Skinny - Missouri suffers two major personnel losses, but those two could destroy the team. Jeremy Maclin, Mr. Do-it-all, is gone along with the director of Missouri's emergence Chase Daniel. Filling the spots will be quarterback Blaine Gabbert, a former highly touted player, and proven receiver Jared Perry. Gabbert will have a solid supporting cast with Perry, a proven vet, and a touchdown machine at running back in second team All-Big 12 back Derrick Washington. Gabbert won't however have Daniel's safety valve that was Chase Coffman at tight end. Instead his receiving corps features Perry, Danario Alexander, Jerrell Jackson, and TE Andrew Jones. Tommy Saunders, the third leading receiver is also gone from last season. The defense returns first team All-Big 12 threat Sean Weatherspoon, a true tackle machine, average over 10 a game. A terrible pass defense from last season will feature a new bunch of players, and that overhaul is badly needed. Missouri should have a serviceable offense, but after relying on its top 10 talent the last couple seasons the defense is going to need to step up. Missouri will take a step back in the national scene as they recover.
Strength - Running Back
Derrick Washington is a dangerous player and plays behind a solid line. Washington had 17 TDs last season along with 2 receiving ones and had 29 receptions for 277 yards in addition to 1036 rushing yards. With Maclin and his his Harvin-type carries gone, expect Washington's carry count to improve this season as he's very efficient with each carry (5.9) and his back up De'Vion Moore loooked solid as a freshman. Moore (5.6) was solid in his 41 carries last season and should see more carries this season, as the passing attack won't be the strength this year and could play second fiddle to the rushing attack if Pinkel changes the play calling.
Weakness - Secondary
The secondary was atrocious last season. The finished 117th in the nation in pass defense and even though Missouri got screwed by playing Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma State the production for the players was just sad. Carl Gettis is the lone returner at the cornerback position and having 78 tackles from the corner position is not something to necessarily be proud of. Kenji Jackson will start at one safety position after getting a lot of playing time and 4 starts as a true freshman (62 tkls). Hardy Ricks also played considerably last season and will try to bolster the other safety position. Kevin Rutland and ND transfer Munir Prince will battle for the other corner position. Prince is known for his speed which could give him the edge in the job battle.
Key Game - 10/8/09 Nebraska
The Big 12 opener is not a must win, but Missouri must compete. Stealing a win against the Hornhuskers in definitely possible. They will still be adjusting to a new set of linebackers, giving Washington a chance to shine. The game is at home. Missouri's sad pass defense could be disregarded with Nebraska's inexperience at quarterback and having to rely on Helu. If Helu gets going, Weatherspoon matches up well. The match-up is very favorable for the Tigers and could open up the Big 12 North. The Kansas game is not home or away, so Kansas fields no locational advantage. Oklahoma isn't on the schedule and the Baylor game is home. The schedule is favorable, but Mizzou will have a tough opener against Illinois.
Key Player - Blaine Gabbert
This is a pretty obvious selection. Gabbert follows in the footsteps of one of the most productive quarterbacks in the history of Missouri football. Gabbert was a top 10 quarterback coming out of high school, but didn't put up great statistics in very limited action last season. He did play behind two quarterbacks with pro potential, as Chase Patton was one of the top back ups in the country. Gabbert doesn't have all that many weapons at his disposable relatively. Perry is his best option, but thats not even fair when you consider Daniel had Coffman and Maclin. Gabbert will have to show the same stuff he showed in high school if Missouri wants to compete in the shoot-outs the Big 12 is known for.
Impact Freshman - Sheldon Richardson
Predicted Big 12 finish - 3rd (North)
Top 5 Players
1. LB Sean Weatherspoon
2. RB Derrick Washington
3. OL Kurtis Gregory
4. DT Jaron Baston
5. WR Jared Perry
Views
No comments:
Post a Comment