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Missouri NCAA Football Predictions 2009

Written June 23, 2009 by InfoPlays

Missouri-2009-NCAA-Football-Predictions Most are expecting a big drop-off on offense for the Missouri Tigers, but if Blaine Baggert can handle the spotlight at QB, manage the offense and supply a credible passing threat to open running games, this team could prove doubters wrong. The defense can’t be any worse than it was in big games last year, and under fiery new coordinator Dave Steckel, some tough love and more accountability might be just what the doctor ordered for the Tigers. College football lines show the Tigers listed at +20000 at Sportsbook.com to win the 2010 BCS National Championship.

Offense: Sophomore Blaine Gabbert began spring practice as the favorite to replace Chase Daniel at quarterback, and that didn’t change when it was over as he led off walk-on Jimmy Costello and early enrolled freshmen Blaine Dalton and Ashton Glaser. Gabbert is blessed with NFL size at 6-5, 235 pounds, and he has the skills and arm strength to go along with it. Coaches were most impressed with his accuracy and ability to manage the shotgun, no-huddle attack. Gabbert is clearly ahead of the pack. The Tigers threw the ball on nearly 60 percent of last year’s snaps, but new coordinator David Yost expects a more balanced attack this fall, especially now that Derrick Washington is healthy after playing with a torn meniscus most of last season.

With returning senior receivers Jared Perry and Danario Alexander sidelined for the spring’s live-contact drills and scrimmages, a trio of sophomores stepped onto the scene as playmaking options. Wes Kemp, Jerrell Jackson and Brandon Gerau are three names you should be hearing from this season at wide receiver. All three took turns as Gabbert’s favorite target during the spring and could replenish the depth created by losses of All-Americans Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman.

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Defense: Only four starters return from a defense that couldn’t perform in big games last season, but perhaps the biggest change comes on the sideline. This unit now belongs to new coordinator Dave Steckel, Pinkel’s linebacker coach who brings discipline and emotion to a defense that play with neither at times last year. The most promising development came along the defensive line in the spring, particularly at end. With only one starting lineman from last season still on the team, nose tackle Jaron Baston and a flett of pass-rushers surfaced during the spring, including last year’s junior college transfer Biran Coulter.

Jacquies Smith was voted the team’s most improved defensive lineman, and red shirt freshman Aldon Smith was the line’s most electric playmaker. Behind the line roams weakside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, and All-American candidate. At strongside backer, Andrew Gachkar can cover tight ends and slot receivers. Cornerback Carl Gettis is a two-year starter and the most experienced defensive back on the team. Kenji Jackson, who started in spot duty last season, stands as the favorite to start at free safety.

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