The SEC will once again be a brutal conference but traditional favorites who overlook Missouri could be making a fatal mistake.
The usual names such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU will come up when SEC fans start talking about who will take the conference title, but the fact that few will mention Missouri could play right into the Tiger’s hands.
Missouri had one of its best seasons on record in 2023, winning 11 games for the first time since joining the SEC and finishing a very solid second to Georgia in the SEC East. A strong finish led to them garnering a top ten ranking, finishing 8th in the final polls.
Missouri Is Used to the Disrespect
Few gave Missouri much of a look before the 2023 season, In fact, not only were they not picked to finish in the top ten in the country, but they were not even picked to finish in the top 10 of their conference as pre-season prognosticators had them as low as 13th.
However, rather than wallowing in self-pity, the Tigers turned that disrespect into a critical motivator, taking on the motto “Something to Prove” as representing their season philosophy.
That approach worked as Missouri demonstrated that their five-game winning streak to start the season was not a fluke. Instead, they ended it even stronger, winning 6 of their last 7 games, including victories over Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, and Ohio State. The only blemish in the final flurry was a hard fought loss to Georgia in Athens, where they fell 30-21.
The Pollsters Took Notice
Though the rest of the SEC still seems to look at Missouri as more of an afterthought than a serious threat, the rest of the college football world is starting to take notice. Early preseason polls have the Tigers ranked as high as 7th in the country. In the ESPN poll, they are ranked higher than fellow SEC members Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Tennessee. This not only makes them a serious contender for a conference title but puts them in a prime position to earn a spot in the new college football playoff format.
Missouri Is Attracting Big Recruits
Whereas previously recruits may have looked past the Tigers for other options, the quality of the program is starting to attract the attention of some big-time prospects. This became evident when the number one defensive player in the country, Williams Nwaneri, signed with Missouri. This was followed by four-star receiver James Madison. Other notables were defensive end Elias Willams, and running back Kewan Lacy. In all, the Tigers brought in 21 commits in a class that most rating services has ranked in the top 20. They also did quite well in the transfer portal, pulling in many talented athletes, including former Alabama defensive lineman Isaiah Hastings as was reported by Grid Iron Heroic’s Matthew Brown.
Their Underrated Coach Fits the Mold
Though coaches like LSU’s Brian Kelly, Georgia’s Kirby Smart, and Alabama’s new coach Kalen DeBoer certainly get more press, Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz has quietly improved his program and may be the most underrated coach in the conference. Last year, Drinkwitz and his staff put together an offense that averaged just over 32 points a game. Their defense was also very respectable, obtaining a rank of 33rd in the country, with an average yards allowed per game comparable to Texas and Tennessee.
They Have a Solid Leader
After their victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, many thought that starting quarterback Brady Cook may leave for the NFL, but to the relief of Tiger’s fans he announced he would return for his final season. The 2023 campaign was a banner one for Cook, in which he threw for over 3300 yards and 29 touchdowns. In addition, he also ran for over 300 yards. Sportsgrid currently has Cook as the 13th best quarterback in the country going into the 2024 season.
Their Schedule Is Tough But Favorable
Like all teams in the SEC, Missouri’s will not be without its challenges. The first half of their schedule is rather favorable as they will not hit their first true test until they take on Texas A&M at College Station. Their toughest part will be a 3-game stretch where they will face Auburn at Home, Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and then SEC newcomer Oklahoma back in Missouri.