Many of of you are of the opinion Missouri must have

A 9-3 season, IMO, will show that the train hasn't fallen off the tracks. I would assume that would open the eyes of top in-state recruits such as Bauer, Johnson, Wallace, Harrison, etc. Honestly, we may only land one or two 4 star prospects for 2014 (including these guys), but I believe it would have a huge impact on the 2015 class with Lock, Williams, Strong, Hentges, and Beckner.

7-5 (or lower) on the other hand will show that there is still uncertainty around the program and will add fire to Pinkel's seat...which will be devastating for recruiting both in 2014 and 2015...JMO though.

Pinkel has never set the world on fire with his recruiting - he's a much better coach than a recruiter. So while a 9-3 season would help this class, I'm not sure how significant a bump it would be. But a 7-5 season won't help us at all.

Glad you've joined us, Ozland! I feel like I should say thank you for telling me about this site on Tigerboard - you seem like an old friend at this point!

When thinking about the recruiting cycle, keep in mind the age of these kids. What the team does this year is not likely to have a hugh impact on the February 2014 signing class. It will however lay the ground work for the 2015 and 2016 classes.

Think back to when MU football first really began to register to you as a fan. when you were about 12 years old (if football was important to you) you were likely thinking more in terms of wanting to play for your high school team. Unless you grew up going to games at the Zou, that was not part of your world view.

At about 15 (if you had the ability and drive to see it as a legit option) your view shifted from wanting to just play at the high school to wondering if you could make it at the college level. As a soph in HS, the taste of football and the desire to play at the next level was taking hold.

This season is what will be set in the minds of those 10th graders as they start to point and say "that is where I want to play". Some of the 11th graders may not be strongly set in their view and they can be pulled in. But the seniors have their ideas prety well set before the season starts and if you are not already in the lead group for them the chances of changing their focus is slim unless they grew up a fan of MU and are looking for any excuse to keep you in the mix.

I know that was long winded but it is my view based on lots of close observation of the recruiting process. Hope it helped.

So what you're saying is that this year isn't worth worrying about. Last year's results have hurt this year's recruiting, and it's probably too late for this class. But this year's results will affect the 2015 class and that's where we need to be focused.

What is your opinion on changing coaches? What record would trigger you to make a change? And who would you be looking at, if you were Mizzou's AD?

Coaching change will open up a few options for kids that are a fan of the coach coming in. It can have a good bump for the class if done early enough. It can also hurt the class with kids close to the former coach if enough time is not given for the new coach to build bridges.

I am not going to put a number on a MU coaching change as I am not tied to the university. 9 wins would be enough to light the fires for running a coach out of town where I am from.

Choosing a coach...again not my place. Just make sure you do not pick a coach who you do not have the players to fit his system unless you are willing to deal with the pain of transition while he gets his kids in place. However, even with giving him time, the fact you picked the wrong style match will lengthen the recovery time due to the recruiting cycle above.

With the changes the OC is making this year, it will make it easier for a defense minded coach to make an impact in less years than it would have last year.

OK, fair enough. IF we were to make a change, when would you recommend we make that decision?

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If you are going to make a change you need to start working on it by mid season but make not comment until the last week or two of the final regular season game (unless the coach opens the door saying he is going to step down or retire). Once public comment is made you have 8 to 10 days to catch lightening in a bottle before the ship starts to drift off course and you loose a recruiting class.

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What do you think the odds are that AD Alden has already gotten some feelers out there? I don't think Alden or anyone tied to the department would have made contact, but would you suspect that "others" affiliated with the university have reached out to get a gauge of the market? Or would they hold off doing that all together for fear of it getting out?

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I just don't see Missouri parting ways with Pinkel even with a losing season unless the wheels fall completely off.
And I don't see the wheels falling off.

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I know nothing but rumor and speculation, but apparently all the big money that is needed to build those nice facilities think it's only a wise investment if the team shows they're on the right path. Another losing season, I don't imagine, is on the right path according to those that write those checks. I could be way wrong, but I don't see GP surviving another losing season. 6-6? Maybe he keeps it. I won't want him at 6-6 but it may be good enough that they keep him through the end of his contract.

Yes, normal classes for Mizzou are in the 30's or 40's. And I agree, I don't see that changing...under Pinkel.

Very insightful comment, TRey. I think you're right on the money. Alden has played it so that he will have all the support he needs if he thinks a move is necessary.

So, do you think Jimmy Sexton has gotten a call yet?

What Missouri needs more than anything is a signature win over a ranked opponent to give legitimacy to the program.