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

How will Missouri football fare in 2021?

Missouri gets a break by having Arkansas as their crossover opponent, but they will have to play Texas A&M, who is thought to be the top challenger to Alabama in the West.

All of the pieces are there for Missouri to get to eight, maybe nine wins, but they are going to have to have some defensive improvement and leaps in the running game.

• Game 1: Central Michigan (W) — Missouri will start off with a win against one of the MAC’s better teams in Central Michigan.
• Game 2: at Kentucky (L) — This will be the battle for third place in the SEC East and I think Kentucky’s defense will be the difference.
• Game 3: SE Missouri State (W) — Missouri should win big here after their letdown at Kentucky.
• Game 4: at Boston College (L) — The Eagles have an offense that can keep up with Missouri and I think the home-field advantage will give them the edge over the Tigers.
• Game 5: Tennessee (W) — Tennessee is going through a major rebuild again and I think Missouri should win this won with ease.
• Game 6: North Texas (W) — North Texas is hoping for a bounce-back season, but they will hit a roadblock when they face Missouri.
• Game 7: Texas A&M (L) — The Tigers are going to be hoping to spring the upset on the Aggies at home, but I don’t think they have enough to get it done.
• Game 8: at Vanderbilt (W) — Vandy is another SEC East team going through a rebuild and Missouri wins big on the road.
• Game 9: at Georgia (L) — The Tigers were embarrassed by the Dawgs last season 49-14 and I think they will be hoping for a closer score this time around.
• Game 10: South Carolina (W) — South Carolina is restarting under Shane Beamer and I think they are in for a rough 2021 season.
• Game 11: Florida (L) — The Gators have had trouble with Missouri in years past, but I think they are too talented for Missouri right now.
• Game 12: at Arkansas (L) — The Razorbacks are bringing back a lot of experience and I think they win this rivalry game at home.

Prediction: 6-6, 3-5 SEC

I think Missouri has the potential to be better than this, but concerns about the running game and defense are keeping my expectations at bay.