Missouri Football: 10 Things to Expect from the Black & Gold Spring Game

The Missouri Tigers have been sweating it out long enough and it's about that time to showcase what they've improved on throughout those spring practices. The spring game will take place on April 14 and is a chance for every player to prove themselves in a game like atmosphere what they're capable of.

The spring game is just a warm-up for the team to see what they need to work on and where their strengths are. It's also a chance for players at the bottom of the depth chart to improve their ranking on the team. Overall it should be very beneficial for everybody and answer a few questions head coach James Franklin and company had going into it.

Here are 10 things to expect for the Missouri Tigers spring game.

New Uniforms

The Missouri Tigers will begin a new tradition in the SEC that will include new uniforms. 

"Some of their stuff's a little bit, I shouldn't say bizarre, it's not the right word, but it's a little bit out there, you know?" Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel said.

The main changes to the uniforms will include new helmets. (As you see in the photo) Word is still out if these changes will help the Tigers play better or not. I guess we'll find out a bit in the spring game.

More Four WR Sets

The Tigers aren't exactly deep at the tight end position, and with the recent injury to Eric Waters, you'll likely see more four wide receiver sets run in the spring game. Waters had surgery on an injured MCL and will obviously miss the spring game, but should be back by the time the regular season kicks off.

There is only one other tight end on this roster under scholarship and that's Bud Sasser. Look for Gahn McGaffie to play a wide receiver/tight end position until Waters is completely healthy.

Michael Sam to Lock Up His Starting Spot at DE

Michael Sam enters his junior season and is making sure that he'll end up being a full-time starter this season. After sharing playing time and finishing his sophomore season with 29 tackles and 1.5 sacks, he's showing in practice that he's capable of much more.

A 3-star recruit coming out of high school, Sam is a very athletic defensive end and gets to the quarterback in a hurry. In one of the most recent scrimmages, the defensive lineman from Houston, TX finished with three sacks. Watch for him to have a strong spring game and hold off promising players such as Kony Elay and Shane Ray.

Lucas Vincent to Lock Up DT

The Tigers lost three key players along the defensive line so it's important that they figure out who's going to fill those holes. One of the defensive tackle positions may have already found its starter in Lucas Vincent, who's had a terrific spring and is great shape.

"I knew once Dominique and Terrell left, I'd have a big role to fill," Vincent said.

Vincent is a strong kid who gained 15 pounds in the last few months to be able to play the position at a high level. He also got much faster as he runs the 40 in the 4.8 range, which is fantastic for somebody who weighs nearly 300 pounds. Look for him to be a big part of this line as the Tigers need a strong front playing in the SEC.

Corbin Berkstresser to Play Well

With quarterback James Franklin going down with an injury, quarterback Corbin Berkstresser is his replacement for now. He's a confident quarterback, who is capable of beating you with his strong arm or using his legs. He's improving every day in practice and is turning some of the coaches into believers.

"Corbin did some really good things," coach Gary Pinkel said. "He's coming along. It's really good to see him improve. Certainly there were some mistakes in clock planning, some things like that. There were some great lessons there."

Now this doesn't mean there will be a quarterback controversy when Franklin returns, but it should make Tiger fans more comfortable knowing they have a solid quarterback when the junior quarterback can't go or is no longer on the roster.

Marcus Murphy to Make a Play or Two

With injuries to the running back position, there are opportunities at the bottom of the depth chart. One of those players I'm looking to step up is running back Marcus Murphy who is listed fourth on the depth chart. He played a little bit his freshman year and averaged over eight yards a carry and scored two touchdowns before injuring his shoulder.

This spring he is healthy and has broken off several big plays, including a 20 yard run in one of the scrimmages and recently a 62 yard touchdown run. He's also getting some looks at punt return as well.

Murphy could become one of the X-factors for this offense this season, especially with that world class speed he has.

Will Ebner to Show Tiger Fans That He's Ready to Go

Will Ebner had a great season his sophomore year racking up 78 tackles and three sacks. But his senior season came and he got hurt in the first game, forcing him to redshirt and receive a fifth year of eligibility. Now he's back on the field and is focusing on getting back to where he used to be on the field.

“Just to get better every day,” said Ebner, talking about his goals for the spring via Scout.com  “And, work on the fundamentals.  That’s what everything comes down to, the fundamentals.”

Ebner had an interception in one of the more recent scrimmages and is stopping running backs in the backfield for losses. It's safe to say that he is quickly improving and regaining form, which is great for the Tigers if they expect to compete this season.

Jack Meiners to Make an Easy Transition

Jack Meiners has played just about every position at Missouri and even started as a true freshman back in 2009. He spent majority of his time at left guard last season, but will switch over to the right side, hoping to replace the Tigers top offensive lineman in Austin Wuebbels. Although many offensive linemen may struggle with the switch, Meiners is actually surprisingly comfortable.

“I know I played left guard last year,” Meiners told Scout.com “But, I just feel like right side is my stronger side. I played right side since I was about ten years old maybe. That’s just the side that I feel more comfortable on.”

Mieners was a solid offensive lineman last season for the Tigers and should have no problem playing the new position. He's done a fabulous job in spring and you can expect that to continue during the spring game and throughout his senior year.

Not Many Starters Involved

Despite the few injuries to some of the starters, you're likely not going to see the healthy starters play much in the spring game either.

“(The spring game) is more for show,” senior wide receiver T.J. Moe said. “The starters only play 10-15 plays in the spring game. I’ll be sitting on the sideline the last three quarters."

That may not sound like much fun to the fans that would like to see the starters put on a great performance, but getting out of the spring healthy as possible is a victory in itself.

Solid Spring Performance

Overall the Tigers should have a solid spring performance that includes a lot of positives for what it's worth. There are things to get excited about on both sides of the ball and talented players that can develop into difference makers.

The spring game won't likely show much as it'll consist of mostly backups, but most Tiger fans should leave feeling very optimistic about their chances in their first year in the SEC.