Missouri Football Schedule 2012: Breaking Down the Tigers Game by Game

The Missouri Tigers are officially a member of the SEC and will begin their first season this fall with a brutal schedule. This program has held their own in the Big 12 for the most part, but heading to their new home will really test them like never before.

The good news for the Tigers is that they are returning 11 total starters and have a very talented and young team to build around. It's not going to be easy their first year, but they may shock a few teams within the conference.

Here are the early predictions for the Missouri Tigers football schedule.

Vs. Southeastern Louisiana Sept. 1

This is by far the easiest game on the Tigers schedule and it's one of those games that don't even need an explanation. Missouri should win this game easily, but will have to prepare for an extremely tough stretch of games.

Missouri wins: 48-14

Vs. Georgia Sept. 8

Although this game is in Missouri and the crowd will be going nuts to prove that they belong in the toughest conference, it's hard seeing the Tigers win this game.

Georgia is one of the better teams in the SEC and returning nine starters on the defensive side of the ball will make things difficult for James Franklin and company.

Georgia wins: 41-21

Vs. Arizona State Sept. 15

Last season was a disappointing year for Arizona State and they only beat Missouri by a touchdown.

I think this year the victory will go to the Tigers because they're the home team and have more than nine starters returning.

The Sun Devils have to rebuild after losing seven starters on the defensive side of the ball.

Missouri wins: 35-24

At South Carolina Sept. 22

Missouri has won both games the only time these two teams have met, but both of those were on neutral sites.

This game will be played in South Carolina and the Gamecocks have the majority of their starters returning and will have a healthy Marcus Lattimore back.

The Tigers may keep things close in this one, but I like the Gamecocks in this one with the home crowd behind them.

South Carolina wins: 38-27

At UCF Sept. 29

Central Florida is on the rise and will eventually become a team to pay more attention to. I just don't think they're there yet and I do see the Tigers winning a close one. Although a little more consistency and the Knights have a program to watch out for.

Missouri wins: 21-17

Vs. Vanderbilt Oct. 6

Missouri has playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and Vanderbilt does not. The Commodores are also losing six members of a very underrated defense. I'll take the home team as this may be a down year for Vanderbilt after surprising many last year.

Missouri wins: 38-17

Vs. Alabama Oct. 13

Now Alabama does have their fair share of problems they'll have to address this offseason, but I'm not sure even Tigers fans believe their team can pull off this mammoth task.

The Crimson Tide is still one of the top teams in the country and Missouri is just trying to get their feet wet. Maybe in a year or two the Tigers will have a shot, but not this year.

Alabama wins: 35-17

Vs. Kentucky Oct. 27

Kentucky had one of the worst offenses in the country last season and there shouldn't be much of a change this year. Maybe the Wildcats basketball program could help them out in this one? Regardless, I see another victory for the Tigers.

Missouri wins: 45-14

At Florida Nov. 3

Now this is a tricky game because I'm not quite sure which Florida team we're going to get this season. Are they going to play to their potential or will they come out flat and have another disappointing year?

The Gators do return a total of 10 starters from a defense that allowed less than three touchdowns a game and are at home. I'll go with Florida in a close one.

Florida wins: 34-28

At Tennessee Nov. 10

Tennessee hasn't played well the last few years, but they did show a few bright spots last season. They only lost to Georgia by eight and played South Carolina and Florida close.

The game is in Knoxville and the Volunteers are returning a total of 19 starters. Call me crazy, but I think Tennessee is a team to watch out for in the SEC this season.

Tennessee wins: 35-28

At Texas A&M Nov. 24

And then the game between the two newbies of the SEC.

Missouri did beat the Aggies last year and I think they'll be able to pull off the minor upset once again. Texas A&M does have a coaching staff and has to find an answer at the quarterback position.

I'll take a young and skilled Tigers team over a veteran team that has a few question marks and is going through a transition.

Missouri wins: 28-17

Randy Chambers is a B/R featured columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail].