Big 12 State of the Union: Missouri
When have the Tigers ever looked as good as they did in 2007? Seriously, who was president? Did they have cars yet or did fans go to the games on horseback? And the Tigers seem sure to contend in the Big 12 North in 2008. In fact, they might be a dark horse for the national championship.
The Tigers will face two of their tougher opponents on neutral fields (Illinois in St. Louis and Kansas in Kansas City). Aside from road trips to Texas (and dare we suggest, Nebraska) the Tigers look poised to run the table. Expectations are so high, anything less than a division crown will be a disappointment.
It's not just next year that looks good either. Missouri has some good offensive recruits committed (two of whom are decommits from Nebraska). If quarterback Blaine Gabbert pans out the way Chase Daniel has, the Tigers could contend well into the future.
What stands in their way? Aside from a loaded Texas team in Austin and a date in Lincoln (where the Tigers haven't won since Jimmy Carter was in the White House), they'd have to overcome a tough Kansas team. Otherwise, next season appears to be another year to shine. Beyond 2008, it's all about developing the next quarterback. Imagine where the Tigers might be without Brad Smith or Chase Daniel. If Gabbert (or whomever Daniel's successor becomes) stumbles, he'll likely take the team with him. Their offense has been all about the quarterback.
Gary Pinkel has become everything that Missouri fans could have hoped for when they hired him. You'd have to think he could be lured away by a more traditional power if he continues to have success in Columbia (and spare us Tiger fans any comments the man has made disputing that, that's the script for a collegiate head coach UNTIL he signs his next contract). For now, things could hardly look better in Missouri. But we know things can change a lot in a year.
Related: Read the 2007 State of the Union report on Missouri
1/22/2008
Yeah, well. Gee, I guess so.
Can’t hardly comment on conference teams until the Corn can push ‘em back. I’ll wait for my favorite publication to come out and look at their roster and recruiting, sometime in June.
Pinkel has endured the tides of dissatisfaction and his ship has reached port.
Along with a new level of expectations.
Got to be impressed with Daniel who I thought would be decidedly “second fiddle” to Brad Smith.
Frankly though, Nebraska MUST whup ‘em in Lincoln. Pelini by now, is well versed defending these “cute” offenses and there’s enough talent on “D” to do it.