SEC: Missouri Tigers 2015 Full Football Season Preview

The 2015 Missouri Tigers football season is something like uncharted waters for fans of this generation. Coming off back-to-back SEC East division titles, there's no question that Mizzou has a target on its back that comes along with winning.

Head coach Gary Pinkel's squad has come up with 23 wins over the past two seasons to prove that his leadership is anything but a showpiece. Pinkel has shown incredible persistence as a coach, and the fruits of his labor are apparent in everything that you see going well with Mizzou right now.

But don't think that teams like the Georgia Bulldogs are going to be taking the Tigers lightly. Don't think that Florida's newest son Jim McElwain is coming in to test the waters out. If its 5-0 bowl record is any indication, the SEC East is on the rise and will look to come after the Tigers with confidence.

Missouri will look to avoid the kind of unpredictable loss it had last year, as long as it can take care of a relatively easy nonconference schedule.

Quarterback Maty Mauk returns as a junior to guide a team that could undoubtedly three-peat as SEC East division champions. But after a redshirt year, Tampa's Marvin Zanders will now be in the fold at quarterback and could see some game time this year. Let's not forget Drew Lock, a player Jim Harbaugh attempted to court to Michigan, to no avail.

Here, we take a look at where we believe the players will all end up when everything is said and done, as well as way too many other things about Missouri football that will gear you up for the 2015 season.

In total, Missouri lost 23 roster players from last season. Twenty-two of them were seniors and one of them was an exceptional junior in Shane Ray.

The tandem of Ray and Markus Golden will certainly be missed by Mizzou fans but probably not by the rest of the SEC East. Let's talk about what this means for its starters.

Offense

Total Losses: 5 starters

The bad news is that Mizzou sustains a heavy loss at wide receiver. Bud Sasser, Jimmie Hunt and Darius White are all out of the picture. Throw return man and part-time receiver Marcus Murphy onto that list and it's enough to make any team worried. The silver lining of this is that other than being hit hard at this position, only one offensive lineman in Mitch Morse is gone. Quarterback and the running units remain completely intact.

Defense

Total Losses: 5 starters

We all know of the obvious names, but interior big man Lucas Vincent and safety Braylon Webb are among those gone on the defensive side as well. Matt Hoch was also a senior.

Special Teams

As mentioned, Murphy will be a major loss in the return game. Punting specialist Christian Brinser will need to be replaced after a great career with the Tigers. A wild-card special teams loss, Webb was the holder for place-kicks, a nice weapon to have being a former high school quarterback.

Well, no time to dwell on what we can no longer control. Degrees were earned, playing opportunities were created, and now, it's time to welcome in a new cast of talent that will be keeping the level of competition floating at a high level.

Folks, get ready to finally be excited about Chase Abbington. Abbington is a guy who had to do what Sheldon Richardson did and what Natereace Strong is doing: go the community-college route.

Speaking of excitement, get ready for Franklin Agbasimere. The linebacker is from Nigeria and is only about four years into knowing the game of football. His potential is off the charts as he grasps new concepts of the game.

Of interest, OLB Ferrod Gardner is the only player on the following list not on scholarship. Gardner was at one point a Bowling Green recruit, but he is joining the Missouri program as a "preferred walk-on" according to Pete Scantlebury of PowerMizzou.com. He, along with the official signing class, make up the cast of incoming players:

If there's one really big positive Missouri has coming into 2015, it's that there won't be any quarterback controversy to start the season. Third-year man Maty Mauk has shown he's capable of winning big games, especially on the road.

Of note on the depth chart is the amount of true freshmen wide receivers who will not redshirt. This is due to the low depth Mizzou is currently experiencing at the position.

You may see running back Abbington flexed into a fifth receiver role at times as well, very similar to what Marcus Murphy did a year ago.

Otherwise, there's healthy competition at every turn. It's easy to speculate as to where these players will all end up, but the only certainty that can be promised is that this list will be wrong in some way. But, you cannot start without making an introductory statement.

For the record, it's almost impossible to know how to assemble the offensive line. There's a decent model here, but undoubtedly, there will be factors that change what we know now. 

Let's take a look now at where the new high school players, community college transfers and walk-ons may fit in the new spring depth chart.

Offense

QB: Maty Mauk, Marvin Zanders, Eddie Printz, Corbin Berkstresser
RB: Russell Hansbrough, Chase Abbington, Morgan Steward, Ish Witter, Tyler Hunt, Trevon Walters
TE: Sean Culkin, Kendall Blanton, Jason Reese, Clayton Echard
WR(X): DeSean Blair, J'Mon Moore, Justin Smith
WR(Z): Wesley Leftwich, Keyon Dilosa, Nate Brown
WR(H): Thomas Richard, Richaud Floyd, Ronnell Perkins, Emanuel Hall
LT: Tyler Howell, Andy Bauer, Nate Crawford
LG: Paul Adams, Mike Fairchild, Brad McNulty, Jordan Williams
C: Evan Boehm, Alec Abeln, A.J. Harris
RG: Connor McGovern, Mitch Hall, Sam Bailey, Kevin Pendleton
RT: Taylor Chappell, Malik Cuellar, Clay Rhodes

Likely to redshirt: Drew Lock, Marquise Doherty, Josh Moore, Johnathon Johnson, Cameron Hilton, Ryan Williams and Tanner Owen.

Defense

DE: Rocel McWilliams, Marcus Loud, Rickey Hatley, Walter Brady
DT: Terry Beckner, Jr., Tyrell Jacobs
NT: Harold Brantley, Josh Augusta
DE: Marcell Frazier, Charles Harris, Spencer Williams
SLB: Clarence Green, Frank Agbasimere
MLB: Michael Scherer, Grant Jones, Eric Beisel
WLB: Brandon Lee, Kentrell Brothers, Darvin Ruise, Roderick Winters
CB: Kenya Dennis, David Johnson, Logan Cheadle, Finis Stribling IV
SS: Raymond Wingo, Anthony Sherrils, T.J. Warren
FS: Ian Simon, Thomas Wilson
CB: Aarion Penton, John Gibson, Tavon Ross

Likely to redshirt: Nate Howard, Terez Hall and Ferrod Gardner.

Special Teams

P: Corey Fatony, Andrew Baggett
PK: Andrew Baggett, Corey Fatony
LS: Jake Hurrell, Mitch Hall
H: Eddie Printz, Marvin Zanders
PR: Chase Abbington, Aarion Penton
KR: Chase Abbington, John Gibson
KO: Andrew Baggett, Corey Fatony, Nick Coffman

Formed after limestone had been removed from the area, Memorial Stadium opened in 1926, replacing the old Rollins Field grounds on what is now Stankowski Field.

Originally, it was the grass hill that prevailed all of the way around the horseshoe shape of Memorial Stadium. The tops of the stands on both the east and the west sides stopped at ground level. The south end was wide open. Once the east and the west stands were extended up, a smaller press area was built on top of the west side, but it was torn down in the mid-1990s in favor of the current model.

Today, Truman's Terrace sits proudly atop the east stands and holds a few more thousand people. It's hard to have imagined these kinds of renovations several years ago, but now, they almost seem commonplace.

Although discussion has taken place regarding the idea of expanding the south seating area, nothing has become public. It's also possible that stands could be installed on the north end, but this would require either restructuring the current concourse area above the hill or redoing it altogether.

Currently, no additional Memorial Stadium expansion plans are in the works, but that could change when Missouri announces a new director of athletics soon.

The Black & Gold Game is a great opportunity for Gary Pinkel and his staff to showcase an outline of what they'll be working on in practices going into fall camp. It's also a great opportunity for the Columbia and mid-Missouri area to come see the team at a very low cost.

The University of Missouri and coach Pinkel have had a long-standing partnership with the Central Missouri Food Bank, a local charity. Admission to the game is traditionally a set fee or a predetermined food donation. This game and its donations are critical to supporting the local food bank during tough times.

This game will be big in seeing the newest Tigers. We all hope for amazing plays and that no one gets hurt. If this can happen, the event is a success.

We'll all be watching for guys like Abbington and Agbasimere, as mentioned, but it will be interesting to see how the group of receivers performs. Perhaps no position is more uncertain and could make or break their season quite like the guys catching the ball.

Television information has yet to be announced for the event. Stay tuned for further announcements in regards to this.

What is the good in playing an in-state game against a team outside of your division? I wouldn't want to see Missouri play against Missouri State, let alone Southeast Missouri State. The potential damage it can cause for the image of in-state recruiting would be massive.

Nothing to gain, everything to lose. So it's got my attention.

Mizzou finally brings its finished product to the field for the first time against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, and although they clearly have things to work on like any other team, their passing attack looks good.

This will be the first game the offensive line has had in some time in which Mitch Morse won't be involved. Seeing that group come together in this game will be important.

By all accounts, it looks like Central Michigan transfer Alex Niznak will be quarterbacking the Redhawks in this game. His experience at the FBS level will be huge against a team like Mizzou.

Unfortunately for experience, he's not seen a player like Beckner Jr.

Look for the Tigers defense to dominate and for established linebacker Michael Scherer to have a tremendous game. Mizzou rolls in this one.

Prediction: Missouri 56, Southeast Missouri State 14

Missouri gets a true road test here against a team it has played a few times recently. But this team isn't anything like the ones it has played before, and it will be a much different atmosphere.

The last thing you want to face when you're playing a smaller team on the road is a senior quarterback who led his team with 3,000 passing yards the previous year. Unfortunately, that's exactly what Mizzou walks into when they head to Jonesboro.

Fredi Knighten won't blow you away with his size, at a listed 5'11", but don't count him out. He threw for an impressive 3,277 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.

You never want to overlook any game but especially one that is on the road. This game will be big for Barry Odom, Missouri's new defensive coordinator, who is replacing Dave Steckel. Odom is a former player who also coached high school in the Columbia area.

A big win here by Odom's defense would be key for confidence. There's no reason to think it won't happen.

Prediction: Missouri 38, Arkansas State 21

The Connecticut Huskies don't come to Columbia as a very heralded bunch. Their 2014 campaign included a 2-10 overall record.

Oddly enough, one of UConn's wins from last season is over a common opponent with Missouri in Central Florida. After Mizzou's 38-10 win in Columbia last season, UCF went on to win its next 10 games—all except an inexplicable 37-29 loss to UConn.

So the lesson here? Little is known about UConn by Mizzou fans, and even less is expected from them based on its 2014 performance. But, there's no reason that a team coming from the American Athletic Conference should be viewed as a cakewalk.

The Huskies will look to build on the experience that running back Ron Johnson earned a year ago. Johnson averaged 3.8 yards per carry his freshman season and even had a 101-yard game against SMU to finish the 2014 season.

It won't be enough to win in Columbia, however. UConn will play tough, but the level of talent will become obvious by at least the middle of the third quarter.

Prediction: Missouri 56, UConn 7

So begins the 2015 SEC slate, and Mizzou is playing in an ideal situation for its first game against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Kentucky proved, especially with its memorable near-win at Florida last season, that it can play in big games and hang in there in big-time situations. Having Mizzou at home early this year will have the Wildcats confident, so this is a game the Tigers are going to have to match their opponents' intensity in order to come out the victor.

The Wildcats are a team that distributes the ball well on offense, but they will certainly miss the production of wide receiver Javess Blue from a year ago. That being said, quarterback Patrick Towles enters his junior season and looks to only get better.

By this point, Kentucky will have already played South Carolina and Florida, so the only worrisome thing that could be predicted is that the level of competition that both teams have faced will impact the game.

But don't count on it with a much more experienced Mauk and a Russell Hansbrough rushing attack that's going to be plenty capable. Kentucky will hang in this game, but Missouri simply has too many tools on offense in this one and will outduel the Wildcats.

Prediction: Missouri 35, Kentucky 27

Gone is Dylan Thompson—or any quarterback we might recognize for the time being. There would be a concern about Mike Davis making a return trip to Faurot Field, but after he announced his decision to go pro a year early, the Gamecocks will send Brandon Wilds in at running back.

It's no secret that 2014 fell below expectations at South Carolina. Unfortunately for them, not a whole lot is showing itself on paper to encourage the idea that anything will be much different for them in 2015.

Head coach Steve Spurrier's bunch does bring the stigma of giving the Tigers a painful overtime loss the last time they were in town, but this will be a much different situation.

Oddly enough, Spurrier is going to go with two defensive coordinators in 2015, according to The State's Josh Kendall (h/t CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli), something he hasn't done since 2005 when the team went 7-4 during the season and then went on to lose the Independence Bowl to Missouri.

You hate to use the term "rebuilding" when it comes to Spurrier, but clearly, this team lacks playmakers like its had before. Mizzou will show why it is a solid team and a contender in this game.

Prediction: Missouri 24, South Carolina 13

Despite the fact that many recruits flipped on Florida and followed Will Muschamp to Auburn, according to For The Win's Laken Litman, new Gators coach Jim McElwain will enjoy several top prospects coming to Gainesville this season.

Quarterback is not one of those positions, however, and by all accounts, the Gators will be putting sophomore Treon Harris under center to start the 2015 season. Harris was brought on in relief of departed quarterback Jeff Driskel in an attempt to spark the team at the end of the year. A modest showing against the Florida State Seminoles and a bowl win over East Carolina has a degree of confidence in him.

In addition to Harris coming in with some grease in his wheels, Florida is going to bring a weapon on the offensive line. True freshman Martez Ivey could very well be one of the best linemen Missouri will have to deal with all season. But in a game that is all about matchups, will the interior of the line be able to handle Beckner Jr., as well as Harold Brantley and Josh Augusta?

Florida is going to do well and show signs of hope and potential that wasn't there last season, but Missouri is a little more established, and it will look to take advantage of the fact that this game is at home...for homecoming, no less.

Prediction: Missouri 41, Florida 35

Certainly, Missouri could come into this game with a blemish at this point, but all of the games it has played so far are winnable. Coming in with an overall record of 6-0 is reasonable to think.

Georgia, however, comes off of two of its toughest games of the year as it will have just played its rotating cross-divisional game against Alabama and traveled to Tennessee the week before. If Georgia can win those games, or just beat Alabama, look for ESPN College GameDay to eye showing up for this contest.

Missouri fans, remember the 34-0 embarrassment the year before in Columbia? Georgia fans remember the fact that Mizzou has won the SEC East two years in a row and has gone on to get beaten in games the Dawgs felt they had a better shot in—against Auburn and Alabama, respectively.

True freshman Trenton Thompson is going to be a handful on defense; he is a player so talented that it will likely stop the run and force Mauk to throw the ball. In a situation in which Mauk has inexperienced receivers against a top team on the road, that will be the difference. It will allow Georgia to start a bit of a streak against the Tigers.

Prediction: Missouri 16, Georgia 38

You always have to be aware when you're playing Vanderbilt. It is a team that can often be overlooked, and it has proven that it can sting you if you do so.

Vandy's fans will be thrilled to see their team in person when it takes on Mizzou. The Tigers visit Nashville as Vanderbilt will be in the midst of a streak in which five of six games will be away from home...with Missouri's visit being that one game.

There isn't a lot that's positive to talk about as far as competing with the rest of the division. Vandy stands a chance in its opener against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and in a game against Austin Peay, but other than that, the Commodores won't likely be favored in any other games they play.

On top of quarterback Johnny McCrary returning, both of his top targets from 2014 in Steven Scheu and C.J. Duncan will be back. Although they will provide familiarity for McCrary, Vanderbilt is just not on the same level as most other SEC teams right now. It should be able to compete with and beat Middle Tennessee and Houston, but it's tough to say it would win a conference game outside of maybe South Carolina or Kentucky.

As far as this game goes, it's all Tigers after their tough game against Georgia. A much needed week off will now help them prepare for a special Thursday night game.

Prediction: Missouri 45, Vanderbilt 10

Years ago, this is a game that Missouri fans would let fly way too far under the radar. Well, this one won't, mainly because it's on a special night. Thank goodness it is so that a little more focus is on this extremely talented team and its extremely talented Heisman Trophy candidate.

Dak Prescott is the face of football in Mississippi right now and maybe the Greater South. After taking a traditionally nonthreatening Bulldogs program to the No. 2 spot in the SEC West, Prescott has the respect of fans and critics in the SEC.

Indeed, no such personality has come through the visitor's locker room since Johnny Manziel came to Columbia in 2013, but we all know how that turned out.

Prescott is great with his arm, but he's also very smart when he's on the move with the ball. But this will be a game in which the second level of the defense will shine, anchored by linebacker Michael Scherer.

Scherer has great closing speed for a linebacker. He's a guy who isn't in the same league but is certainly comparable to Bob Sanders with his tackling explosion. In this game, Prescott will make some great decisions, but he won't be able to beat out Scherer when it counts.

All of the fun of a Thursday night ESPN game in Columbia will bring out a big crowd, who will be treated to an early November victory and a launching pad into what is certain to be an interesting November.

Prediction: Missouri 28, Mississippi State 24

It was October 3 of last season, and things were going great for BYU football, especially for its quarterback Taysom Hill. The junior was having one of the best starts in school history. In fact, his September was so good that many media outlets had him tabbed as a Heisman Trophy candidate—some even as a front-runner.

But then, misfortune struck as Hill was injured in a game against in-state rival Utah State. This wasn't just an injury; his team knew he was finished for the year. BYU went on to lose that game, ruining its undefeated season. It also dropped the next three games, struggling for an offensive identity.

As early as November, though, Hill made it clear to Jared Lloyd of the Daily Herald that he would be back for his senior season. He discussed the idea of going pro, but he wants to get his degree. Taking a redshirt year was also discussed, but he wanted his football career to coincide with his graduation.

Hill is a gamer, and his talents will be on display for a national audience in Kansas City.

Missouri will have to do something it is not used to—something that is very SEC. The Tigers must bounce back and forth in between conference games and nonconference games in November. It's a new element that hasn't fared well for Mizzou in the past, but it is something it will have to conquer if it wants to be successful. In this game, it will shine and beat a solid team from out West.

Prediction: Missouri 41, BYU 35

If you were expecting it, it won't come as that rough of a blow. If you weren't expecting it...I'm sorry to be the one who tells you. I know people were saying it last year, but I will put myself out there and say that Tennessee is back.

How "back" is it? So back that it will beat Mizzou on the road in this game. Yes, I said it.

Joshua Dobbs is the future in Knoxville, and what a bright one it is. Coupled with one of the nation's top overall recruiting classes, per 247Sports, the existing team that had expectation riding on its back last season will come out strong and produce. I'm also predicting that Tennessee beats Oklahoma at home on September 12.

But as far as the conference and the East go, Tennessee will suffer two SEC losses in 2015: to Georgia and Alabama. Its win over Missouri could be the difference as far as a head-to-head tiebreaker goes.

I know it's in Columbia and that Missouri performed very well against the Vols the last time they were in town, but Tennessee's skill will be too much for the Tigers to overcome in this one. Dobbs makes a statement win that will end up sending Tennessee to a solid bowl game.

Prediction: Missouri 13, Tennessee 28

I may not have to tell you at this point that this Arkansas team is pretty good. Quarterback Brandon Allen is a Fayetteville guy, and no one wants to win on his senior day more than him.

Arkansas did lose two from its offensive line of last season, one that dwarfed many NFL squads. Overall, though, Arkansas is a young team with skill players in a game it certainly wants to win.

This game is going to be a huge test for the Mizzou secondary as Arkansas may have trouble running the ball. But this one may come down to how well Missouri can run the ball, and the strength of its offensive line and running game, anchored by Russell Hansbrough, pulls it through this one.

I realize that every Arkansas fan will disagree with me about this pick and say that it's Arkansas' year. I don't disagree with that. But Pinkel is great about getting a Mizzou team to win following a loss, and if the Tigers lose to Tennessee like I believe they will, then getting a huge rivalry win over a West squad like Arkansas will be a huge feather in their cap.

Prediction: Missouri 25, Arkansas 24

It's going to be a tough pill for Mizzou fans who are now used to their Tigers winning the East division. But the quality of the league and especially the division is improving, which is good for everyone overall. Here are the projected East final standings:

1. Georgia Bulldogs (8-0)
2. Tennessee Volunteers (6-2)*
3. Missouri Tigers (6-2)*
4. Florida Gators (5-3)
5. Kentucky Wildcats (2-6)
6. South Carolina Gamecocks (1-7)
7. Vanderbilt Commodores (0-8)

*Note:Tennessee wins true second place with head-to-head victory over Missouri.

There are two things I'd like to address. First, why isn't Florida higher? Although I believe that Treon Harris is the guy who will eventually steer the ship in the right direction for the Gators, I just don't see him beating Georgia, Tennessee or Mizzou—not yet anyway. McElwain's system will take root with all the players they're getting, and Florida will move up, just not yet.

Second, why is South Carolina so low? South Carolina lacks serious star power this year outside of Brandon Wilds, which won't be enough in the emerging East. Again I have to reiterate my confusion on Spurrier choosing to go with two defensive coordinators, something that didn't really yield great results when he did it before. Kentucky is a better team to me right now, so I had to put South Carolina at No. 6.

With every team that Missouri plays from the old Big Eight, it's going to feel like a nostalgic trip down memory lane. So where does a 10-2 (6-2) record put Missouri? In the 2016 Outback Bowl, of course!

In this game that is set to feature SEC against Big Ten, Missouri would be in line to face a Nebraska team it hasn't seen since 2011 when it left the Big 12 for the Big Ten.

It's a huge draw for both successful teams and ends up being a fantastic football game. Nebraska shows that it can survive without Bo Pelini, and Pinkel goes on to beat another Nebraska coach.

Prediction: Missouri 45, Nebraska 34

Missouri Tigers play-by-play man Mike Kelly has become just as much a part of the Mizzou game-day experience as anything else. Kelly has called some of the best and worst years all condensed into one wild block of time.

Howard Richards is still relatively new to the booth as a color analyst, replacing the late "Mr. Mizzou," coach John Kadlec. It's still different to hear Richards alongside Kelly, but Richards has done a good job at holding fans' attention so far. He does have a good listening cohesion with Kelly.

The Tiger Network, a group that falls under the popular Learfield Sports umbrella, is heard all over the state of Missouri, as well as four stations that are outside the state—two in Tennessee and two in Arkansas.

This year will be Kelly's 25th behind the football microphone for Mizzou. He doesn't like a lot of attention, but he loves bringing attention to Mizzou. In addition to calling games, Kelly is also very active on media days and hosts Tiger Talk from Buffalo Wild Wings in Columbia every Monday night during the season.

If you're not familiar with the Mizzou Network and Ben Arnet, then consider yourself privileged to be introduced. Arnet is a guy from Columbia who takes a lot of pride in his coverage of the Tigers, and it shows in his work.

Having a subscription to Mizzou Network's videos on its YouTube Channel is one of the best ways to see in-depth, professionally produced interviews and highlights.

Whether it's showcasing classic commercials with historic Mizzou moments or recapping a game with the perspective of Mike Kelly from the Tiger Network, the Mizzou Network is certainly worth being familiar with if you're a fan.

Coach Gary Pinkel (Certified): @GaryPinkel

Missouri's head football coach is indeed on Twitter. He remains active and uses the account mainly in conjunction with his website GaryPinkel.com. He does let a lot of his personality out on there, though, so it's an obvious follow for any real fan.

Tom Orf: @MU4124

Tom Orf knows one thing: Mizzou stats. I would even go as far as to say he's kind of a "Mizzou rainman." Orf is an incredibly talented statistician who never ceases to amaze me with anything he says. Follow Tom Orf, or hear everyone else talk about what he said. It's your choice.

Patrick Crawford: @p_crawf

If you enjoy seeing the MUTigers.com football previews, you can thank Mr. Crawford for the hard work he puts in that makes these previews so enjoyable. Of course, Crawford has a variety of other functions as Mizzou's assistant director of strategic communications, but his work on the website is something that virtually all of us are familiar with. He's a great follow for Mizzou insight and insider knowledge.

Austin Kim: @AustinKKim

With two years under his belt now as the ABC17 sports director, Austin Kim is proving that he's not just the new guy on the block with regard to Mizzou coverage. Kim is great at communicating his work with his Twitter, making him a solid follow.

Tom Hart: @tom_hart

Tom Hart is an Atlanta Braves baseball reporter for Fox Sports South. So why is he on a list of Mizzou football personalities to follow? Hart is a graduate of Rock Bridge High School in Columbia as well as a proud Mizzou alum. Seeing a guy who works in the South talk about Mizzou successes on a semi-regular basis is good enough for me. Give Tom a follow!

There is perhaps not a man who is more involved and instrumental to his athletic department's success than Mike Alden has been in his years at Mizzou. But this coming football season will be missing him as Alden announced that he's stepping down in August. Who will be the new director of athletics? Will he keep the football stadium growing? How will the coaches see the hire?

Missouri has shown it is equipped for big change, and that's exactly what it's going to have to be ready for now that Alden's exit has become official. But on the field, look for Mizzou to have a great season. And although I'd love to be wrong and see the Tigers go to a national championship, another 10-win season wouldn't hurt my feelings either.

Pinkel continues to build what he has, and he now has the attention of many top recruits in the sate and beyond. There's no question that what he's built is impressive, but in the SEC, it's going to take a lot of hard work to get a championship to show for it.

Follow Dan Irwin on Twitter @irwinsports or on Facebook.