Missouri won the Cotton Bowl Classic 41–31 over Oklahoma State and finished #5 in the nation with an identical 12–2 (7–1 SEC) record.

Missouri and Auburn combined for a total of 101 points the most in the history of the SEC Championship Game.

After missing out on a bowl the previous season, the Tigers rebounded to win their first-ever SEC East title.

Only a year after their worst season in 60 years—including a winless SEC record—Auburn completed one of the biggest turnarounds in NCAA history.

An upset win over rival Alabama gave them the SEC West title and a chance at playing for the national championship.