If you’ve spent any time on the sidelines in Columbia—either one of them—you know that Missouri South Carolina football isn't just another game on the SEC schedule. It’s weird. It’s gritty. It’s a battle for a trophy called the Mayor's Cup because, honestly, what else do you name a trophy when both schools reside in a city named Columbia?
People outside the SEC footprint might overlook this matchup. They're wrong. In the last few seasons, this series has turned into one of the most reliable generators of "did you see that?" moments in college football.
The Mayor's Cup: More Than Just a Name
Let’s be real for a second. When Missouri joined the SEC in 2012, traditionalists were skeptical. "They don't have natural rivals," they said. Then came the Gamecocks. The two schools have played 16 times now, and Mizzou currently holds a 10-6 edge.
But the record doesn't tell the whole story.
Between 2019 and 2023, Missouri went on a tear, winning five straight. It felt like Eli Drinkwitz had Shane Beamer’s number. But then 2024 happened.
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What Really Happened in 2024?
The 2024 meeting at Williams-Brice Stadium was a masterclass in emotional whiplash. Missouri trailed 21-6 at the half. It looked like a blowout. Then, Mizzou’s Nate Noel decided he wasn't going down without a fight, racking up 150 yards on the ground. When Brady Cook found Luther Burden III for a 37-yard touchdown with just 70 seconds left, Tiger fans were already celebrating.
Then LaNorris Sellers happened.
Sellers, the South Carolina phenom with the signature rec-specs, orchestrated a drive that felt like it took five minutes but only took 55 seconds. He threw a shovel pass to Raheim "Rocket" Sanders, who pinballed through three defenders for a 15-yard touchdown with 15 seconds on the clock. Final: South Carolina 34, Missouri 30. It was the kind of game that leaves you staring at the TV long after the credits roll.
The 2025 Revenge Tour
Fast forward to September 20, 2025. The setting shifted to Faurot Field. The Mayor's Cup was back on the line, and the stakes felt even higher. Missouri was ranked No. 23, and South Carolina was looking to prove that 2024 wasn't a fluke.
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This game was a literal ground war. Missouri didn't just run the ball; they hammered it. They finished with 285 rushing yards.
- Ahmad Hardy: 138 yards, 1 TD
- Jamal Roberts: 76 yards, the go-ahead TD
- Beau Pribula: 72 yards
It was the first time since 2011 that Mizzou had three different players go for 70+ yards in a single game. Honestly, the most shocking stat from that night? Mizzou’s defense held South Carolina to minus-9 rushing yards. You read that right. Sellers threw for over 300 yards, but without a run game, the Gamecocks couldn't seal the deal. Missouri reclaimed the Cup with a 29-20 win.
Why This Series Hits Different
Most rivalries are built on 100 years of hatred. This one is built on parity. Out of the last dozen meetings, nearly half have been decided by a single possession. It’s a game of "who blinks first."
The Quarterback Factor
In 2024 and 2025, the narrative centered on the signal-callers.
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- LaNorris Sellers (SC): He's the type of player who can look totally flustered for three quarters and then look like a Heisman finalist in the fourth.
- Beau Pribula (MIZ): Taking over for the legendary Brady Cook isn't easy, but his mobility changed the math for Mizzou's offense in the 2025 matchup.
Misconceptions About the Matchup
A lot of national pundits call this a "filler" game. They assume it won't impact the SEC standings. That’s a mistake. In years where South Carolina wins this game, they’ve historically finished with a winning record (average 44-20 record across those seasons). When they lose? They tend to struggle (23-37). It’s a bellwether. If you want to know how the middle of the SEC will shake out, look at the Mayor's Cup.
What to Watch Moving Forward
If you're betting on Missouri South Carolina football in the future, don't just look at the spread. Look at the trenches. Missouri's ability to shut down the run in 2025 was the outlier, not the norm. Usually, this game is a chaotic mess of turnovers and special teams blunders.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans:
- Watch the injury report: In 2025, Sellers was a game-time decision. His health completely dictates South Carolina's ceiling.
- Check the venue: Mizzou has now won 14 straight home games as of late 2025. Winning at Faurot Field has become one of the toughest tasks in the conference.
- Ignore the "boring" tag: Don't turn the game off if it's a defensive struggle in the first half. These two teams specialize in fourth-quarter insanity.
The Mayor's Cup might not have the name recognition of the Iron Bowl or the Egg Bowl, but for anyone who has watched a game between these two Columbias lately, it’s clear: this is one of the most underrated treats in the SEC.
Go watch the 2024 highlights if you don't believe me. Or better yet, look at the box score of the 2025 ground-and-pound clinic Mizzou put on. Either way, you'll see why this rivalry is here to stay.
Keep an eye on the recruiting trails in the Carolinas and Missouri. Both Drinkwitz and Beamer are recruiting at a high level, meaning the talent gap is closing, and the games are only going to get tighter. If you're looking for the next "instant classic," check the schedule for when these two meet next. You won't regret it.