2009 Statistics

2010 OUTLOOK
How about this? In the past five years, Mizzou has averaged nine wins per season. Head coach Gary Pinkel is getting it done in the recruiting circles, stockpiling big time quarterbacks and all kinds of speed. The next great quarterback currently in Columbia is big 6'5 Blaine Gabbert. The five-star blue chip prep hurler was hailed as the nation's top pro-style quarterback prospect, according to Rivals. The Missouri native's decision to stay at home is going to pay big dividends for the Tigers. Gabbert displayed poise, polish and toughness during his first season as a starter leading his team to finish as the nation's 14th ranked passing offense. His wheels can turn too (426 positive yards rushing). Running back Derrick Washington enters his third season as a starter. He still has to share the carries due to the quality depth at his position with De'Vion Moore and Kendial Lawrence in the fold. They both managed 115 carries between them last fall while spelling Washington. With 100% of the backfield returning, the same won't be true at receiver where these Cats take a big hit. Gabbert's top two targets are history. Keep in mind, they also had to replace their top three receivers and a quarterback heading into 2009 and the production continued. This offense is made to move the football and is a major reason why they have been so successful in the win department. Four blockers are back in the fold up front. Added together, this Pinkel offensive addition should be even better the one on display last year.

The focal point of the defense revolves around defensive end Aldon Smith. His 11.5 sacks were good enough to earn him Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. While the receivers on offense lost some key people, no doubt the big hit on the defensive side will be the departure of tackling machine Sean Weatherspoon from his linebacker position. The good news is that depth (recruiting) will now insert its presence. Three players return with significant starts under their belt while newcomer Zaviar Gooden, a former safety that posted a 4.37-second 40-yard dash this winter, has earned his spot on the strong side. Three starters are back in the secondary but this group was not up to speed last year while finishing next to last in the conference at defending the pass. This is the area that has potential to make or break 2010 success possibilities as it has negatively in the past. It should also be noted that kicker Grant Ressel went on to break the NCAA record for accuracy last year by making 65-of-66 kicks overall (26-of-27 in field goal attempts).

Improvement is expected from a team that won eight games last season. The offense will not be the cause for worry assuming Gabbert can locate some new faces to catch his passes. The defense ultimately holds the key and has been the one aspect that has kept Mizzou from exploding on the national scene. A soft September schedule should find these Tigers undefeated heading into mid-October.