SEC Football: Best and Worst-Case Scenario for Every Team in 2015
Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Maty Mauk (7) rolls out to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the third quarter of the 2014 SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Missouri has overachievd for two years – making the SEC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons – and by now they deserve the benefit of the doubt.
Related: SEC Football: Five Biggest Questions for 2015
The Tigers have a veteran quarterback in Maty Mauk, who has a tendency to gamble and sometimes attempts passes he shouldn’t, but he also has the talent to make big plays. Mauk threw for 2,648 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, and can also move the chains with his legs. He ran for 373 yards and two touchdowns, including a powerful TD run that sent a defender to the locker room in Mizzou’s 33-17 victory over Minnesota in the Citrus Bowl.
Mauk will operate behind a veteran, underrated offensive line that paved the way for Russell Hansbrough’s 1,084 yards and ten touchdowns last year. Hansbrough is back, and is likely to put up even bigger numbers since he no longer has to share carries with graduated Marcus Murphy.
The receiving corps is inexperienced, but the Tigers have a strong track record of developing big play-making wideouts. Look for J’Mon Moore and Nate Brown to be the next in line.
As strong as Mizzou looks on offense, remember that the Tigers are the two-time defending SEC Eastern Division champs largely based on the strength of their defense. Missouri returns six starters on defense this year, including linebackers Kentrell Brothers and Michael Scherer. The duo ranks No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in tackles among SEC players.
Like they have in the last two seasons, Mizzou has the potential to find a way to win the East again. It probably wouldn’t be pretty, and it probably wouldn’t be impressive enough to put them in national title contention, but don’t be shocked if the Tigers are back in Atlanta in December.
Missouri’s Best-Case Scenario: Somehow, someway, Mizzou wins the East again
Next: Worst-Case Scenario: Missouri