Over the course of the next several weeks, the SoBros Network crew will be going team-by-team through the SEC, previewing the 2018 American tackle football season. Up next, the Missouri Tigers!
2018 Missouri Preview
Everyone’s talking about Mississippi State as the SEC’s dark horse heading into 2018, but I think that team comes out of the East, and I think it’s the Missouri Tigers. Boom – I said it. Soak it in. But, what’s not to love about the Tigers?
The defense? Yeah – the defense wasn’t very good last year. But, stud defensive tackle Terry Beckner Jr. returns after passing on the NFL Draft, and they have several promising options along the defensive line. As we all know, it all starts in the trenches in the SEC. There are some question marks behind the line, and I’m interested to see how Ryan Walters handles his promotion to defensive coordinator. But, for the most part, this should be an improved unit from 2017.
On the offensive side, it’s the Drew Lock show. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the country, we even named him 2017 SEC MVP, and he elected to stay at Mizzou instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. Damarea Crockett is a legit weapon, and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam returns. There is explosive potential all over the field.
This team has the talent to push Georgia, but after last year’s horrendous start, no one’s willing to really buy in on this team.
2018 Tigers Schedule
Saturday, 9/1: vs. UT-Martin – Nice little tuneup for the Tigers, and it should be an easy win.
Saturday, 9/8: vs. Wyoming – No more Josh Allen for the Cowboys, so I don’t see much in terms of upset potential.
Saturday, 9/15: @ Purdue – Love what Jeff Brohm is doing with the Boilermakers, but I think the Tigers will want to avenge last year’s 35-3 bloodbath.
Saturday, 9/22: vs. Georgia – This game could go a long way in determining the SEC East champion if Mizzou is as good as I think they’ll be, but I still don’t think the Tigers pull this off. Hard to bet on ’em just yet. But, at least they get the game in Columbia.
Saturday, 9/29: BYE
Saturday, 10/6: @ South Carolina – I think the Tigers are a better team than the Gamecocks, and I like this game coming off a bye week. But, a road trip to South Carolina is no easy task.
Saturday, 10/13: @ Alabama – Nope. Not happening.
Saturday, 10/20: vs. Memphis – For the second consecutive year, Missouri will have the opportunity to finish the season strong. It starts against Memphis – a team that could give them fits, but one they should still get a win over.
Saturday, 10/27: vs. Kentucky – The Wildcats are in a similar position to the Tigers, but with less talent. Missouri should win this one, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m wrong and Kentucky is the surprise team of the SEC in 2018.
Saturday, 11/3: @ Florida – So many question marks surrounding this Gators program, and I just don’t see them getting ramped up under Dan Mullen in year one. Still, this game being in Florida creeps me out just a bit.
Saturday, 11/10: vs. Vanderbilt – I do think the Commodores are heading in the right direction, but they’re not going to be able to stop Lock and company.
Saturday, 11/17: @ Tennessee – A road trip to Knoxville in November sure used to be a lot more intimidating. I don’t think it will be for the Tigers this year.
Friday, 11/23: vs. Arkansas – Missouri should overwhelm all three of their last opponents on offense. Plain and simple.
Prediction
I only see two definite losses on this schedule, and if it swings that way then Missouri will definitely be in the hunt for the SEC East crown into November. But, if the defense doesn’t improve they could easily slip up on road trips to South Carolina, Florida, or even Purdue. Ultimately, I think they do slip up a time or two they shouldn’t, but should still qualify for one of the major bowls. Don’t be surprised to see this team win eight or nine games, though.
Other 2018 SEC Previews
Alabama Crimson Tide
Arkansas Razorbacks
Auburn Tigers
Florida Gators
Georgia Bulldogs
Kentucky Wildcats
LSU Tigers
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Missouri Tigers
Ole Miss Rebels
South Carolina Gamecocks
Tennessee Volunteers
Texas A&M Aggies
Vanderbilt Commodores
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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