SEC Football: Why SEC Fans Should Be Excited for Missouri Football

It's one of the most fiercely debated topics we've had in the SEC in recent memory. Should the SEC expand? Do the new additions fit? Will they be pushovers?  

We've already gone through the on-the-field outlook for Texas A&M and Missouri, but is that enough for fans of the 12 current SEC institutions to embrace expansion? In Missouri's case—at least for this season—it should be.

The reason? A veteran offense, plain and simple.

Missouri comes to the SEC with a long track record of offensive success. In three of the last five years, the Tigers have finished the season in the Top 15 nationally in total offense. Head coach Gary Pinkel and offensive coordinator David Yost have built a machine in Columbia, and now it's time to test their wares against the best competition in the country.

I know, I know...prior to this season they played in the Big 12, and defense in that conference is optional. That's a cliche, but in this case, it's also true. Nine of the 10 teams in the Big 12 finished ranked 55th or worse in total defense in 2011, while half of the 12-team SEC finished in the Top 20.  

That doesn't mean that the Tigers will fall flat on their face when they go up against the SEC.

One of the primary reasons that the Tigers will be successful is quarterback James Franklin. The junior from Corinth, Tex. is the best player you've never seen. As a sophomore, in his first season as Missouri's starting quarterback, Franklin threw for 2,865 yards and 21 touchdowns as well as rushing for 981 yards and 15 touchdowns. Those are Cam-Newton-like numbers.

He will have some help too. Senior T.J. Moe will return as Franklin's primary receiving threat and super-recruit Dorial Green-Beckham will step in and be productive almost immediately.

Running back Henry Josey rushed for 1,268 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He's nursing a knee injury, but whether it's Josey or senior Kendial Lawrence toting the rock for the Tigers, the running game is in good hands.

It's okay to be critical of the Tigers. The Big 12 has a horrible defensive reputation, so cynicism should be expected. But seeing how the Tigers adjust to the SEC should be very interesting.

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