Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbooks) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: Riding one of the most potent offenses in the nation, the Tigers ran roughshod through the majority of their schedule in 2007, going 12-2 and winning the Big 12 North Division title. Lighting up the scoreboard to the tune of nearly 40 ppg, coach Gary Pinkel's squad jumped out to a 5-0 start before taking on Oklahoma in its second conference game of the season. A 41-31 loss to the Sooners served as a motivator for the remainder of the campaign, and at one point the Tigers were actually ranked No. 1 in the nation. A 36-28 win over unbeaten Kansas set the stage for a rematch with Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game, but unfortunately for Missouri the result was the same, this time a bit more lopsided as the Sooners rolled to a 38-17 triumph.
For their effort however, the Tigers were rewarded with a bid to the Cotton Bowl where they hammered the Arkansas Razorbacks in a 38-7 final. Even with all the success the team enjoyed last year, Mizzou felt is should have been included any BCS conversation, providing additional incentive for this coming season.
2008 ANALYSIS:
OFFENSE: The Tigers finished last season ranked in the top-10 in three major offensive categories (scoring at 39.9 ppg, passing at 314.1 ypg, total offense at 490.3 ypg). The return of QB Chase Daniel, receivers Tommy Saunders and Jeremy Maclin along with three offensive linemen means there is likely more of the same on tap this fall.
Daniel earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors last season after completing 68.2 percent of his passes for 4,306 yards and 33 TDs against only 11 INTs. Maclin is an All-American who hauled in 80 balls for 1,055 yards and nine scores last season, and he will be asked to produce even loftier numbers this fall with the loss of Martin Rucker (84 receptions, 834 yards, eight TDs). Pinkel loves the versatility Maclin brings to the table saying, "Jeremy Maclin is so good with the football in his hands, we hand the football to him like a running back, seven, eight, nine times a game."
Finding a suitable replacement for workhorse back Tony Temple (1,039 yards and 12 TDs) won't be easy, but Pinkel believes he has options there. "Derrick Washington did well a year ago as a freshman. I think he's an outstanding talent, a little different than what Tony is as far as style." There is serious depth at running back, although it remains to be seen which guy or guys will grab the mantle and earn the bulk of the carries.
DEFENSE: Despite a tough time defending the pass, Missouri did a solid job overall on defense, allowing 23.3 ppg (37th nationally). The pass was indeed the unit's Achilles' heel as foes torched the Tigers for nearly 260 ypg. The team did prove to be opportunistic, logging a +13 turnover margin to rank 11th in the country. The return of 10 starters should serve Mizzou well as it continues to develop into one of the finer defenses in the conference. Pressure up front will be integral to the Tigers' success this season, and led by senior DT Ziggy Hood the team should improve in that regard. The linebackers could be among the more productive in the Big 12, but that may depend on whether or not senior Van Alexander is back to form following off- season knee surgery.
Senior FS William Moore came up with a nation-tying eight INTs in '07 and he should be recovered from off-season shoulder surgery to pick up right where he left off. Athletic corners Carl Gettis and Castine Bridges will start, but the Tigers have several talented guys ready to step in.
SPECIAL TEAMS: All-Big 12 kicker Jeff Wolfert is back for his senior year after nailing 21-of-25 FGs last season and all 67 PATs. Junior Jake Harry is the most likely candidate to land the punting job. Maclin is one of the more electric kick returners in the country and became the first Tiger in more than three decades to return two punts for a TD.
OUTLOOK: Expectations are high in Columbia, and for good reason. Daniel is one of the better QBs in the nation, Maclin is a serious talent as well and the defense should continue to get better as the season wears on. That said, there are certainly more than a few potential pitfalls on the horizon, among them the opener against Illinois in St. Louis. Winnable home games versus Southeast Missouri, Nevada and Buffalo follow, setting the stage for what coach Pinkel hopes is another successful run through the Big 12. "We won the Big 12 North last year. University of Missouri hasn't won a Big 12 championship yet. So we've made progress."
Missing from the regular season docket are both Oklahoma and Texas Tech, but again the Big 12 is such a touch league that nearly every game can make or break your season. Key games include an October 18th challenge at Texas and the regular season finale against Kansas in Kansas City.
