Missouri

1983 Tigers
(Authentic Reproduction)
 

There was a noticeable change on the coaching staff and on the football helmet entering the 1983 season. Coach Powers’ wife made the suggestion that the uniform trim be changed from the official and traditional school color of old gold to a yellower appearing Green Bay gold that she preferred. The change was made and the block “M” with unequal width on the legs was also changed to Green Bay gold with a white border. The black helmet sported what had become the “standard” Mizzou striping of a one-inch center stripe, a one-half-inch black gap, and one-half-inch white flanking stripes but the center stripe was now Green Bay gold also. The black mask made the gold on the jerseys and helmet look more yellow than the official school color to the dismay of traditionalists. The off-season shake-up totaled five new assistant coaches including Offensive Coordinator Larry Beightol who had served as O-line coach under Lou Holtz at a number of Holtz’s stops. 1982’s leading rusher Tracey Mack was switched to LB, not a far-fetched move since he arrived at Missouri from Webster Groves High School in the St. Louis area as an All State defensive tackle. The 7-4 squad was led by All American OT Conrad Goode who later put in three years with the Giants and a season with Tampa Bay. The new staff suited QB Marlon Adler who had 1870 total yards and ran for twelve TD’s while passing for eleven more. FB Eric Drain, Mizzou’s leading rusher with 685 yards, and flanker George Shorthose were the focus of the offense. The defense was again a strong point with DE Bobby Bell, Jr. moving on to the Jets for 1984 and LB Jay Wilson and DB Terry Matichak earning All Big Eight selection. The team returned to a bowl game, losing a close 21-17 contest to BYU and in a move that would be loudly and roundly criticized in the very near future, head coach Powers was rewarded with a new three-year contract extension.

If interested in any of these Mizzou helmets please click on the photos below.