Missouri Realist Expectations

This is coming from a person who grew up in SW Missouri.

1. Missouri is a Midwest state. A conference membership does not make us Southern. On another thread, I saw the question of "southern hospitality." I have yet to really see any of it, and I have been to 6 SEC stadiums now for games. For the most part, Missouri people are genuine.

2. Missouri is not historically good at football. It is a tired argument, and has no influence on today or this year. It is similar to the old money vs new money. Old money folks cant stand up and coming new money folks.

3. The SEC has used Missouri as a step-child. The KC/STL TV markets were a primary reason to join the conference. In terms of national media, we are forgotten. To be honest, I think we kind of like it. It gives us motivation. Keep doubting us, we like it.

4. The first 2.5 years have been interesting. No one gave us a break our first year when we were crushed by the injury train. That is what made our fan base angry when other teams got to use injuries as an excuse when we had success in year 2. Sure, injuries may have held the East down, but we believe we still bring good teams to the table. 8-10 wins year in and year out can and should be expected under Pinkel, with a few 11 and maybe 12 wins once or twice a decade.

5. This years team... is not great. But, we do seem to be the top of the shite pile. The loss to Indiana was awful. We did have some major injuries and missing pieces that game that are never mentioned. No excuses, just a little info for what happened.

Our defense is legit...except against power running. If you have a passing attack, good luck. We will perennially give up heaps of yards and points to Malzahn and Bert. The Georgia game is not a good example due to the seemingly 50 turnovers we had. The defense was on the field for 45 minutes or something. Ask any team to defend for 45 minutes of a football game, and they will give up points.

Our offense is below average. Maty Mauk needs to mature. Two of our top three receivers have battled injuries all year, not to mention losing our top 3 from the year before. Fielding guys who were 7th and lower on a depth chart the year before would be a tough job for any offense. The line is OK. Running backs are solid.

There you have it. Thats Missouri for you.