Game-By-Game Mizzou Football Preview: How The Tigers Go 9-3
With Mizzou’s season opener against Southeastern Louisiana just around the corner, let’s take a look at how the Tigers might fare game-by-game in their inaugural SEC season.
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9/1/2012 – Southeastern Louisiana at Missouri
Although much of the anticipation for the Tigers’ historic debut season in the SEC will be reserved for week 2 against the Georgia Bulldogs, there will undoubtedly be an electric atmosphere at Faurot Field for the season opener against SELA. Don’t expect much of a game here from the Lions, which like most early-season non-conference opponents, should be overwhelmed by the loud atmosphere and talent level that they may not experience the rest of the year. A clean, airtight performance here from the Tigers’ defensive unit and offensive line would help to give Mizzou some confidence heading into its first SEC matchup.
Pay Attention To: James Franklin’s surgically repaired right shoulder. Reports from camp say that it is 100%, but if he can’t throw, the Tiger offense can’t go.
Prediction: Missouri 38, SELA 10 (1-0)
9/8/2012 - Georgia at Missouri
Remember the Oklahoma- Mizzou football game in 2010? We may be in for a repeat in the Tigers’ inaugural SEC game. Despite College GameDay’s decision to set up camp in College Station for Texas A&M’s SEC debut against Florida, this prime time tilt will offer the same rowdy atmosphere and quality football, just with better uniforms. Ranked No. 6 nationally in the Coaches Poll, the Georgia Bulldogs come in as the obvious favorites. But “not so fast” is the general consensus that you’ll hear around Columbia. Georgia could literally be “not so fast” with the loss of 5-star RB Isaiah Crowell (kicked off team) and the suspensions of defensive starters Bacarri Rambo (First Team All-American safety), Alec Ogletree (52 tackles in 8 games as an inside linebacker), and Sanders Commings (starting CB). The absence of these defensive studs, especially Rambo’s safety position, will prove invaluable to the Tigers’ aerial attack. We could be in for an old-fashioned Big 12 shootout under the lights in Columbia!
Pay attention to: The Tigers’ O-line. This will be their first test against the dominant SEC defensive lines, and their performance may hold the Tigers’ success in the balance.
Prediction: Missouri 30, Georgia 28 (2-0)
9/15/2012 - Arizona State at Missouri
The Tigers will be looking for revenge after their gut-wrenching loss against the Sun Devils last season. With the graduation of QB Brock Osweiler and WR Aaron Pflugrad – both of whom burned Mizzou at key points during last year’s matchup – the Sun Devil’s offense figures to struggle, especially on the road. Expect the Tigers to take nothing lightly against a team that tarnished what would have otherwise been a pretty good season last year.
Pay attention to: The Tigers’ running game. After what will probably be an aerial assault launched against the Bulldogs, Offensive Coordinator David Yost will want to keep future defenses honest by implementing a potent run game.
Prediction: Missouri 27, ASU 17 (3-0)
