Missouri Tigers Offense Will Be How Good In 2015?

If you’ve been following Missouri Tigers spring football, you’re likely aware of the many, many questions surrounding the team. Despite a lot of optimism and the SEC East looking once again ripe for the taking, there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical about this team in 2015-16, especially on the offensive side of things.

For one, Mizzou has some holes that need to be filled, most specifically at the wide receiver position. While the concerns here are warranted, it does not mean Mizzou can’t have a fantastic offense next season.

Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Maty Mauk (7) drops back to pass during the second half in the 2015 Citrus Bowl against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Florida Citrus Bowl. Missouri wins 33-17 over Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

In fact, there are some good chances that this offense is great this year.

Mizzou ranked pretty lowly in the 2014 slate. It was near the bottom of the SEC in passing offense and allowed the second most sacks in the conference. There were few games where Missouri could be described as “prolific.”

However, between injuries and disciplinary action with the wide receivers and/or offensive line and the lack of experience on both sides, Mizzou still managed some really decent games as it showed what kind of potential the group has.

With a mature Maty Mauk at quarterback and a stacked offensive line, it won’t matter how young the wide receiving core is; this team is poised for a run.

For good measure, Mauk, who comes in as the second most experience quarterback in the entire SEC, looks to be one of the top performing signal callers in the conference. If he’s able to improve footwork and increase the completion percentage, he could have an epic 2015.

With the offensive line being completely stocked, and led by center Evan Boehm and guard Connor McGovern, Missouri will be a force in the trenches this season. We can expect Mauk will have all kinds of time to throw better passes and use that big arm of his to throw receivers open vertically. He didn’t have that luxury a season ago.

Another attribute this team comes armed with is depth at the running game. With Russell Hansbrough leading the charge this season, Mizzou looks like a team that can cause significant damage on the ground in 2015. Backed up by Ish Witter, who got some experience under his belt last season, and added to with talented transfer Chase Abbington as insurance, there’s no reason to believe Missouri won’t have one of the best rushing attacks in the SEC this year.

Of course, this means that the Tigers playcallers will actually have to use the running game. Last season, the team lacked balance, going pass heavy despite the many holes in the passing game. This year, Mizzou must exploit defenses with the running game and scatter big pass plays from Mauk throughout. If they can achieve that balance, Mizzou has the potential to be one of the best offenses in the league.

Say what you will about the lack of depth at the wide receiver position. Despite that, they will be one of the more potent offenses in the country in 2015, as so long as they use their weapons appropriately.

Mark it down. You heard it here first. The Missouri Tigers offense will be really good this season.

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