2011 Spring Football: Missouri Tigers

2010 should have been a year to celebrate at Mizzou -- 10 wins, another top-20 ranking at season's end, and the program's first win over Oklahoma since 1998. Despite a bittersweet loss in the Insight Bowl, the Tigers showed they could win games with its offense...defense...and special teams.
2011 hopes to be the same story for MU, but there's a big question about who can replace quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Sophomore James Franklin leads the post-spring depth chart, but Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel says it's still open competition for the starting job between Franklin, redshirt freshman Tyler Gabbert -- Blaine's younger brother -- and sophomore Ashton Glaser. Who ever earns the starting job will have plenty of experience around him on offense. All three starting receivers from last year -- TJ Moe, Jerrell Jackson, and Wes Kemp -- are back, along with Consensus All-American and Mackey Award finalist at tight end, Michael Egnew. Those four combined for more than 2,800 yards receiving and a total of 271 receptions. At tailback, the Tigers will rotate a handful of experienced speedsters -- Devion Moore, Kendial Lawrence, Henry Josey, and Marcus Murphy all expect to get carries. In the trenches, MU has four starters back from last season but has to replace First team All-Big 12 center Tim Barnes.
On defense, the Tigers have excellent speed and blitzing ability. Last year, defensive coordinator Dave Steckel's unit allowed the fewest points in the Big 12. This year, Pinkel and Steckel say the defense should be just as strong. Eight starters return, including linemen Jacquies Smith, Dominique Hamilton and Brad Madison, who combined for 14.5 sacks last year and 23 tackles for loss.

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[aliluvzyhu21]

Best College. Best State. I <3 Missouri...