Is Missouri the Big 12 North Darkhorse?

Previewing Missouri

In a separate post, I gave my predictions for the finish in the Big 12 North. I predicted a 5-3 conference record for Missouri, good enough for second place in the division. Some Iowa State fans and even a few Missouri fans have taken me to task for picking Missouri in that spot. Their reasons? Missouri loses Brad Smith, and still has Gary Pinkel as a coach. I can't address their personal attacks at Pinkel too well. But I honestly believe the loss of Smith won't hurt the Tigers as badly as some might believe. Factor in the returning starters around the new quarterback and in their defensive front seven, and I am thankful NU gets MU in Lincoln this year.

Yes, Brad Smith set all kinds or records at Missouri. I watched that guy destroy my beloved Huskers twice in Columbia. I'm glad he's gone. But, I believe in Chase Daniel. And, since his job apparently hangs on this year's results, Gary Pinkel had better believe in him too.

Here's why I believe MU's offense might actually be better this year than last. Daniel isn't the typical new starter. He had game experience in crucial spots last year. And, since the offense is more or less based on what the kid did in high school, he might actually be more proficient at operating the offense then Smith. No, he won't be as dazzling running the football. But, he'll likely do a better job of distributing the ball and making players around him better. He'll have a nice supporting cast with Tony Temple at running back and the best set of tight ends in the conference. Four of five starters return from the offensive line, too.

On defense, MU returns nearly all of their front seven. So, they could be more stout up front and in getting after the passer. The problem is that inexperience abounds in the secondary. They must rely on awards candidate David Overstreet to lead them from his safety position.

Looking at the schedule, Missouri opens easy, like so many teams do these days. Their game against Murray State won't tell us much. Their next two games are against Ole Miss out of the SEC and they travel to New Mexico. That could be much more revealing. The Tigers tussle with Frank Solich's Ohio Bobcats before starting conference play.

In conference, MU's South slate includes Oklahoma at home, and road games at A&M and Texas Tech. Not an easy draw. More bad news comes in the form of having to play North favorites Nebraska and Iowa State on the road, too. They play Kansas State at home in October and finish in their rivalry game with Kansas on November 25th.

Okay, as much as I have talked up the Tigers, you might think they will push the Huskers this November 4th. Wrong. NU has the defense to contain the Tigers, providing Coach Cosgrove doesn't try anymore strange alignments. And, if MU has problems with their defensive backend, Taylor might have a field day throwing the ball. And, it's a whole different ball game when playing in Lincoln, folks. MU will have to save their big road wins for A&M and ISU.

More 2006 Previews: Louisiana Tech, Nicholls State, USC, Troy, Kansas, Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Texas A&M, Colorado