Tigers Out Of The Cage

For the first time this season, the 2010 Mizzou Tigers hit the practice field in Columbia. The Tigers will have 23 practices and three scrimmages before their first game on September 4th in St. Louis against Illinois.

The first three practices are something to watch, as the players are in helmets, but no pads. This is the time for head coach Gary Pinkel and his staff to get an idea of just how fast the players are before they suit up in full pads next week.

Some players to watch will be a slimmer version of running back Derrick Washington. Also, this will be the second year of Blaine Gabbert at the helm of the Mizzou offense.

Staying on the offensive side of the ball, there are some questions about who Gabbert will be throwing the ball too. Danario Alexander has graduated opening the door for Wes Kemp, Rolandis Woodland, and Jerrell Jackson.

Other receivers like T.J. Moe and L'Damian Washington could mean Gabbert will have many weapons at his disposal.

For Mizzou, this is a season, where much like last year, they are being picked to finish second in the Big 12 North behind Nebraska. Incidentally, in the first USA Today Coaches poll of the season, the Huskers are ranked ninth while Mizzou is 36th.

Mizzou will open the season against Illinois once again at the Edward Jones Dome. Last year, it was a dominating win for the Tigers. Expect much of the same this time around, as Illinois is worse at several key positions then they were last year.

After that, the Tigers will really not be tested. They will come back to Faurot Field for games against McNeese State, San Diego State, Miami of Ohio and then the conference opener against Colorado.

While you can never say that any game is a sure win, see last season against Bowling Green, most of these games should show that Mizzou is a very powerful offensive team. The true question will remain with the secondary.

This group has been under the microscope since the 2008 season. Last year was no different as it appeared at times, teams could score through the air at will against Mizzou.

This season, there is no row of death games like last year that sent the Tigers to three straight losses. But Mizzou will have to play Oklahoma at home before hitting the road to take on Nebraska and Texas Tech.

Mizzou will then come back to Columbia to take on Kansas State for the final home game of the year. They then hit the road for Ames and a game against Iowa State before heading to Arrowhead and a battle with Kansas.

So when the dust has settled, what will their record be come November, 10-2, 9-3, 8-4? While it is way to early to even think about that, it is for certain Pinkel will work hard to get the Tigers ready for another season.

Stay tuned.