Yup, I suppose conferences once had teams from places with similar cultures. The ACC kind of broke that rule, if it still existed, by having BC and Miami, et al.
Missouri is a different thing for us old timers, but they play hard nosed football and have some talent. Drinkowitz is a very good coach I think. I thought Stoops did well at Kentucky but he may have maxed them out. At least they aren't Vandy now.
South Carolina had a run with Holtz and Spurrier but they seem unable to recruit.