College Football Top 25: Buying or selling the 2015 preseason rankings

Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Maty Mauk (7) runs the ball as the Missouri Tigers beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 33-17 in the 2015 Citrus Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Highest Rank:  20 (SI)
Lowest Rank:  24 (AP)

BUYING

Missouri has played in the SEC Championship game for two straight years, yet nobody feels they really belonged, and every year they plummet in the preseason rankings.

Head coach Gary Pinkel doesn’t make the biggest recruiting splash every season, but he makes the most of what he’s got

The lack of respect for the Tigers is perplexing. While they may not be Alabama, they certainly deserve to be considered a team to beat in the SEC. If the Tigers’ offense can find some stability and improvement, they can compete with just about anyone.

Head coach Gary Pinkel doesn’t make the biggest recruiting splash every season, but he makes the most of what he’s got and brings out the best in his players, particularly on defense where the Tigers have been excellent for the past two seasons.

Sports Illustrated’s ranking of 20 is probably closer to where the Tigers need to be ranked, maybe even a spot or two higher. They’ll be in the race for the SEC East this season, and quarterback Maty Mauk has all the tools to help them get there.

Next: Tennessee