Truman's Tales
Fansided

Missouri Football: Barry Odom’s approval rating could use a boost

By Eric Quackenbush

Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Barry Odom leaves the field after the loss to the Kentucky Wildcats at Faurot Field. Kentucky won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Barry Odom leaves the field after the loss to the Kentucky Wildcats at Faurot Field. Kentucky won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Missouri football coach Barry Odom will start his second season for the Tigers this fall. Where do you rate his performance?

A lot goes into rating a coach’s performance; obviously, winning (or lack thereof) is the biggest reason, next to recruiting. In his first two seasons as head coach, Odom has struggled, but it’s early.

Typically, any person in a high-profile position needs more than a season or two to prove his or her mettle. Depending on the situation, a fair average is three years to prove one’s worth.

Entering his second (full) season as Missouri’s coach, Odom has compiled a dismal record of 4-8. Let’s toss his first half season (2015) aside.

More from Truman's Tales

In 2016, the Tigers’ conference record improved from 1-7 in 2015 to 2-16. However, its season-long win total decreased from 5-7 to 4-8.

If Missouri’s game planning and win totals don’t improve in 2017, the athletic department may be in search of a new head coach in 2018. While I don’t wish that on Odom, it could be a stark reality.

So where does Odom rate among fans at this point in his short tenure as head coach? SEC Country’s Missouri site is running a poll, and it seems that for the most part, fans approve of his overall body of work.

I don’t disagree with that assessment, but the reality is, the honeymoon is over this fall. To use an adage from a former teacher of mine, it’s time for Odom to either put-up, or shut-up. Here’s to a successful 2017 season for Odom.

Missouri is informally known as “D-Line Zou.” Over the last decade, or thereabout, the Tigers have consistently produced quality defensive linemen who have led successful careers in the NFL.

According to 247Sports, the Tigers’ run of defensive line stars should continue in 2017. Missouri’s recent string of success producing defensive line talent includes Sheldon Richardson, Shane Ray, and Charles Harris. Check out who should be next in line to dominate the line for the Zou.

The Tigers have signed three tight ends, now the question is, how will offensive coordinator Josh Huepel integrate them into his system? 

"An offensive coordinator rarely gets to deploy his entire offense in his first season, so we’ll see what Heupel wants to do with this deep, interesting, still-not-incredibly-proven unit. Considering Mizzou has signed three tight ends in the last two years, and considering last year’s 50 catches from the group were the highest in years, you figure he’s got something in mind. He’s got Blanton for a couple more years and at least three more guys in the chamber for a while. Let’s see what he does with them."

Next: 5 Tigers breaking out in 2017

With Mizzou potentially fielding three tight ends in 2017 (probably not simultaneously), it ensures that the Tigers have a solid rotation among the team’s receivers.

Home/Football