situation:

"He should be up for everything."

Alexander, with a bowl game still to go, holds the Missouri records for receptions and yards and is tied with Jeremy Maclin for most TD catches in one season at 13.

Some interesting quotes post game:

Gary Pinkel on the balance between focus and emotion of the game:
"You kind of lock in so much you don't even let yourself up. I was so numb to it."

Grant Ressel on being yelled at in a special practice drill designed to simulate kicking a big field goal under game pressure:

“It is really not a big deal to me as long as the guys don’t say things that are too mean."

Defensive end Aldon Smith, on how he felt about Pinkel's decision to punt with Missouri down and no assurance of getting the football back before the game ended:

"That showed a lot of faith, that the coaches believe in us."

And of the fans obvious shock and disagreement with the move?

"They're not on the field," Smith said. "If you let the players play, the game, it turns out different."

Aldon Smith again, on what winning the Border War means to a Raytown kid from the heart of the rivalry in Kansas City:

“This win makes it easy to come home. You don’t have to put your head down when you’re talking about the game. You can walk with your head up high.”