Since Barry Odom took over the Missouri Tigers in 2016, the Tigers haven’t been much better than mediocre. The Tigers are coming off their best season under Odom’s control and have a lot to be excited about in 2019. However, the Tigers are under a bowl ban that will prevent anything of relevance coming out of this season.
Prestige Ranking (If NCAA 20 existed): 3 stars
2018 Record: 8-5 (4-4 in SEC)
Losses came to Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, and Oklahoma State (Liberty Bowl)
Projected Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Although the Tigers lost a lot of offensive production with the departures of Drew Lock, Emanuel Hall, and Damarea Crockett, The offense has reloaded and looks to have one of the best seasons in recent Mizzou history. Larry Roundtree III is back to replace Crockett and might be the best running back in the SEC. He’ll fly under the radar nationally, but is an explosive running back who will wreak havoc in the SEC East.
Albert Okwuegbunam is also back and remains one of the best tight ends in college football. He struggled with injuries in 2018 but is back to full strength and poised to put up All-American numbers with Kelly Bryant at quarterback.
Jonathan Johnson and Jalen Knox are both in a good spot to have breakout 2019 seasons. With Emanuel Hall gone, there’s an opening for playmakers out wide and both Johnson and Knox have the skillset to disrupt opposing secondaries.
They also bring back three starters on O-line including All-SEC guard
Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms. The blocking up front should be solid opening up a lot of holes for Roundtree and giving Bryant a lot of time.
Defense: 4
The Missouri defense should be stout despite the loss of key contributors. Seems like we have a theme going here with Mizzou. The defensive line brings back a lot of experience without bringing back many starters.
The linebacker core is in a similar position. Cale Garrett leads the linebackers and is a tackling machine. He has 264 career tackles and will finish close to 300 for his career.
The strength of this defense is in the secondary where they return essentially everyone. DeMarkus Acy and Christian Holmes hold down the cornerback position while they return four talented safety’s in Ronnell Perkins, Khalil Oliver, Joshuah Bledsoe, and Tyree Gillespie. The Tiger defense should be able to compete with everyone in the SEC and will be a great compliment to their offense.
Special Teams: 1
Kicker Tucker McCann returns as the Tigers kicker and will also take over punting duties in 2019.
Key Losses:
Drew Lock, Damarea Crockett, Emanuel Hall, Nate Brown, Paul Adams, Kevin Pendleton, Terry Beckner Jr, Terez Hall, Corey Fatony
Missouri lost a lot on both sides of the ball. Most teams wouldn’t be able to recover from losing that much production, but the Tigers have reloaded and are ready to step up and fill in the holes.
Key Newcomer – Offense: Kelly Bryant
This is a no brainer. Kelly Bryants play will determine what kind of season Mizzou has. He has already proven once that he is capable of replacing well- respected career starters and is looking to prove himself again. At Clemson, Bryant lead the Tigers back to the College Football Playoff just one year after losing Deshaun Watson. Bryant is a proven leader and a proven winner and it should be an exciting year in Columbia with him under center.
Key Newcomer – Defense: Sci Martin Jr
Martin is a JUCO transfer who will immediately find time on Missouri’s defensive front. The Tigers struggled mightily with pass rush in 2018 and Martin will be part of their plan to get to the quarterback in 2019. Martin tallied 36 tackles and 6.5 sacks during a 12-0 season at Eastern Mississippi Community College.
Breakout Player of the Year: Jonathan Johnson
Johnson has to replace Emanuel Hall and Nate Brown. Johnson has 124 career catches and will more than likely to Kelly Bryants number one receiver. While defenses are keying on Larry Roundtree and the running game, look for Johnson to get his opportunities from play-action.
Wins Conference If:
I’m actually really high on this Mizzou team and I don’t think it would be a shock for them to win the SEC East. However, because of their postseason ban, they won’t be able to win the conference. It doesn’t take a rogue tutor to do that math for you.
Circle this game on the calendar: Nov 16 vs Florida
Mizzou has had Florida’s number for the last few seasons and if the Tigers live up to the hype this could be a huge matchup. This game has SEC championship game implications written all over it,
Alcohol Prediction: Tequilla
This one is coming from Mizzou fan Drew Ritter. “When you drink it you’re in for a good time or you’re going to wonder why you ever decided to drink it in the first place.” This team can be really fun or the expectations can send you home crying.
Outlook:
I expect Mizzou to be really good this year. With Kelly Bryant and Larry Roundtree staring on offense and a stout defense to back them up, I could see the Tigers competing for a playoff spot if they were eligible. Missouri football should be fun to watch again and 10-2 isn’t off the table.
AUG 31 at Wyoming W
SEPT 7 vs West Virginia W
SEPT 14 vs Southeast Missouri W
SEPT 21 vs South Carolina W
SEPT 28 vs Troy W
OCT 12 vs Ole Miss W
OCT 19 at Vanderbilt W
OCT 26 at Kentucky W
NOV 9 at Georgia L
NOV 16 vs Florida L
NOV 23 vs Tennessee W
NOV 29 at Arkansas W
