Big 12 Preview: Missouri, Contender

Dude! We're awesome! Jeremy Freaking Maclin! Psst ... did last year really happen? And psst! Are we really ranked No. 6 in the preseason AP poll? Why yes, we are. Also: why didn't this happen a few years ago under Brad Smith?

Welcome to the manic world of Missouri football where, yes Virginia, it really did happen last year. But uh, let's try and beat Oklahoma this time boys?

Why They'll Win

Momentum. After years of frustration, of big tease 6-0 type starts before collapses, Missouri turned the corner last year. The psychological value of that is immeasurable.

A total of 14 starters return including Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Chase Daniel and All America quality defenders William Moore and Sean Weatherspoon. Missouri showed a lot of poise in beating Illinois and Mississippi early, then hanging close to Oklahoma to open at 5-1. They never lost again until the Big 12 Championship Game.

The schedule actually lightens up a bit this year, as Oklahoma is replaced with Texas and the non-conference slate includes Southeast Missouri, Nevada and Buffalo.

Why They'll Lose

Too much of a good time? All sports teams are prone to resting on their laurels and taking a season for granted. We simply don't know right now how Missouri's players are approaching the season, but it's fairly important to how they do this year.

The major weakness is on defense. Missouri's numbers were average at best last year. They allowed 3.6 yards/carry, and 62% completions for 257 yards/game. That has to improve if they're serious about playing for a national championship.

There's also the worry of the Tigers reverting to form and finding some way to squander some tremendous gains made last year. Coach Gary Pinkel is rumored to have finally loosened up which triggered his team's rise. He needs to keep that collar loose and relaxed if they are to continue finding ways to win when things break down and get tense.

How To Beat Them

Have some talent. Illinois and Oklahoma were the Tigers' stiffest tests last year, and both made BCS bowl games. Surprisingly, Colorado might have a fair number of elite players to challenge Missouri this year. The other obvious candidates are Texas and to a lesser degree, Kansas.

Capitalize on Mistakes. Even in defeat, Missouri scored 17 and 31 points last year. The first loss to Oklahoma hinged on a critical fumbled handoff to Jeremy Maclin inside Missouri's own red zone.

Prognosis

Missouri should be in contention for a national title if they can get by Illinois and Texas. There really aren't many obvious stumbling blocks beyond those two on the schedule. Chase Daniel is back for what should be a celebrated senior season and the offense will get a lift from the already great sophomore Jeremy Maclin. Of note, Missouri has two All America level defenders although as a group the defense needs to legitimately improve on last year's numbers to demonstrate they're truly relevant on both sides of the ball.