Rebuild or Reload? Expectations For Missouri In 2009

Contributor Written on June 19, 2009

SAN ANTONIO - DECEMBER 1: Head coach Gary Pinkel of the Missouri Tigers looks on before a game with the Oklahoma Sooners during the Big 12 Championship at the Alamodome December 1, 2007 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Chase Daniel. Jeremy Maclin. Chase Coffman. William Moore. These were all college superstars, and they all have to be replaced. Can Missouri still contend for a North Division crown after losing so much of their offensive and defensive production? Many pundits say "no." Phil Steele, one of the most accurate college football prognosticators, has the Tigers finishing fifth in the North Division.

Yes, Missouri lost a trainload of exceptional talent. Yes, Missouri lost their offensive and defensive coordinators. But Gary Pinkel and his staff and done a remarkable job of taking recruits that aren't highly ranked, and turning them into all conference players. Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon was regarded by most scouting sites as a two star player. He is now widely considered to be one of the best linebackers in the country.

The fact is, Missouri is loaded with great athletes. Many of them haven't seen real playing time yet, but as the season progresses I would expect the Tigers to have more than a few all-conference players. Players that right now, aren't even being talked about in the football magazines that have started to come out. Players like Brian Coulter, Luke Lambert, and Danario Alexander (if he can stay healthy for a full season) will all be household names in Big 12 country by the season's end.

The biggest key to a successful season will be the quarterback play of Blaine Gabbert. The Tigers will need him to mature at a rate similar to Chase Daniel's sophomore campaign. That year, the Tigers started the season 6-0, but limped to an 8-5 finish. I think most Missouri fans would be pleased with a similar record for '09.

Here's what the Tigers will be facing this year:

Illinois* This is a scary opener for fans of the black and gold. Illinois should carry a preseason top 25 ranking, and will be thinking of revenge against the Tigers after losing two straight contests. Missouri is still too young at this point, and it will show in the opener.

Illinois 38 Missouri 27

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written on June 19, 2009 Preview/Prediction

Bleacher Report has a featured columnist opening for Missouri Tigers Football.

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Rebuild or Reload? Expectations For Missouri In 2009

Joseph Karel

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