An open letter to the football fans of Missouri:

On behalf of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, congratulations to the University of Missouri on the Tigers' 38-7 victory over Arkansas in the 72nd AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic.

We're grateful to the Missouri fans that traveled to Texas to cheer on the Tigers in their first trip to a New Year's Day bowl game since 1970 and their first-ever win in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. Thanks for helping make the entire week a rousing success for our city.

Missouri fans should take pride in their players, Coach Gary Pinkel, Athletic Director Mike Alden, and Chancellor Brady Deaton. These gentlemen represented the University of Missouri and the Big 12 in a first-class manner.

We are honored to have been a part of the most successful football season in Missouri history. Again, congratulations on a tremendous year for the Tigers, and thanks again for helping make the 2008 AT&T Cotton Bowl a Classic to remember.

Sincerely,

Rick Baker, president, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association