The 2005 Independence Bowl, the 30th in the history of the College Football bowl game, saw the Missouri Tigers

Missouri Tigers

The Missouri Tigers athletics programs include the extramural and intramural sports teams of the University of Missouri, located in Columbia, Missouri, United States...

 of the Big 12

Big 12 Conference

The Big 12 Conference is a college athletic conference of ten schools located in the Central United States, with its headquarters located in Las Colinas, a community in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Irving...

 overcome a 21-0 deficit late in the first quarter to defeat the SEC

Southeastern Conference

The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...

's South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina Gamecocks

The University of South Carolina's 19 varsity sports teams are known as the "Gamecocks". The unique moniker is held in honor of Thomas Sumter, a South Carolina war hero who was given the name "The Carolina Gamecock" during the American Revolution for his fierce fighting tactics, regardless of his...

, 38-31 in the 30th edition of the bowl game. Quarterback Brad Smith

Brad Smith (American football)

Bradley "Brad" Alexander Smith is an American football quarterback, running back, wide receiver and return specialist for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played college football at Missouri.-High...

and cornerback Marcus King, both of Missouri, were named the offensive and defensive players of the game.