Missouri Football: Barry Odom and Tigers prepare for annual ‘Black and Gold’ game

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 27: Head coach Barry Odom of the Missouri Tigers talks with Brandon Lee
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 27: Head coach Barry Odom of the Missouri Tigers talks with Brandon Lee /
facebooktwitterreddit

Football season is a mere four months away, but on Saturday, the Missouri Tigers will play their annual Black and Gold scrimmage in front of thousands.

It’s hard to believe that the Tigers last played a snap of meaningful football about four months ago. It seems like it was so long ago, and now, the Tigers begin their journey into a new season.

In last year’s spring game, the Tigers graded out fairly well. The front end of their season wasn’t so hot, but the latter half of it was more in line with what we had hoped to see throughout the year.

This year, quarterback Drew Lock returns to lead the Tigers’ offense which will be missing some familiar faces, but I’m most intrigued with how new offensive coordinator Derek Dooley will utilize the team’s tight ends and running backs.

More from Truman's Tales

Missouri lost senior running back Ish Witter, who will be replaced by Larry Rountree, III. Rountree and junior running back Damarea Crockett will pair in the back field to give opposing defenses nightmares.

The Tigers are also without wide receiver J’Mon Moore, who graduated, also. There are a number of upper classmen who will look to step up and fill the void left by the former standout receiver.

Being that this will likely be Lock’s last season at Mizzou, I am also intrigued to see how the Tigers’ current stable of quarterbacks will perform. Last year, Lock surpassed his previous passing record, and will look to rival those numbers again, while improving on his timing and accuracy.

NFL teams will be taking a good look at Lock this year, given his talents and arm strength. If he can reign in overthrown passes and improve his timing, then he will be a hot commodity for an NFL team seeking a quarterback in 2019.

Next: Mizzou winning in major sports

Missouri’s Black and Gold game will take place on Saturday at Faurot Field at noon. Parking lots open at 8 am. There’s also a full list of details, so be sure to check that out, and enjoy the game!