Missouri uses basketball star's meme to rattle Troy kicker
During Saturday's game, Missouri displayed a pointing meme of former women's basketball player Sophie Cunningham on the video board as Troy attempted a field goal. The distraction contributed to the kicker missing the attempt, helping Missouri secure the win.
During a recent college football game, Missouri’s in-game entertainment crew displayed a pointed meme featuring former women’s basketball standout Sophie Cunningham on the stadium video board. The image was timed precisely as Troy’s kicker prepared for a field goal attempt. The tactic proved effective, as the kicker missed the kick, a miss that ultimately contributed to Missouri’s victory.
The use of video board distractions is a common, though often playful, element of home-field advantage in college sports. Teams frequently employ crowd noise, flashing lights, or humorous images to disrupt opposing players’ focus. In this instance, the meme of a well-known athlete from the same university added a layer of local familiarity and psychological pressure, underscoring how creative game-day management can influence outcomes in tight contests.
This incident could spark debate about the limits of in-game psychological tactics in college athletics. While such distractions are common, using a specific player’s meme may raise questions about sportsmanship and fair play, potentially influencing how schools approach fan engagement. It may also affect the kicker’s confidence and public perception, though such moments are typically seen as part of the game’s entertainment value.