Here is what Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert and defensive back Kevin Rutland had to say following Sunday's practice.

Missouri Practice
Sunday, December 27, 2009

Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert
(on meeting his goals) “My goals were to win football games and get us to a bowl game. We’ve been to five straight bowl games. Some of the senior class has been to four or five straight bowl games.”

(on the team’s motivation) “There are multiple reasons why this game is important. We’ve got to send the seniors out with a win, it’s a stepping stone to next year, and getting that win for the seniors makes them the most winning class in Mizzou history.”

(on next season starting with this game) “You get the young guys going, get some experience and have fun with it.”

Missouri DB Kevin Rutland
(on playing in front of friends and family) “It definitely heightens the game for me. It’s not often that my family gets to come up and see a game in Missouri. But now that I’m home I’ve got aunts, uncles, friends and family from back home so it’s a big game for me. I’ll probably have a section just for me with them cheering me on. I’ll be a little nervous because I haven’t played in front of them in a long time. I’ll get use to it and start having a good game.”

(on playing Navy) “They’re a very physical team. That’s what they do, they pound the ball, pound the ball, then they might catch you sleeping, throw it up top, and beat you deep. They’re consistent in what they do, they’re steadfast, and with a solid team like that, you have to be on your p’s and q’s or they’re going to get you.”

(on Missouri having a size advantage) “There’s maybe a slight athletic advantage, because of the scholarships, but that doesn’t stop their heart, and I’ve watched their film, and seen them play on the national stage, and they’ve always come to play and bring their A game. So we’re definitely not going to sleep on them.”