Mizzou 2015 Preview: Southeast Missouri Redhawks

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the first in a series of articles that will preview the entire 2015 Mizzou football schedule from beginning to end. Today we start with an in-state foe, the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks. Normally, I’m opposed to the idea of playing a game like this. You stand to gain very little with a win, and could lose an immense amount of local respect that could damage in-state recruiting with a loss.

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But, the game is being played, something I must get over. So we look forward to the FCS school from Cape Girardeau heading north and attempting to pull the upset of the year.

SEMO, as they’re known around Missouri, aren’t coming to Columbia with the mentality that most FCS teams might come in with. The Redhawks have two 1st Team All-Americans on the FCS level, something that you might disregard based on the level of play. But when one of those is a kicker who hit multiple field goals greater than 50 yards, that grabs your attention as a legitimate weapon.

The first team guys are wide receiver Paul McRoberts and their kicker is Ryan McCrum. Throw into the mix that the Redhawks’ top rusher from last season is a 2nd team All-American (again FCS of course) and this is one of the strongest teams that SEMO has fielded in years.

Will it be enough?

What Mizzou Must Do to Win

Be themselves. They’re stacked all around on defense yet again, so moving the ball should be nearly impossible for SEMO. The Tigers must avoid turnovers on offense, but as long as they run their usual strategies, things should add up on the scoreboard nicely.

It’s a Game If…

Mizzou begins committing turnovers and penalties. Essentially a complete breakdown and lapse of judgement by several players. SEMO will also have to have the game of a lifetime, with former Central Michigan quarterback Alex Niznak becoming an absolute field general in his first game with the team. But since none of this is very likely to happen, it’s more of a wish for diehard Redhawks fans than anything.

It Boils Down To…

Maty Mauk. Forget Mauktober, because this time around it’s getting ready to be intense for the whole season. Mauk has had a lot of time under his belt, and he’s also lost in a lot of big games, giving him a lot of added motivation in this past off-season to be the guy holding a conference trophy before everything is said and done. Look for Mauk to make this game a clinic, but obviously against sub-par competition.

Predicted FINAL: SE Missouri 9, Mizzou 56

Obviously, it’s a game of football and anything can happen. But in being realistic, there’s no real chance for SEMO here. The best part of this whole thing will be that these guys from the Cape will be able to play in front of a ton of people, and reasonably close to home. I wish them the best, except on the scoreboard.