Missouri Football: Kelly Bryant should make Tigers 2019 SEC contenders

Kelly Bryant surprised just about everyone when he chose Missouri football to play his final year of eligibility. He makes the Tigers instant contenders.

Believe it or not, but Missouri football could be contending for an SEC championship within the next year, thanks to a transfer from former Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant.

The former Clemson starter led the Tigers to a College Football Playoff just one season ago, but they were unable to beat out Alabama in the opening round as the Tide went on to win it all. He was replaced during his junior season, his second as a starter, by freshman sensation Trevor Lawrence, leading to his transfer from the program.

Though he was replaced by a freshman, Bryant has everything it takes to be successful as a starting quarterback in the Power Five.

On Tuesday night, the junior quarterback announced he’d be transferring to Missouri over programs like Arkansas and Auburn.

Missouri got a great leader and a proven starter who can instantly come in and command respect from his teammates. And believe it or not, the Tigers will become instant SEC contenders in 2019 after an 8-4 regular season under third-year head coach Barry Odom.

Odom, a former Missouri linebacker from 1996-99, took over three years ago and went 4-8 during his first season and improved each season.

The Tigers have a chance to finish with nine wins if they can beat Oklahoma State in the Liberty Bowl and it’ll be Drew Lock’s last game at quarterback. Going from Lock to Kelly should be a more than smooth transition and one that can only help Missouri.

Don’t sleep on Missouri next season in the SEC East as it can push teams like Florida and Georgia, surprising the conference with a huge addition under center.