College Football Predictions – Missouri Tigers 2019 College Football Preview
2018 Recap
Record – 8-5
ATS – 7-6
There were high hopes for the Tigers last year and they got off to a nice 3-0 start after taking down Purdue on the road. The season took an expected detour to TANK TOWN when they subsequently lost four of their next five games. Once the pressure was off, they finished well by winning their final four regular season contests and that included a demolition of the Gators (!) in the SWAMP (W 38-17).
The Tigers are faced with a potential bowl ban this year but are appealing that harsh ruling as we approach press time. In any event, let’s check things out and see what we should expect from Missouri football this year.
2019 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
East Division – #4
SEC – #9
Missouri Tigers 2019 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Tigers had a phenomenal offense last season putting up 482 YPG (#3 SEC) and displaying a great balance between the run and the THROW GAME. This year the Tigers must move on without their excellent QB Drew Lock who finished his career in Columbia as the program’s #2 all-time leading passer.
The good news? In comes former Clemson product Kelly Bryant who brings a dual-threat dimension and WINNING PEDIGREE to the QB room. The Tigers will have an imposing rushing attack when you consider Bryant’s mobility and the return of 1,000-yard RB Larry Rountree (1,216, 5.4, 11 TD LY). Bryant should be able to do damage when he chooses to MATRICULATE the ball down the field in the passing game, even when considering the departure of #1 WR and deadly deep threat Emanuel Hall. The WR group is CHOCK FULL of talent and don’t forget they have one of the best receiving TEs in the SEC in Albert Okwuegbunam. There is less experience on the offensive line but they still return three starters, and recall that these guys have not allowed more than 14 (!!) sacks in any of the three previous campaigns.
The offense will take a step backwards this year in terms of point production (36.6, 37.5 PPG L2Y) but they still boast one of the more dangerous offenses in the SEC.
DEFENSE
The Tigers were a bit underwhelming on defense a season ago yielding 25.5 PPG (#9 SEC) and 388 YPG (#11 SEC). They held up well vs the run but gave up a lot of yards through the air (262 YPG, dead last SEC). Missouri returns six starters to the mix and five of their top-seven tacklers from last year’s squad. Their run defense may take a bit of a hit with the loss of both starting defensive tackles, and that includes one man (Terry Beckner) who is off to the NFL (Buccaneers). Last year’s #1 tackler LB Cale Garrett returns for his senior campaign but they lose LB Terez Hall who led the team in sacks last year (5, also #2 tackler). The secondary should be fine and they return both starting CBs including 2nd Team SEC performer DeMarkus Acy (10 PBU, 3 INT LY).
The Tigers have some decent players on defense but are destined to allow more than the 25.5 PPG they gave up in 2019. It feels like a slightly below-average SEC stop unit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
It’s a mixed bag. We like PK Tucker McCann (24/33 FG LY) but they need to find a new punter and improve their GHASTLY PR game. Johnathan Johnson averaged an impossible 1.5 yards on 12 returns in 2018.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – They should be able to start the year strong (at Wyoming, West Virginia, SE Missouri) and are fortunate to miss LSU, ROLL TIDE, and Auburn from the SEC West. They will have to deal with three consecutive road games (over four weeks) starting on October 19th.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – South Carolina (September 21)
The Gamecocks have won three straight in the series and Missouri will probably come into this one feeling good about themselves (3-0 start?). South Carolina has covered their last six games as a road dog.
Season Win Total
Over 8 -145
Under 8 +125
MEGALOCKS says:
Tough call. Their schedule is one of the easiest that any SEC team will face this season and they have enough talent to do some damage. Early money has driven the number up from “7”. At this price it feels like the Tigers are priced for perfection. Pass for now.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Truman the Tiger was introduced as the school’s mascot in 1986, receiving his name from former president Harry S Truman.
One of the Tigers’ retired numbers (#83) belongs to former star TE Kellen Winslow who played with Missouri from 1975-1978. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
MEGALOCKS ATS Outlook: Neutral
The Tigers did a great job of replacing their former star QB Drew Lock and it will be interesting to see what kind of impact Kelly Bryant can have in the SEC. The defense will have to exceed expectations if the Tigers are to make any serious noise in the division, and it would help if they could figure out how to win on the road (6-9 SU L3Y).
Barry Odom has booked a .500 ATS record during his three-year stint with Missouri and this feels like another up and down season for Tigers’ point-spread backers.
Want more Missouri football ?
WEBSITE
http://www.mutigers.com/index.aspx?path=football
FORUM
http://www.secrant.com/rant/mizzou-sports/
http://tigerboard.com/boards/list.php?board=2
http://interact.stltoday.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=13
https://missouri.forums.rivals.com/forums/the-tigers-lair.16/
NEWS
http://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/142/missouri-tigers
http://bleacherreport.com/missouri-tigers-football
http://www.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu-football
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/
TWITTER
Hashtags – #MIZ, #ShowMe
Accounts to follow