Mizzou

First off, let me assure you I didn't write this open letter to Kansas basketball coach Bill Self. I personally am on record as supporting the stance of the woman who sent it to me and other media outlets, that Kansas and Missouri should continue their Border War rivalry as a non-conference matchup in any and all sports.

But let's face it, primarily in football and men's basketball.

I'll add only one editorial comment to what you are about to read: Self was arrogantly and impudently wrong in telling us on Saturday night that fans don't drive the bus.

Bill Self offered his most vigorous defense of guard Tyshawn Taylor, and addressed the future of the Border War after the Jayhawks’ 74-71 loss at Missouri on Saturday.

On Taylor:
“He’s damn good. He is damn good. He played so well the first half, and kept us in the game. In the second half, he didn’t make good decisions down the stretch. (But) I’ll put the ball in his hands every day.”

On the Border War and its future:

Those interested in attending Missouri's Hall of Fame weekend still have a chance to do so.

The school will be inducting six former athletes into the Hall on Friday, Feb. 10 in Columbia. A reception will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Fans can meet the latest class of honorees. They are:

Ben Askren – Wrestling (2004-07): Possibly the most dominant MU athlete in any sport ever, who won two NCAA titles, three Big 12 titles and finished with a record of 153-8.

For 16 years Andy Hill has been the recruiting face of Missouri in Greater Kansas City and the Border War counties of western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

And to those who contend Mizzou's move the SEC from the Big 12 will mark an MU secession from that region? Well, here's what Hill had to say on that subject:

"Yeah, there are some guys who say it is Big 12 country and all that stuff. But Missouri is still Missouri. And we're still going to be recruiting guys in Kansas City. We're going to recruit guys in the state of Kansas."

Hill also lumped the state of Iowa into that equation.

Dorial Green-Beckham - the No. 1 recruit in the nation - will be a Missouri Tiger.

DGB - as he is known - made that announcement shortly after 9 a.m. live via ESPNU, thus becoming likely the most heralded signee in Coach Gary Pinkel's tenure at Mizzou.

"This morning it is an honor to announce that I will be continuing my education this fall at the University of Missouri."

Terez Paylor has more on DGB from Springfield. Click here for the latest.

Dorial Green-Beckham, the No. 1 recruit in the nation, made Missouri Nation's day shortly after 9 a.m. when he pulled on a Mizzou hat and announced his signing ith the Tigers.

"This morning it is an honor to announce that I will be continuing my education this fall at," Green-Beckam said, pausing to put on the MU hat, "the University of Missouri."

Read more here:

But even before DGB's landmark announcement Missouri's football 18-member signing Class of 2012 was impressive.

Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive will be the guest speaker at the March 27 Kansas City Tiger Club meeting.

"He doesn't generally speak at booster clubs, but I guess he saw this as an opportunity to establish a beachhead," said Paul Blackman, who arranged for the visit by Slive and other SEC staffers.

Missouri, of course, will officially leave the Big 12 Conference for the SEC in July.

Blackman said that in anticipation of a large gathering, attendance at the event at the Westport Flea Market will be by reservation only.

The latest sports-themed video to go viral was conceived in an instant, during a particularly stressful time in the life of every college student: finals week.

In mid-December, Andrew Carter — a junior journalism major at Missouri — recalls feeling “maxed out” due to his studies. He needed a break, so he decided to hop on the Internet.

Doors to Mizzou Arena will open at 7 a.m. Saturday for ESPN's "College GameDay," which will air live on ESPNU from 9-10 a.m. and ESPN from 10 a.m. CT.

"GameDay" coverage will also return at 7 p.m. on ESPN for one hour before Missouri plays Kansas in the latest edition of the Border War.

Admission for "GameDay" is free and open to the public. MU is encouraging fans to bring signs and wear gold. One student will participate in the State Farm Half-Court shot promotion for a chance to win $18,000.

Tulsa World reporter John Hoover, who covers Oklahoma football, said in a Twitter message Monday morning that Dorial Green-Beckham will choose Missouri.

Hoover cited an "extremely good source" but also said "Things can change but I trust him."

Later Monday, CBSSports.com spoke with John Beckham, Green-Beckham's high school coach and adoptive father, who denied the report.