The Missouri Tigers officially kicked off their 2015 football season last week as spring football got underway in Columbia. And with that, they go right to work on defending their second consecutive SEC East division title.
But things are different at Mizzou. Well, kind of.
Sep 20, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Kentrell Brothers (10) attempts to tackle Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) during the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The same atmosphere is there. The same attitude. The same expectation the team can succeed. It has all carried over from 2014.
Even what hasn’t carried over– like a list of coaches and personnel– is a return to form for Mizzou. The most obvious new arrival, defensive coordinator Bary Odom isn’t new to Missouri Tiger fans at all. He’s a former Mizzou player and coach for the Tigers. And he brings with him a different system, an alternative style, and yet a strong sense of familiarity.
Other changes will make their presence known. Losses to key defensive players Shane Ray, Markus Golden and on offense, Bud Sasser and Marcus Murphy. Odom also recruited Ryan Walters with him from Memphis to coach Mizzou’s secondary.
But Mizzou brings back its starting quarterback, it’s likely team MVP Kentrell Brothers and of course, the all time winningest coach in program history, Gary Pinkel. The Tigers are primed to be, once again, winners of their division.
But that’s not enough.
This team is hungry for more. The Missouri Tigers want their first ever league championship. The Missouri Tigers want their first ever National Championship.
It all comes in baby steps. For right now, are three things to watch for as Mizzou begins spring football.
1. Who Will Play Wide Receiver?
While the wide receiver position is, like last year, the biggest offensive question mark for the Tigers, it shouldn’t scare Tiger fans anymore that they won’t find a way to fill departing players’ shoes. Mizzou has a recent track record for filling the position quite nicely thanks to bringing in talented recruits.
With the losses of Bud Sasser, Jimmi Hunt and Darious White, Mizzou will have to make do with only one guy with sure star power in Nate Brown. Many expect Brown to be an offensive MVP for the Tigers. But who else will step into those spots?
Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) and Missouri Tigers defensive back Aarion Penton (11) reach for the ball in the end zone during the second half in the 2015 Citrus Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Missouri wins 33-17 over Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Only two other guys on the team had catches last year, Wesley Leftwich and D’mon Moore, who combined for just 5 catches total. So the rest of the crew will be as raw as ever. I expect redshirt freshman DeSean Blair to be a regular on this team. He could be the Tigers’ go-to off the bench if he plays to or above his potential. He showed flashes last spring. Keep your eyes on the walk-ons Eric Laurent and Jake Brents as well.
For more on the wide receiver position, check out our positional preview.
2. What Changes With Bary Odom As Defensive Coordinator?
It’s always interesting when a new coach comes in, especially one as significant as the defensive coordinator. While Odom has coached on this staff before, he and former DC Dave Steckel are two different people, thus there will likely be a different look.
Odom likes to spread his players out more at all points on the field. He puts an emphasis on the defensive secondary (which benefits the Tigers this year; their two best players are at Linebacker (Brothers) and cornerback (Aarion Penton). Expect a different look. While I’m sure Mizzou will be just as tormenting in the trenches with its pass rush, this year’s team will for sure be able to stop the pass better than it did a year ago.
3. Who will emerge as the special teams play maker?
With losing the reigning SEC special teams player of the year in Marcus Murphy to graduation, this position is up in air. So far, it looks like defensive secondary player John Gibson will be the one to return kicks starting out, backed up by Anthony Sherrils who is listed as the starting punt returner. J’mon Moore will likely be in on special teams on both sides to help out returning efforts. But it will be interesting to see if any one of them becomes the big time play maker. Keeping in mind that Mizzou brought in some talented young recruits and have a plethora of redshirted potential specialists, this could be anyone’s game.
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