Missouri Football: Previewing the Tigers’ quarterbacks

Under offensive coordinator Josh Heupel, Missouri’s offense looked really good – at times. Part of that was the progression of starting quarterback, Drew Lock, who looked better than he did as a true freshman in 2015. Alas, big things are expected from him this season.

Starter: Drew Lock, Junior

Before the start of the 2016 season, I thought there would be some good things in store for Lock with 21 touchdowns, nine interceptions and 3,500 passing yards.

His actual numbers: 23/10 and 3,399. He has a big arm, always has, but his decision-making last year was…iffy, at times. Still, it was enough for him to be named a team captain.

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Though his overall numbers were good, they were padded by the thrashing of Delaware State and Eastern Michigan. In those games he threw for 852 and 10 touchdowns with no interceptions.

What bothered me most, was he was absolutely dreadful on the road last year. Of the five road games Mizzou played, he threw interceptions in all of them except the season opener at West Virginia. In games at Florida, LSU, Tennessee and South Carolina he threw seven interceptions and a sub-50% completion rate in all of them, except South Carolina.

Some ups and downs are to be expected from a sophomore. But this is the year he needs to really be the guy. He is a former 4-star prospect, so in his third season, it’s time. He has the arm and the smarts to be a great quarterback. It’s time to put it all together.

Prediction for this season: 27 touchdowns, 8 interceptions and 3750 yards.

Backups: Jack Lowary, sophomore and Micah Wilson, Redshirt Freshman

Lowary come to Mizzou last season after spending a year at Long Beach City College (Calif.). Like Lock, he is a pro style quarterback and has a big arm. Should Lock get hurt, I imagine Lowary would be a similar and adequate replacement.

Next: Mizzou football preview: Linebackers

Wilson is much different. He’s the dual threat quarterback in the mold of James Franklin or Maty Mauk. I hope we don’t see him in 2017 (because that means injuries) but he will get his time since Marvin Zanders left.