Truman's Tales
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Missouri football ranked last in 2017 SEC power rankings

By Eric Quackenbush

Oct 3, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Evan Boehm (77) looks down the line before the play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Faurot Field. The Tigers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Evan Boehm (77) looks down the line before the play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Faurot Field. The Tigers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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When it comes to power rankings, one day, Missouri will at least find itself “somewhere in the middle” of the SEC. As long as Alabama, LSU, and Auburn are around though, that feat seems unlikely.

Last week, ESPN provided its post-spring game power rankings for all 14 SEC football programs. While I can’t argue that the top three spots are occupied by ‘Bama, LSU, and Auburn, I don’t agree that Missouri should fall dead-last, either.

For the Tigers, starting at the bottom of the power rankings isn’t a terrible imposition. They can only improve, and they have the talent and resources to climb out of the hole they’re in.

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On the other hand, it’s preseason power rankings, which really just give us an idea of where Mizzou stands, comparatively speaking. It’s not the end-all, be-all of where the Tigers can finish.

While Missouri turned in a stinker of a season in 2016, they weren’t completely devoid of talent.

The 2017 recruiting season has gone well-enough for Mizzou, and the Tigers return a number of players on offense.

Probably the most notable player returning to the field is running back Damerea Crockett. He is the Missouri’s workhorse on the ground.

Complementary to Crockett is Ish Witter, but Mizzou also has a stable of running backs, including Dawson Downing, that could work some time into the rotation, allowing for fresh legs.

SB Nation’s, Roll ‘Bama Roll, indicated the strong possibility of “Missouri as a dark horse in the conference.” While Missouri won’t win most of its games decidedly, it will field enough talent to keep the Tigers in the game, and hopefully win some close ones.

The biggest question mark for Missouri, is on defense; the Tigers lost play makers in Aarion Penton and Charles Harris to the NFL.

Mizzou also lost some of the big guys up front, but may already have the answers on the roster, which was showcased during the spring game.

While my way-too-early football predictions have Missouri finishing with a very generous eight-win season, I do believe that they should be able to pull off a six-win season. Barring a complete implosion, six wins is a very real expectation. Eight wins would be a nice surprise, though.

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