Missouri returns with high hopes for a Big 12 title and possibly more. It will do so on the shoulders of third-year starting senior quarterback and Heisman finalist Chase Daniel. Daniel threw for 4,306 yards and 33 touchdowns as a junior. One of his primary targets will be ’07 Freshman All-American Jeremy Maclin, who set the freshman record with 2,776 all purpose yards. While Daniel and Maclin are the faces of the program, the Tigers’ real strength might lie in its defense.
After losing only one starter from last year (safety Pig Brown), the Tigers will be strong—especially in the secondary. 6’1 230-pound senior safety William Moore returns after a stellar year in which he tied for first in the NCAA with 8 interceptions. Look for Moore to head a unit that will be tested against some of the best offenses in the country, including Texas and archrival Kansas.
9. Clemson Tigers (9-4, 5-3 in ACC Atlantic)
It seems like every year that Clemson is destined for a great season before they underachieve and end up playing in a mediocre bowl game in late December. With a program loaded with talent in 2008, that all may change.
Clemson has experience on both sides of the ball. At quarterback, Cullen Harper is a seasoned veteran who may quietly be the best passer on the Atlantic coast. Running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller make up the deadliest one-two punch in the country and Aaron Kelly is a threat at receiver. The issue on offense is whether Clemson has the hogs up front to be a legitimate contender. The loss of tackle Barry Richardson may hurt more than they think.
On defense, Ricky Sapp and true freshman DaQuan Bowers make up what looks to be a dominant pass rushing tandem.
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