The Zou: Tracking Mizzou in '08

The Tigers opened up the season with a win over Illinois, the 20th ranked team in the land.  So here is an overview of each position's performance for the Tigers.

QB:  Chase Daniel looked great in his senior season debut, but he did look a tad rusty at times.  He threw a pick six early, but overall played very well.

HB:  Definitely a plus for the Tigers.  Derrick Washington played tremendously against the very strong Illini front seven and almost averaged seven yards a carry with 19 carries for 130 yards.  Jimmy Jackson also played a very good backup role, getting five carries and 40+ yards.

OL:  The offensive line came into this game with a few questions, and they had one of the nation's best front seven.  The first play, the left side (the questioned side) didn't look so good as an Illini was in the backfield.  After that play, they were no real issues with this line.  They blocked great for the runners, and quarterback Chase Daniel, helping this offense to score 52 points in the season opener.

WR/TE:  The wide receivers looked just fine, even without Danario Alexander, who is out with an injury.  Tommy Saunders caught two touchdown passes while Jared Perry took advantage of the Illini double coverage on Maclin.  Maclin didn't do much as a receiver, but he changed the game in his return skills.  Chase Coffman showed why he is an All-America candidate, having a big day catching the ball.  He had a ridiculous play, breaking multiple tackles and jumping over, that's right, over an Illini defender while he was slightly bent at the knees.

DL:  The defensive line looked pretty good, returning three starters.  They looked good against the run and got good pressure on Juice Williams.  Styker Sulak had a blocked extra point and three sacks.  This kid is one of the most underrated pass rushers in the league, if not the nation.

LB:  The linebackers looked pretty good as well, not allowing the runners to get through them.  They really did great containing Juice Williams.