2009 College Football Predictions: Missouri Tigers

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2009 College Football Predictions

Missouri Tigers

2008 Record: (10-4, 5-3)
Coach: Gary Pinkel, 9th year (59-40)
Off. Coordinator: David Yost (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Dave Steckel (1st year)
Returning Starters: 10 (5 offense, 4 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: The Missouri Tigers will have their work cut out for them on offense as they must replace Chase Daniel, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and tight end Chase Coffman. They also have a new coordinator in David Yost. That puts pressure on sophomore Blaine Gabbert, the new qb who is 6-5, 235-at least five inches taller than Daniel. He has a big arm and all the intangibles, but does not have Daniels’ leadership or experience. Junior RB Derrick Washington will have to have an even bigger season than last year, when he rushed for 1,036 yards and 17 TDs in a passing offense. This season, expect the Tigers to have a more balanced offense. Senior WR Jared Perry leads a trio of sophomores who emerged as playmakers in the spring. The O-line returns three starters including left tackle Elvis Fisher (6-5, 300).

Defense: The Tigers return just four starters on defense and just one on the defensive line. That one returner is senior NT Jaron Baston (6-3, 305). Junior Carl Gettis returns at corner, but struggled some last year after having an excellent freshman season. Kevin Rutland is expected to start at the other corner spot after an excellent spring. This team, inexperienced or not, has to find a way to improve against the pass. They ranked 117th last year against the pass.

Outlook: Expect a sharp decline this year, but this system is in place and they are in a weak division to make a bowl game. They’ll have to rely on Washington and the offensive line to put up points and hope they stop somebody.

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