2009 Missouri Tigers Football Preview
2009 Missouri Tigers season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official Missouri Tigers football preview as well as the 2009 Missouri Tigers Football Schedule. If you dont know how to beat the odds, give Maddux's winning NCAA picks a shot.
Coach: Gary Pinkel (9th year at Missouri)
Team Name: Tigers
2008 Overall Record: 10-4
Returning Starters: 9
The Missouri Tigers (10- 4 overall, 5- 3 Big 12) have been to four bowl games in the past four years, going 3- 1. Last year, after finishing tied for first in the North Division of the Big 12, the Tigers lost the conference title game to Oklahoma 21- 62. In the post-season, Missouri played Northwestern in the Alamo Bowl, garnering a 30- 23 overtime victory. This season, the Tigers will struggle to finish at the top of their division.
The Missouri offense was ranked sixth in 2008, putting an average of 42.2 PPG on the scoreboard. This season, the Tigers must replace their premium QB, an All-American receiver and tight end, and their offensive coordinator. The QB spot could go to any of many, but Blaine Gabbert (13 ATT, 5 COMP, 43 YDs, 0 INT, 0 TD), a sophomore who was a five-star recruit, is the leading candidate. Senior wide receivers Jared Perry (41 REC, 567 YDS, 4 TDS) and Danario Alexander (26 REC, 329 YDs, 5 TDs) offer plenty of quality experience. Junior RB Derrick Washington (177 ATT, 1,036 YDs, 17 TDs) is a powerful force and sure scorer. The frontline offers experience and talent. They look solid.
Last year, the Tigers’ defense was ranked 69th. They allowed 27.2 PPG. The frontline sees just one starter, senior Jaron Baston (46 TKLs, 1 SK, 1 TFL), come back. This unit lacks experience and could be a liability. The linebacking squad includes senior Sean Weatherspoon (155 TKLs, 5 SKs, 13.5 TFL, 3 INTs) and junior Luke Lambert (58 TKLs, 1 SK, 2.5 TFL). Weatherspoon, an all All-Big 12 selection, is fast and tough. He’s one of the best in the nation. The secondary welcomes back just one starter—Carl Gettis (78 TKLs, 4 TFL, 1 INT). This group, which was primarily responsible for Missouri’s pass protection ranking of 117th, must improve drastically.
The special teams are sketchy. The only returning starter is punter Jake Harry (26 Punts, 1,057 YDs, 40.7 YPP, 10 In20) who did a good job with the few opportunities he was given. Three players are up for the placekicking spot. Whoever gets the nod will have to replace three-year starter Jeff Wolfert, who was the most accurate kicker in the NCAA. Freshman T.J. Moe may get a chance at running back punts, while junior Munir Prince could be the man on kickoffs.
With the loss of so many key players from past two seasons, head coach Gary Pinkel (59- 41 in eight years) will have to work some magic quickly. The Tigers had a tough time last season with Oklahoma State, Texas and Kansas, losing to all three. They meet all three conference opponents this season and the same results can be expected. Missouri’s first four games are non-conference match ups versus Illinois, Bowling Green, Furman and Nevada. All of which should be wins. The Missouri Tigers could be a second, third or fourth place club. Chances are this year’s Tigers will finish third or fourth. A lower tier bowl invite is in their near future.
Missouri Tigers Football Schedule
| Date | Team | Opponent | Site | Line | Total | Points | Opp Points |
| 9/5/2009 | Missouri | Illinois | neutral | ||||
| 9/12/2009 | Missouri | Bowling Green | home | ||||
| 9/19/2009 | Missouri | Furman | home | ||||
| 9/25/2009 | Missouri | Nevada | away | ||||
| 10/8/2009 | Missouri | Nebraska | home | ||||
| 10/17/2009 | Missouri | Oklahoma St. | away | ||||
| 10/24/2009 | Missouri | Texas | home | ||||
| 10/31/2009 | Missouri | Colorado | away | ||||
| 11/7/2009 | Missouri | Baylor | home | ||||
| 11/14/2009 | Missouri | Kansas St. | away | ||||
| 11/21/2009 | Missouri | Iowa St. | home | ||||
| 11/28/2009 | Missouri | Kansas | neutral |
For more info on the 2009 Missouri Tigers football program, view the Tigers website or read up on the rest of the Big 12 ncaa football teams below.
