Missouri Football: Can Tigers pose threat to Georgia, Florida in SEC East?

Bazelak and talented receiving corps will be tough to defend in 2021

Missouri was known for having prolific offenses while in the Big 12, but they have been more defense-focused since moving to the SEC. This should be one of the Tigers’ better offenses in recent memory.

At quarterback, Connor Bazelak is back for the Tigers and he had a surprisingly solid season in 2020. Bazelak threw for nearly 2,400 yards, but only seven touchdowns. Bazelak also threw six interceptions and must work on being a better passer in the red zone. After being co SEC freshman of the year last season, it is fair to expect another step forward for the quarterback and I think an All-SEC caliber of a season is not out of the question.

The running game is going to be missing Larry Rountree III, but they have a talented player that is going to be ready to step up. Tyler Badie is going to be the lead back this season and he is very confident he can step in and fill the void left by Rountree’s departure, but what is unclear is if there is any depth at the position. If Badie can’t step up, running back could become a problematic position for the Tigers.

The receiving corps for Missouri should be one of their best in a long time. Last year’s leading receiver Keke Chism is back, as is Tyler Knox and Tauskie Dove. A big addition to the Missouri receiving corps was Ohio State transfer Mookie Cooper, who was a former blue-chip prospect from St. Louis and keep an eye on freshman Dominic Lovett, who has a lot of speed.

The offensive line is returning four of their starters from last season and this is a senior-laden group that is hoping to take the next step in 2021.