The Mizzou Tigers won eight games last year in a season that had many ups and downs. 16 starters return from that group including Davey O'Brien watch list QB Blaine Gabbert. Nebraska is the clear cut favorite in the North division, but Missouri has enough talent to challenge for the title. Rumors swirled in the off-season that the Tigers might bolt for the Big Ten. Ultimately, they decided to stay and look to make the most of that decision. Odds currently sit at +300 for Missouri to win the Big 12 North division.
Mizzou was one of the first schools to install a true spread offense. QBs Brad Smith and Chase Daniel left as the top two passers in school history thanks to Gary Pinekl's system. Blaine Gabbert has a powerful arm that aired it out 445 times in 2009 for 3,593 yards and could be the most talented of the bunch. Derrick Washington is more than capable of carrying the load in the backfield. The Senior will try to regain his form from two years ago when he eclipsed the 1000 yard mark and scored 17 tds. The biggest question on offense is who will fill the void left at the receiver position. WR Danario Alexander (113 catches 14 scores) used up his eligibility after having a career year. Jared Perry graduated also taking away Gabbert's top two options from last season. Sophomore Jerrell Jackson will likely become the go to guy after a 37 catch Sophomore campaign. The Tigers have a stable of wide receivers that can be plugged in, but don't expect much production from the tight end position. The kicking game is solidified by Grant Ressel and his record breaking performance in 2009 (hit 26 of 27 field goals).
Mizzou's defense struggled against the pass last year giving up over 250 yards per game. The secondary is completely in tact led by FS Jasper Simons and should improve on those numbers. Aldon Smith is a Preseason All-American candidate who produced 11.5 sacks from his end position. It will be tough to replace three time 1st team All Big 12 linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and his 111 tackles. Defensive coordinator Dave Steckel will lean on the experience of Andrew Gachkar and Will Ebner while looking for production from Sophomore Zaviar Gooden. USC transfer Josh Tatum could also see considerable action if given the opportunity. If this side of the ball overachieves and matches the high octane offense, the Tigers will be a major contender in the North division.
The non-conference schedule is pretty light other than their annual Border War match-up with Illinois (5-0 all time against the Illini). They face Oklahoma and Nebraska back-to-back in late October in games that could be make or break. If they split these two, I see Mizzou winning 9 games and possibly sneaking by Nebraska for the Big 12 North Title.
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