Missouri Football 2012: 7 Things That Will Be Different from Last Year

Missouri never seems to be a team that gets a whole lot of national attention. However, this is a program that has averaged almost 10 wins per season for the past five years. 

The Tigers will now be facing a new challenge in 2012, as the team will make its debut in the SEC East this year. 

The transition is shaping up to be a grueling affair, given the fact that Missouri will face one of the toughest schedules in college football this season. 

Still, this is a team that has plenty of top-tier talent on both sides of the ball, and the Tigers could actually end up being one of the biggest surprise squads in college football in 2012. 

While a lot is going to change from last season, this is a team that has the veteran leadership it takes to handle the new challenges that it's sure to face. 

There will be plenty of differences between Missouri's 2011 season and the upcoming 2012 campaign, and here's a look at a few of the main differences to watch out for this year. 

1. QB James Franklin Will Be More Comfortable in the Offense

After standing on the sideline and watching Blaine Gabbert lead Missouri to 10 wins in 2010, James Franklin knew that he was going to have some big shoes to fill this past season. 

Gabbert's successor may not have been able to match his win total, but Franklin actually proved to be an even more dynamic all-around offensive threat in 2011. 

The 6'2'', 225-pound dual-threat quarterback totaled over 3,800 yards of offense and accounted for 36 touchdowns last season. 

The supremely athletic dual-threat signal-caller is one of the most dangerous offensive playmakers in college football, and the scary part is, he's going to be even more comfortable in David Yost's offense this season. 

If Franklin plays up to his potential in 2012, Missouri could really catch the SEC by surprise in its inaugural season in the conference. 

2. Kendial Lawrence Will Be the Team’s Featured Rusher

Given the fact that last year's leading rusher Henry Josey will likely miss the 2012 season as he continues to recover from a devastating knee injury he experienced last November, Missouri's rushing reigns will likely be handed off to Kendial Lawrence in 2012. 

The truth is, if Lawrence didn't crack his fibula at the beginning of last season, we may have never known who Josey was, as it was the 5'9'', 195-pound senior who was all set to be the starter in 2011. 

Now, with Josey likely out, Lawrence will have his chance to really leave his mark on the Missouri offense this season. 

After averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 119 touches last year, Lawrence will now be looking to step his game up and become the big-time producer that he was expected to be coming out of camp last year. 

3. Dorial Green-Beckham Will Be a Huge Offensive Threat

Dorial Green-Beckham was one of the most highly rated high school wide receiver recruits of the last decade, and his impending arrival at Missouri has already caused quite a stir around campus. 

Green-Beckham has the potential to make an immediate impact in 2012, and the 6'6'', 220-pound former 5-star prospect has the chance to be this year's biggest freshman sensation. 

Although T.J. Moe will be the most proven commodity at the wide receiver position for Missouri, D.G.B. appears ready to put together a huge performance of his own this season. 

4. The SEC Competition Will Be Stiffer

With a conference schedule that includes opponents such as Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Texas A&M, there won't be a lot of room to breathe for Missouri in 2012.

While former Big 12 counterpart Texas A&M may have gotten the tougher draw in the SEC West, the Tigers will still have their hands full in their fist season in the East division this season. 

September matchups against the Bulldogs and the Gamecocks will reveal a lot about just how ready this team is to compete with SEC foes. 

5. The Tigers Don’t Have a Proven Tight End

Last year, Michael Egnew was one of the most productive tight ends in college football, as he hauled in 50 passes for 523 yards and three touchdowns. 

Egnew, who was selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft, was a vital part of Missouri's passing attack last year, and his presence will certainly be missed this season. 

The bad news is that Egnew's replacement, Eric Waters, has just two catches on his college resume. 

The 6'4'', 240-pound junior is an intriguing physical specimen, but he's going to have some mighty big shoes to fill in 2012. 

6. Will Ebner Will Be Back

After experiencing a concussion in the season-opener last year, Will Ebner never returned to the field last season. 

After sitting on the sideline for months, Ebner will now be eager to hop back into the lineup in 2012. 

This year, Ebner will man the middle 'backer spot between the talented duo of Andrew Wilson and Zavier Gooden to give Missouri one of the top linebacker trios in the SEC for the upcoming season. The 6'0'', 230-pound senior racked up 146 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in his first three years in a Missouri uniform, and he'll be looking to make up for lost time this season. 

Ebner possesses the instincts, toughness and athleticism to be a standout linebacker in the SEC this year, and it should be fun to watch him fly around the field again in 2012. 

7. Sheldon Richardson Will Be the New Defensive Interior Force

Dominique Hamilton gave Missouri a terrific run-stuffer and penetrator along the defensive front last season, but now that Hamilton's gone, it will be Sheldon Richardson's turn to dominate inside.

Richardson had 37 tackles and two sacks last season and he now looks like he's in store for a true breakout campaign this season. 

The 6'4'', 295-pound junior is a big, athletic tackle who is capable of causing havoc when his motor is revving at full speed. 

Missouri is going to have to face some pretty fierce rushing attacks this season, but if Richardson steps up to the challenge, the Tigers should be able to hold their own against backs like Cameron Marshall, Marcus Lattimore, Eddie Lacy and Christine Michael in 2012.