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FPRC's 2014 Missouri Tigers Football Preview
Posted on 8/24/14 at 3:25 pm
Posted on 8/24/14 at 3:25 pm
The Mizzou delegation to the FPRC presents to tRant...
The 2014 Missouri Tigers Football Preview
2013 Record and Recap
12-2 (7-2)
It was the best of times, it was the wor... No, it was really a great season for Mizzou. Mizzou had the breakout year everyone had hoped for in 2012, winning the east before losing to Auburn in the SECG. They were one goal post away from finishing the regular season undefeated. The Tigers rebounded from the loss to Auburn in the SEC championship game to defeat former Big 12 foe, Oklahoma State 41-31 in the Cotton Bowl.
Analysis of Offense
Mizzou returns some very solid pieces from last year's offense, but in other areas it's time for some young guys to step up. That starts with this man right here...
Quarterback
Maty Mauk (RSSO)
- While not the starter all season, Mauk did start 4 games for the Tigers last year. Mauk worked on his accuracy in the off season and it showed in the spring. The one thing Mauk doesn’t lack is confidence. He is fearless on the field and there is no question that he is the offense’s leader. Anticipate many highlight reel plays from Mauk all year, both to the delight and heartache of Mizzou fans. Behind Mauk are Corbin Berkstresser (JR) who played significantly in 2012 following a Franklin injury and highly thought of RSFR Eddie Printz.
Running Back
Russell Hansbrough (JR), Marcus Murphy(SR), Morgan Steward(RSSO)
- Mizzou has a history of using a three headed attack in the running game. Despite losing Henry Josey, the Tigers return Hansbrough and Murphy, who were equally effective as Josey. While those two move up, look for Steward to slide into the 3rd spot in the rushing attack. Steward is a bigger back than the other two, but still has explosive speed.
A more recent development during the fall has seen Murphy practicing with the wide receivers and if he is moved into that spot, look for Pinkel to play one of the freshmen, Walters or Witter in the three headed running attack. Both really impressed in the first fall scrimmage. In the recent past, Pinkel has used one true freshman in this role and wouldn’t be surprised to see him do it again.
Wide Receiver
Bud Sasser(SR), Jimmie Hunt(SR), Darius White(SR), Wesley Leftwich (JR), J’Mon Moore(RSFR), Nate Brown(FR)
- Last year Mizzou’s depth was plentiful. So, while they clearly lost a lot of production in DGB, Lucas and Washington, they still return talented playmakers. Sasser has the most experience and the most production and look for him to lead the group. Hunt and White will have more opportunities this year and have the talent to take advantage of it. It is more unknown after those three. Leftwich has speed to burn but has never been able to avoid the injury bug. Look for significant contributions from Moore and Brown as the youngsters are highly thought of not just by the staff but also by Mauk. With the loss of backup Copelin, Mizzou may look to play 1 or 2 more true freshmen in addition to Brown.
Tight End
Sean Culkin(SO), Jason Reese(RSFR), Clayton Echard(JR), Austin Ray(RSFR)
- Both Culkin and Reese are more pass receiving TE’s than what Mizzou featured last year. Walk-on Echard is more of a blocking TE. It is uncertain how Austin Ray, formerly on scholarship at Colorado but now a walk on at Mizzou, will fit into the picture. Look for Culkin to take a larger role in the passing game with the WR corp thinned out and Echard to see playing time when the TE is called to block.
Offensive Line
LT – Mitch Morse(SR)
LG – Anthony Gatti(SR)
C – Evan Boehm(JR)
RG – Mitch Hall(JR)
RT – Connor McGovern(JR)
- Mizzou returns plenty of experience on the offensive line, with 4 players with starts under their belt. Though Gatti only started a couple games last year, both he and Hall saw extensive playing time. Evan Boehm is the clear leader of the OL, both on and off the field. Expect to see backups get time at the guard spots and possibly right tackle as they gain experience for future years. Barring injuries, Morse and Boehm will rarely miss time on the field when Mauk is on the field.
The 2014 Missouri Tigers Football Preview
2013 Record and Recap
12-2 (7-2)
It was the best of times, it was the wor... No, it was really a great season for Mizzou. Mizzou had the breakout year everyone had hoped for in 2012, winning the east before losing to Auburn in the SECG. They were one goal post away from finishing the regular season undefeated. The Tigers rebounded from the loss to Auburn in the SEC championship game to defeat former Big 12 foe, Oklahoma State 41-31 in the Cotton Bowl.
Analysis of Offense
Mizzou returns some very solid pieces from last year's offense, but in other areas it's time for some young guys to step up. That starts with this man right here...
Quarterback
Maty Mauk (RSSO)
- While not the starter all season, Mauk did start 4 games for the Tigers last year. Mauk worked on his accuracy in the off season and it showed in the spring. The one thing Mauk doesn’t lack is confidence. He is fearless on the field and there is no question that he is the offense’s leader. Anticipate many highlight reel plays from Mauk all year, both to the delight and heartache of Mizzou fans. Behind Mauk are Corbin Berkstresser (JR) who played significantly in 2012 following a Franklin injury and highly thought of RSFR Eddie Printz.
Running Back
Russell Hansbrough (JR), Marcus Murphy(SR), Morgan Steward(RSSO)
- Mizzou has a history of using a three headed attack in the running game. Despite losing Henry Josey, the Tigers return Hansbrough and Murphy, who were equally effective as Josey. While those two move up, look for Steward to slide into the 3rd spot in the rushing attack. Steward is a bigger back than the other two, but still has explosive speed.
A more recent development during the fall has seen Murphy practicing with the wide receivers and if he is moved into that spot, look for Pinkel to play one of the freshmen, Walters or Witter in the three headed running attack. Both really impressed in the first fall scrimmage. In the recent past, Pinkel has used one true freshman in this role and wouldn’t be surprised to see him do it again.
Wide Receiver
Bud Sasser(SR), Jimmie Hunt(SR), Darius White(SR), Wesley Leftwich (JR), J’Mon Moore(RSFR), Nate Brown(FR)
- Last year Mizzou’s depth was plentiful. So, while they clearly lost a lot of production in DGB, Lucas and Washington, they still return talented playmakers. Sasser has the most experience and the most production and look for him to lead the group. Hunt and White will have more opportunities this year and have the talent to take advantage of it. It is more unknown after those three. Leftwich has speed to burn but has never been able to avoid the injury bug. Look for significant contributions from Moore and Brown as the youngsters are highly thought of not just by the staff but also by Mauk. With the loss of backup Copelin, Mizzou may look to play 1 or 2 more true freshmen in addition to Brown.
Tight End
Sean Culkin(SO), Jason Reese(RSFR), Clayton Echard(JR), Austin Ray(RSFR)
- Both Culkin and Reese are more pass receiving TE’s than what Mizzou featured last year. Walk-on Echard is more of a blocking TE. It is uncertain how Austin Ray, formerly on scholarship at Colorado but now a walk on at Mizzou, will fit into the picture. Look for Culkin to take a larger role in the passing game with the WR corp thinned out and Echard to see playing time when the TE is called to block.
Offensive Line
LT – Mitch Morse(SR)
LG – Anthony Gatti(SR)
C – Evan Boehm(JR)
RG – Mitch Hall(JR)
RT – Connor McGovern(JR)
- Mizzou returns plenty of experience on the offensive line, with 4 players with starts under their belt. Though Gatti only started a couple games last year, both he and Hall saw extensive playing time. Evan Boehm is the clear leader of the OL, both on and off the field. Expect to see backups get time at the guard spots and possibly right tackle as they gain experience for future years. Barring injuries, Morse and Boehm will rarely miss time on the field when Mauk is on the field.
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Posted on 8/24/14 at 3:27 pm to semotruman
Analysis of Defense
Mizzou Plans on Busting In and Making Off with the East Title Again (We have Experience Here)
Next man up. That’s the philosophy that guided the Tigers last year, especially on defense, a year that saw a breakout performance by the unit. But there will be a lot of untested Tigers for Ol’ Mizzou. Time will show whether or not the Tigers Defense is ready for “Next Man Up” in 2014.
Defensive Line
Marcus Golden(SR), Shane Ray(JR), Matt Hoch(SR), Josh Augusta(SO), Evan Winston(SO), Lucas Vincent(SR), Harold Brantley(SO)
Rising Stars: If there’s an heir apparent for the new Tiger sack king, it’s probably Markus Golden (Preseason 3rd team All-SEC). He showed flashes of great athleticism from the DE spot last year, racking up 6.5 sacks while only playing 40% of the snaps. Last year, Golden was arguably more productive than Sam or Ealy when broken down by minutes played. At the same time, the staff has been saying since after his first year that Ray may be the best/fastest of the group. Mizzou’s problems come in after the first two. There is a complete lack of depth to spell Golden and/or Ray and lord forbid one were to get injured.
One to watch for is also a great story...Charles Harris (RSFr). Harris didn't even have a page, much less a ranking, on any of the recruiting services before Mizzou extended him an offer just prior to NSD. Harris, primarily a basketball player, didn't play football until his junior year of high school and only had scholarship offers from the likes of Pittsburgh(kansas) State. Harris has come to Mizzou and been a workout fiend. He has added 40 pounds and is the typical first to arrive, last to leave type of kid. According to all that have seen him, he is 2-3 years beyond where he was projected to be at this point. The kid has been not just earning his scholarship but opening eyes all spring and so far this fall. If you're looking for a good story to watch this year, keep an eye out for potentially Pinkel's latest and best diamond in the rough.
As much as Mizzou lacks depth on the ends, they don’t lack it up the middle. There is enough depth that Nate Crawford(RSFR) moved from the DL to the OL this spring. All of the above players saw significant time last year and look to anchor Mizzou’s defensive line. In fact, look for one or two of them to slide outside on occasion to help with the lack of depth at DE.
Keep your eyes on sophomore Josh Augusta, a 6-4, 300’ DT, who may still be a year away from being an absolute dominant force. Lucas Vincent has shown the kind of jump in his game so far this fall that the staff saw in guys like Ealy and Richardson in years past. Brantley fought a viral infection in the offseason that saw him drop about 40 pounds, making his readiness for game 1 uncertain. Beyond those five, Mizzou looks to the future with A.J. Logan(RSFR) and Rickey Hatley(SO), who may also see some time.
Linebacker
Kentrell Brothers(JR), Michael Scherer(SO), Donavin Newsom(SO), Joe Burkett(RSFR), Eric Beisel(RSFR), Clarence Green(JR), Darvin Ruise(SR), Brandon Lee(FR)
The number of names is more reflective of this position being one of concern and uncertainty than it is of depth. Mizzou is thinner than the Olsen twins on a hunger strike at linebacker. LB is probably the most troubling position for the Tigers and there has been a lot of movement, both up and down the depth chart and from weakside to strongside to the middle. Newsom and Brothers offer the highest upside and are slated to start at the strongside and weakside, respectively. Ruise, who saw plenty of playing time last year, has been demoted to 3rd in the depth chart. Another question mark will be if Scherer can approach Wilson’s production last year from the middle. A lot of question marks and a lot of uncertainty within the LB corp.
Corner Backs
John Gibson(SO), Aarion Penton(SO), Kenya Dennis(JR), Logan Cheadle(RSFR), David Johnson(JR)
Both Gibson and Penton are young and both have shown they are capable of playing in the SEC. Gibson has been a starter and Penton more than held his own as a true freshman when EJ Gaines went down with injury. A position of concern in the past, Mizzou currently has a lot of depth at the position. JUCO transfer Kenya Dennis adds to that depth while freshmen Cheadle and Ray Wingo could see time as well. While there is concern in the media for the defensive backfield, this group will deliver a serviceable product on the field, especially by the time the Tigers hit SEC stride on the 5th week of the season.
Safety
Braylon Webb(SR), Ian Simon(JR), Duron Singleton(SR), Anthony Sherrils(RSFR), Courtland Browning(JR), Tavon Ross(FR)
Much like CB, Mizzou has more depth at Safety than they’ve had in recent years. Webb and Simon bring the experience and steady play, along with Singleton, but the higher end talent may lie with the youth in Sherrills, Wilson and Ross. Sherrils was unable to play as a true freshman due to a significant head injury following a car accident, but by all accounts has fully healed and has speed to spare. Ross may also push for playing time as a true freshman.
Scheme
Mizzou will continue to run a modified 4-3 which is for some reason designed to make any opposing team running the option look like the invasion of the Mongol Hordes while bending-without-breaking for good-enough-to-win results for the rest of the schedule. Expect regular but unexplainable switches in the scheme when things are working and no switches when things aren’t. Mizzou fans have faced this reality.
Analysis of Special Teams
It can only get better from here. Seriously.
Coaching Analysis
Gary Pinkel has been fortunate for the most part in that he has had little turnover with his assistants. This year did see the retirement of co-offensive lines coach, Bruce Walker. In his place, Mizzou brought in former Mizzou Tiger AJ Ricker, who was the OLine coach at Illinois. The hire of the younger Ricker was met with excitement by the current linemen. Having played under Pinkel's system, he comes in with some knowledge of the terminology and philosophy. Offensive coordinator Josh Henson will continue to serve as co-offensive line coach.
Speaking of Henson, he enters his 2nd year at the helm of the offense. The guy thoroughly impressed in year 1. Granted, it was a senior laden team, the team was able to put up impressive offensive numbers in year 1 of a new offensive coordinator. Tigers eagerly await what season 2 might bring.
Off Season Report
Mizzou lost 2 receivers in the offseason. Most are already aware of DGB who was dismissed from the team. Mizzou also lost backup WR Levi Copelin, who has been suspended for the season for taking a banned supplement. Copelin remains on the team though, as the supplement was one bought legally at a store and it appears it was just poor decision making for not simply going through the staff for approved supplements.
Mizzou Plans on Busting In and Making Off with the East Title Again (We have Experience Here)
Next man up. That’s the philosophy that guided the Tigers last year, especially on defense, a year that saw a breakout performance by the unit. But there will be a lot of untested Tigers for Ol’ Mizzou. Time will show whether or not the Tigers Defense is ready for “Next Man Up” in 2014.
Defensive Line
Marcus Golden(SR), Shane Ray(JR), Matt Hoch(SR), Josh Augusta(SO), Evan Winston(SO), Lucas Vincent(SR), Harold Brantley(SO)
Rising Stars: If there’s an heir apparent for the new Tiger sack king, it’s probably Markus Golden (Preseason 3rd team All-SEC). He showed flashes of great athleticism from the DE spot last year, racking up 6.5 sacks while only playing 40% of the snaps. Last year, Golden was arguably more productive than Sam or Ealy when broken down by minutes played. At the same time, the staff has been saying since after his first year that Ray may be the best/fastest of the group. Mizzou’s problems come in after the first two. There is a complete lack of depth to spell Golden and/or Ray and lord forbid one were to get injured.
One to watch for is also a great story...Charles Harris (RSFr). Harris didn't even have a page, much less a ranking, on any of the recruiting services before Mizzou extended him an offer just prior to NSD. Harris, primarily a basketball player, didn't play football until his junior year of high school and only had scholarship offers from the likes of Pittsburgh(kansas) State. Harris has come to Mizzou and been a workout fiend. He has added 40 pounds and is the typical first to arrive, last to leave type of kid. According to all that have seen him, he is 2-3 years beyond where he was projected to be at this point. The kid has been not just earning his scholarship but opening eyes all spring and so far this fall. If you're looking for a good story to watch this year, keep an eye out for potentially Pinkel's latest and best diamond in the rough.
As much as Mizzou lacks depth on the ends, they don’t lack it up the middle. There is enough depth that Nate Crawford(RSFR) moved from the DL to the OL this spring. All of the above players saw significant time last year and look to anchor Mizzou’s defensive line. In fact, look for one or two of them to slide outside on occasion to help with the lack of depth at DE.
Keep your eyes on sophomore Josh Augusta, a 6-4, 300’ DT, who may still be a year away from being an absolute dominant force. Lucas Vincent has shown the kind of jump in his game so far this fall that the staff saw in guys like Ealy and Richardson in years past. Brantley fought a viral infection in the offseason that saw him drop about 40 pounds, making his readiness for game 1 uncertain. Beyond those five, Mizzou looks to the future with A.J. Logan(RSFR) and Rickey Hatley(SO), who may also see some time.
Linebacker
Kentrell Brothers(JR), Michael Scherer(SO), Donavin Newsom(SO), Joe Burkett(RSFR), Eric Beisel(RSFR), Clarence Green(JR), Darvin Ruise(SR), Brandon Lee(FR)
The number of names is more reflective of this position being one of concern and uncertainty than it is of depth. Mizzou is thinner than the Olsen twins on a hunger strike at linebacker. LB is probably the most troubling position for the Tigers and there has been a lot of movement, both up and down the depth chart and from weakside to strongside to the middle. Newsom and Brothers offer the highest upside and are slated to start at the strongside and weakside, respectively. Ruise, who saw plenty of playing time last year, has been demoted to 3rd in the depth chart. Another question mark will be if Scherer can approach Wilson’s production last year from the middle. A lot of question marks and a lot of uncertainty within the LB corp.
Corner Backs
John Gibson(SO), Aarion Penton(SO), Kenya Dennis(JR), Logan Cheadle(RSFR), David Johnson(JR)
Both Gibson and Penton are young and both have shown they are capable of playing in the SEC. Gibson has been a starter and Penton more than held his own as a true freshman when EJ Gaines went down with injury. A position of concern in the past, Mizzou currently has a lot of depth at the position. JUCO transfer Kenya Dennis adds to that depth while freshmen Cheadle and Ray Wingo could see time as well. While there is concern in the media for the defensive backfield, this group will deliver a serviceable product on the field, especially by the time the Tigers hit SEC stride on the 5th week of the season.
Safety
Braylon Webb(SR), Ian Simon(JR), Duron Singleton(SR), Anthony Sherrils(RSFR), Courtland Browning(JR), Tavon Ross(FR)
Much like CB, Mizzou has more depth at Safety than they’ve had in recent years. Webb and Simon bring the experience and steady play, along with Singleton, but the higher end talent may lie with the youth in Sherrills, Wilson and Ross. Sherrils was unable to play as a true freshman due to a significant head injury following a car accident, but by all accounts has fully healed and has speed to spare. Ross may also push for playing time as a true freshman.
Scheme
Mizzou will continue to run a modified 4-3 which is for some reason designed to make any opposing team running the option look like the invasion of the Mongol Hordes while bending-without-breaking for good-enough-to-win results for the rest of the schedule. Expect regular but unexplainable switches in the scheme when things are working and no switches when things aren’t. Mizzou fans have faced this reality.
Analysis of Special Teams
It can only get better from here. Seriously.
Coaching Analysis
Gary Pinkel has been fortunate for the most part in that he has had little turnover with his assistants. This year did see the retirement of co-offensive lines coach, Bruce Walker. In his place, Mizzou brought in former Mizzou Tiger AJ Ricker, who was the OLine coach at Illinois. The hire of the younger Ricker was met with excitement by the current linemen. Having played under Pinkel's system, he comes in with some knowledge of the terminology and philosophy. Offensive coordinator Josh Henson will continue to serve as co-offensive line coach.
Speaking of Henson, he enters his 2nd year at the helm of the offense. The guy thoroughly impressed in year 1. Granted, it was a senior laden team, the team was able to put up impressive offensive numbers in year 1 of a new offensive coordinator. Tigers eagerly await what season 2 might bring.
Off Season Report
Mizzou lost 2 receivers in the offseason. Most are already aware of DGB who was dismissed from the team. Mizzou also lost backup WR Levi Copelin, who has been suspended for the season for taking a banned supplement. Copelin remains on the team though, as the supplement was one bought legally at a store and it appears it was just poor decision making for not simply going through the staff for approved supplements.
Posted on 8/24/14 at 9:57 pm to semotruman
quote:
Walk-on Echard is more of a blocking TE.
Know his dad. Nice family. Older brother walked on and played a minute or two, I think.
Posted on 8/24/14 at 10:59 pm to semotruman
Nice write-up.
Posted on 8/25/14 at 10:01 pm to semotruman
Nice job yankees. 
If both of your lines gel well, I could see 10 regular season wins with that schedule
If both of your lines gel well, I could see 10 regular season wins with that schedule
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