Luther Burden III calls for more recognition for Missouri football program

Missouri‘s 27-21 win over Boston College in Week 3 was the only ranked matchup on Saturday. However, the game wasn’t broadcast on ABC or ESPN but instead relegated to the SEC Network. After the game, Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III sourly addressed the decision.

“To me, it’s disrespectful to not have us on the big stage with the big TV cameras and stuff,” Burden said. “I took that personal, and I’m pretty sure everybody else in that locker room took it personal. We ain’t going nowhere. We’re here to stay.”

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Although Missouri posted an 11-2 record last season and is currently the No. 7 team in the country, it still isn’t viewed as a powerhouse program. Burden believes it’s time for college football fans around the nation to get used to the Tigers gracing their screens.

He certainly put on a show for any lucky viewers on Saturday, amassing six receptions for a game-high 117 yards and a touchdown. On Thursday, Burden made an appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show” and the SEC Network analyst gave Burden a chance to further explain his comments.

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“I just wanted to let everyone know that Missouri needs to be showcased a little bit more instead of just [on the] SEC Network,” Burden said. “I feel like we’ve worked so hard to get to the point we’re at. And, I feel like we should be recognized at the highest level.”

Burden has been pivotal in Missouri’s growth. As a freshman in 2022, Burden immediately made an impact, playing in all 13 of the team’s games and making 10 starts. Alas, Missouri hadn’t turned the tides yet and finished the season with a mere 6-7 record.

The 2023 campaign was a different story largely thanks to Burden’s efforts. The sophomore WR exploded for 1,212 receiving yards, the second-most in the SEC and ninth-most in the country. He was named an All-SEC First Team member and Second-Team All-American.

Off to another excellent start, Luther Burden III wants Missouri to receive the respect he believes it deserves. For now, he’ll simply have to keep proving his naysayers wrong. On Saturday, the SEC Network will again host Missouri’s game against Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt is 2-1 this season and will provide a difficult test for Missouri’s receivers. While Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz knows Vanderbilt will be challenging, he’s more worried about his team.

“It’s going to be a real challenge for us,” Drinkwitz said on Tuesday. “It’s really, it’s not about our opponent, it’s about us and our approach and how much better we can improve. How much more disciplined and consistent we can be in all three phases in the ownership that we take to that.”