Saturday Blitz
Fansided

SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 15
Next
Nov 27, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 Record: 5-7, 1-7 (SEC)
  • Season opener: Sept. 3 at West Virginia

Missouri, as a football team and university, has been through a lot since last season. Missouri has its first new head coach in 15 years in Barry Odom after the retirement of Gary Pinkel. The Tigers will look to become competitive again in the SEC east after a season that was defined by an inept offense that just could not score points to win games.

Missouri has a strong enough defense with Charles Harris leading the way. But the loss of Harold Brantley and Walter Brady will test the team’s depth. The defensive line will still be the strength of the Tiger defense in 2016 and former five-star recruit Terry Beckner should have a breakthrough season at defensive tackle.

The offense will look to Drew Lock to make plays at the quarterback position after having been thrust into playing time as a true freshman in 2015 due to Maty Mauk’s suspension. Lock didn’t look too good in the game he played in but will hopefully use the experience to his advantage. Lock will have an experienced receiving corps to throw to as well as deep backfield to hand the ball off to.

If the offense can get clicking and scoring more than 13.6 points per game (their 2015 average) then the Tigers could be dangerous. The team will rely heavily on their defense in 2016 regardless of the progress of the offense. Barry Odom might have his hands full in 2016.

Next: No. 13 South Carolina Gamecocks

Home/SEC