2010 Missouri Football Preview

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the maneater THEY’RE BACK, BUT ARE THEY BETTER? A look ahead to... What’s in store for the season’s biggest playmakers PAGE 4 How the team will deal with Washington’s absence PAGE 6 A breakdown of each and every game PAGE S 4-5 Volume 77, Issue 4 September 3, 2010 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2010 SEASON *JUNIOR QUARTERBACK BLAINE GABBERT MANEATER FILE PHOTO, BY BEN STEIN PLUS+ Check out what the players had to say about their favorite movies and music. PAGE 6

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Friday, September 3, 2010

Transcript of 2010 Missouri Football Preview

Page 1: 2010 Missouri Football Preview

themaneaterTHEY’RE BACK, BUT ARE THEY BETTER?

A look ahead to... What’s in store for the

season’s biggest playmakers

PAGE 4

How the team will deal with Washington’s

absencePAGE 6

A breakdown of each and every game

PAGE S 4-5

Volume 77, Issue 4 September 3, 2010

FOOTBALLPREVIEW

2010 SEASON

*JUNIOR QUARTERBACK BLAINE GABBERT MANEATER FILE PHOTO, BY BEN STEIN

PLUS+Check out what the

players had to say about their favorite movies and music.

PAGE 6

Page 2: 2010 Missouri Football Preview
Page 3: 2010 Missouri Football Preview

Friday, September 3, 2010 football the maneater 3

John MontesantosStaff Writer

The Missouri football team will play Illinois on Saturday morning in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis to begin its regular season.

The 2010 Arch Rivalry game will be the sixth and final border contest for the two teams. Missouri has yet to take a loss in the five season-opener matchups, winning each game by at least a touchdown.

Although the Tigers will have 14 returning starters this year, youth and lack of game experience is a growing issue on the offense. The permanent suspension of senior tailback Derrick Washington has put sophomore Kendial Lawrence and junior De’Vion Moore in charge of the running game. The backups-turned-starters boast just one college start between them, but Coach Gary Pinkel is confident in their ability to step up.

“We have Kendial Lawrence, who’s doing a great job, and De’Vion Moore,” Pinkel said in a previous Maneater article. “They are excited about the opportunity and also feel responsibil-ity and accountability for their team. They want to produce to help their team.”

The receiving core is nearly as fresh as the running game since Missouri’s top receivers of 2009 both graduated. Danario Alexander and Jared Perry led the team in nearly every receiving category last year. The new targets include junior Jerrell Jackson at the X, junior Wes Kemp at the Z and sopho-more T.J. Moe at the H spot.

Kemp started in all but one game in 2009 as the No. 3 wide receiver, and Jackson was third in receiving yards behind the two graduates. The two will now play starring roles in the passing game, and Moe will look to impress in his first college start.

Although the backfield and wideouts are low on experience, the offensive line and quarterback spots are all field-tested. The Tiger offen-sive line returns four starters to the 2010 squad, and junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert returns for his sec-

ond year as a starter. Gabbert’s monster performance in

last year’s Illinois game bodes well for the Tigers. Then a sophomore, Gabbert threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for one more in his starting debut.

Whatever youth and inex-perience the offense has to work through, a veteran group on the defense should balance it out. Of the 11 starters listed for Saturday, eight are returning. Virtually the entire defensive line and defensive back-field started in 2009, and the three other players have at least one career start under their belt.

The loss of linebacker and defen-sive leader Sean Weatherspoon to the NFL Draft has been answered by the return of redshirt sopho-more defensive end Aldon Smith. The freshman sack leader of 2008 hopes to return to top form after redshirting the 2009 season. Senior cornerback Carl Gettis and senior free safety Jasper Simmons are also returning, who both placed top in tackles and work as the kick and punt returners for the Tigers.

One part of Missouri’s game the team hopes to leave behind is high penalty yardage. The Tigers averaged more than 55 penalty yards per game last season and more than 65 in confer-ence play, which was eighth in the Big 12. Pinkel pushed his players to reverse the trend in their fall scrimmages.

“We’re focusing on the little things, trying to be as perfect as possible in regards to penalties and the little things,” Gabbert said.

Back in August, Kemp was asked which game, of all 12 this regular sea-son, he is looking forward to the most.

“Sept. 4,” he said immediately. “Illinois. My hometown.”

Although the location of the season opener might bias the St. Louis-native Kemp toward game one, most of his teammates from across the country would agree. It’s all about the Illinois game.

“We’re extremely close,” Gabbert said. “We’re preparing every day to play Illinois.”

Tigers to take on Illini in final Border Showdown

Maneater File PhotoMissouri junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert celebrates after a touch-down run during a game against Illinois on Sept. 5, 2009, in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. The Tigers will open their season against Illinois on Saturday.

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Friday, September 3, 2010Football preview4the maneater

Missouri football preview:illinois (at the edward Jones dome in st.

louis)When: Sept. 4

2009 Record: 3-9 (2-6 Big Ten)

All-Time Series: Missouri holds the 16-7 edge in the series.

Last Meeting: The Tigers opened the 2009 season with a 37-9 win against the Illini. Then-sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.

What to Watch For: The Illini are coming off a dismal season but are starting fresh with redshirt freshman quar-terback Nathan Sceelhaase at quarterback. Junior running back Mikel Leshoure should also be a factor in the Illini’s impressive running game. Leshoure rushed for 734 yards and five touchdowns last season.

X-Factor: The inexperienced Sceelhaase will be making his first career start.

Prediction: Missouri by 17

san diego state

When: Sept. 18

2009 Record: 4-8 (2-6 Mountain West)

Last Meeting: The Tigers rolled past the Aztecs 31-7 in 1980.

All-Time Series: Missouri is 2-0 all-time against San Diego State.

What to Watch For: Aztec quarterback Ryan Lindley has a strong arm in a pass-heavy offense, throwing for 3054 yards and 23 touchdowns last year.

X-Factor: The Aztec running game is virtually non-exis-tent, and Lindley is immobile, with -131 yards rushing last year. If the Tigers put pressure on the quarterback, the Aztecs will be in major trouble.

Prediction: Missouri by 21

mcneese state

When: Sept. 11

2009 Record: 9-2 (6-1 Southland Conference)

Last Meeting: None

All-Time Series: This is the first meeting between the two teams.

What to Watch For: The Cowboys return 15 start-ers from last year’s Southland Conference title team. McNeese State has a powerful offense that averaged 443 yards and 37 points per game last year.

X-Factor: Despite the impressive record, the Cowboys do not encounter high caliber teams on a regular basis play-ing in the Southland Conference. If the Tigers set the tone early, a blowout is likely.

Prediction: Missouri by 28

miami (ohio)

When: Sept. 25

2009 Record: 1-11 (1-7 Mid-American Conference)

Last Meeting: None

All-Time Series: This is the first meeting between the two teams.

What to Watch For: Miami is coming off a rough year in a weak conference. Opponents outscored Miami 410-187 last season, and with weak running and pass-ing games, this should be an easy victory for the Tigers.

X-Factor: The only way the Redhawks will stay in this game is if the Tigers play down to them. But, the Tigers have a tendency to let sub par teams hang around lon-ger than they should (Bowling Green last year).

Prediction: Missouri by 31

colorado

When: Oct. 9

2009 Record: 3-9 (2-6 Big 12)

Last Meeting: The Tigers cruised to a 36-17 victory last season. Recent graduate Danario Alexander caught eight passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

All-Time Series: Missouri holds a commanding 41-31-3 record all-time against Colorado.

What to Watch For: Running back Rodney Stewart had a productive 2009, amassing 100+ yards in five games last season as a sophomore. With another year of experience under his belt, he could develop into a powerhouse run-ning back this season.

X-Factor: Missouri jumped on Colorado early with 21 points in the first quarter and never looked back. If the Tigers can get in a rhythm early they should be able to get the victory.

Prediction: Missouri by 10

at texas a&m

When: Oct. 16

2009 Record: 6-7 (3-5 Big 12)

Last Meeting: The Tigers defeated the Aggies 40-26 in 2007.

All-Time Series: Missouri holds the series lead with a 5-2 all-time record.

What to Watch For: Senior quarterback Jerrod Johnson has set eight single-season school records last sea-son, including passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions. Johnson threw for 3,579 yards and 30 touchdowns leading an offense that averaged nearly 33 points a game.

X-Factor: The Tiger defense will have to come ready to play against Johnson and running back Cyrus Gray, who combined for 1,263 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground last year.

Prediction: Texas A&M by 3

A look at every game on the 2010 schedule

Maneater File Photo(Left) Junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert drops back for a pass against Colorado on Oct. 31, 2009. The Tigers went on to win the game 36-17.

Maneater File Photo(Right) Former Tiger tight end Chase Coffman shakes off an Illinois defender during the Tigers’ match with the

Fighting Illini on Aug. 30, 2008. The Tigers have taken their last five games against Illinois and will face the team again Saturday.

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Friday, September 3, 2010 Football preview 5the maneater

oklahoma

When: Oct. 23

2009 Record: 8-5 (5-3 Big 12)Last Meeting: The Tigers last squared off against the Sooners at the Big 12 championship in 2008, where they were blown out 62-21.

All-Time Series: Oklahoma holds a steady lead in the series, 66-23-5.

What to Watch For: Oklahoma is strong on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Landry Jones threw for 3,198 yards and 26 touchdowns, and third team All-American Jeremy Beal earned 11 sacks for a stellar defense that held opponents to 14.5 points a game last season.

X-Factor: The Tigers will have to stop the impres-sive Sooner running game while also keeping Jones in check.

Prediction: Oklahoma by 14

at Nebraska

When: Oct. 30

2009 Record: 10-4 (6-2 Big 12)

Last Meeting: The Cornhuskers left the Tigers in despair after ral-lying from behind for a 27-12 victory in the pouring rain last season.

All-Time Series: Nebraska holds firm command over the series with a 64-36-3 record against Missouri.

What to Watch For: The Huskers, along with the Sooners, will be the toughest matchup for the Tigers this season. Nebraska led the nation in three different defensive categories, capital-ized by returning defensive tackle Jared Crick’s 73 tackles and 9.5 sacks last season. Not to be outdone, the Cornhusker offense features running back Roy Helu Jr., who provides senior leadership in addition to stellar production.

X-Factor: Roy Helu Jr. rushed for 1,147 yards and 10 touchdowns last year and will need to be contained for the Tigers to succeed.

Prediction: Nebraska by 7

at texas tech

When: Nov. 6

2009 Record: 9-4 (5-3 Big 12)

Last Meeting: Tigers won in blowout fashion, 41-10, when the teams last met in 2007.

All-Time Series: Missouri leads 5-2 all-time.

What to Watch For: Texas Tech has won 29 games in the last three years and has been bowl-eligible every year since 1994. It has a strong history and senior quarterback Taylor Potts coming off a 3,400 yard, 22 touchdown season in 2009, mak-ing it Missouri’s toughest matchup outside of Nebraska and Oklahoma.

X-Factor: The Red Raiders have a new coach this year in Tommy Tuberville, and their success depends on how fast he makes the adjustment.

Prediction: Missouri by 3

kaNsas state

When: Nov. 13

2009 Record: 6-6 (4-4 Big 12)

Last Meeting: Missouri beat Kansas State 38-12 when they met last season.

All-Time Series: Tigers are 59-31-5 all-time against the Wildcats.

What to Watch For: Missouri has beaten Kansas State by an average of 20 points in their last four meetings, and that trend might continue in 2010. The Wildcats’ returning passing attack was 106th in the nation last year, and that should make them an easy win.

X-Factor: K-State’s lone bright spot is senior tailback Daniel Thomas who rushed for over 1,200 yards in 2009 on more than five yards per carry. His performance will dictate the team’s chance to beat the Tigers.

Prediction: Missouri by 17

at iowa state

When: Nov. 20

2009 Record: 7-6 (3-5 Big 12)

Last Meeting: The Tigers beat the Cyclones 34-24 in 2009.

All-Time Series: Missouri is 59-34-9 overall against Iowa State.

What to Watch For: The Cyclone defense won’t be up to the task of stopping the Tiger passing game, as Iowa State is consistently at the bottom of the ranks in points allowed. On offense, the quarterback crew threw more interceptions than touchdowns in 2009 (17 picks, 16 TDs), a problem the Tiger secondary will only exacerbate.

X-Factor: Senior quarterback and returning starter Austen Arnaud threw 13 of those interceptions last year and lost his main target to graduation. If he can overcome these obstacles, they might put up a fight.

Prediction: Missouri by 14

kaNsas (at arrowhead stadium iN kaNsas city)

When: Nov. 27

2009 Record: 5-7 (1-7 Big 12)

Last Meeting: The Tigers edged out their border rivals 41-39 last year.

All-Time Series: Missouri and Kansas are nearly even all-time, with the Tigers leading the series 55-54-9.

What to Watch For: This is clearly a rebuilding year for Kansas with the graduation of star quarterback Todd Reesing and main wideout Kerry Meier. The Jayhawks also have few returning starters on the defensive side of the ball. They will have to see a lot of youngsters step up if they want to break their six-game Big 12 losing streak.

X-Factor: The neutral site for the contest might be the X-Factor here. Home field advantage and fan presence can play big roles in college games, so the attendance of the fans might make the difference here. Tiger fans will have to make a longer trip than the Jayhawks, but hopefully they’ll make it.

Prediction: Missouri by 7

Missouri football preview

Maneater File PhotoS(Left) Junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert sends off a pass against the Kansas State Wildcats on Nov. 14, 2009, in a 38-12 win. Missouri will meet Kansas State again Nov. 13. (Right) Senior kicker Grant Ressel is carried off the field by teammates Nov. 28, 2009, at Arrowhead Stadium after kicking a game-winning field goal to beat the Kansas Jayhawks 41-39. The Tigers will face Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium again Nov. 27.

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Friday, September 3, 2010Football preview6the maneater

Missouri’s backup tailbacks prepare

to step up with Washington out.John Montesantos

Staff Writer

Starting senior tailback Derrick Washington’s perma-nent suspension from Missouri football, issued Wednesday, leaves the remaining four Missouri rushers with some big shoes to fill.

Washington started in every game in 2009, rushing for a team-high 865 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last year’s work followed an impressive sopho-more season, when Washington rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, just one shy of Missouri’s single-season record.

The Raymore native was primed to lead the Tiger back-field for his third straight sea-son, but the suspension put that duty in the hands of his backups. Sophomore Kendial Lawrence and junior De’Vion Moore will look to shoulder the load in Saturday’s season opener.

Lawrence was the clear No. 2 tailback throughout training camp, making him the new No. 1 going into the 2010 season. Despite being a year younger and seeing slightly less action than Moore in 2009, the sopho-more is listed at the top spot. But with Moore now recovering from a recent big toe injury, both of them will be getting carries in game one.

Coach Gary Pinkel said he’s put the loss of Washington behind him and is confident in the switches at running back.

“We move them over, move them out, and there are no excuses,” Pinkel said. “When you have a situation like this, other teammates have to pick it up and play at a different level.”

Pinkel was unclear as to

whom the go-to back will be, noting the skills Lawrence and Moore each bring to the table.

“You mature so much in your second year, and I think (Lawrence) is a very talented player,” he said. “De’Vion has more experience than he does, but I think they will both do a great job.”

Rounding out the tailback position on the Tiger depth chart are freshmen Henry Josey and Marcus Murphy. The third- and fourth-string backs have a lot in common: Both are under-sized (each listed at 5 foot 9 inches, 180 pounds), both are Texas natives and neither has played in a college game.

The rookies have learned fast though, competing in practice and putting up strong numbers in the scrimmages. Josey recorded a carry and a reception in each of the three scrimmages, and Murphy racked up 55 receiving yards on two receptions in the sec-ond scrimmage.

Now at the No. 3 tailback spot, Josey hopes his quick-ness can earn him some playing time. But the former all-district high school run-ning back knows he has to earn it.

“I would love to play this year,” Josey said. “It’s at the top of my list. There are great com-petitors, so every day you have to come out ready to roll. I’m just getting ready to be quick out there.”

Although the loss of Washington bumped Josey up a spot on the tailback list, the suspension of his close friend left him rattled. But the freshman knows his senior mentor will get through his situation.

Junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert is also confident his team will work through the recent problems.

“We have to fight through it,” Gabbert said. “ Things are going to happen to this football team, but we’re going to bounce back and fight on.”

Tigers work to fill tailback position

Player Favorites 2010: Behind the scenes with two Missouri receivers

(sophomore wide receiver — No. 1 H wideout)

• Pregame Song/Music: “We Made It” by Busta Rhymes

• Favorite Movie: “Remember the Titans”

• Favorite Columbia restaurant: Chipotle

• Best Missouri football moment: Kansas game last year

• Closest teammate: Andrew Wilson (roommate)

(junior wide receiver — No. 1 Z wideout)

• Pregame Song/Music: Gospel and soft jazz

• Favorite Movie: “300”

• Favorite Columbia restaurant: CJ’s Wings

• Best Missouri football moment: Scored first career TD last September

• Game most excited for: Illinois

Maneater File PhotoMissouri senior tailback Derrick Washington stiff-arms a Kansas State defender during a Nov. 14, 2009, win. Washington, Missouri’s leading rusher for the last two years, was permanently suspended from the team Wednesday.

T. J. Moe

Wes Kemp

John Montesantos, Staff Writer

Page 7: 2010 Missouri Football Preview

Roster:M I S S O U R I

MISSOURI

QB #11 TB #4

H-WR #28

X-WR #29

Z-WR #8

TE #82

LT #72

LG #71 C #62

RG #66 RT #77

KOR #9PR #19

LS #57 H #88

PK #95

DE #3 DT #93NOSE #90 DE #85

WLB #25 MLB #33 SLB #6

FS #9 SS #13

CB #19CB #20

PK/P #97

P #99

Offense (black)

Quarterback: No. 11 Junior Blaine Gabbert, 6 feet 5 inches 230 pounds.Tailback: No. 4 Sophomore Kendial Lawrence, 5 feet 9' inches 190 pounds.X Wideout: No. 29 Junior Jerrell Kackson, 6 feet 1 inc 190 pounds.H Wideout: No. 28 Sophomore T. J. Moe, 6 feet 0 inches 200 pounds.Left Tackle: No. 72 Junior Elvis Fisher, 6 feet 5 inches 295 pounds.Left Guard: No. 71 Junior Jayson Palmgren, 6 feet 4 pounds 300 pounds.Center: No. 62 Senior Tim Barnes, 6 feet 4' inches 300 pounds.Right Guard: No. 66 Junior Austin Wuebbels, 6 feet 4 inches 300 pounds.Right Tackle: No. 77 Junior Dan Hoch, 6 feet 7 inches 315 pounds.Tight End: No. 82 Junior Michael Egnew, 6 feet 6 inches 235 pounds.Z Wideout: No. 8 Junior Wes Kemp, 6 feet 4 inches 220 pounds.

Defense (white)

Cornerback: No. 20 Senior Kevin Rutland, 6 feet 0 inches 190 pounds.Defensive End: No. 3 Junior Jacquies Smith, 6 feet 4' inches 255 pounds.Nose Guard: No. 90 Dominique Hamilton, 6 feet 5' inches 305 pounds.Defensive Tackle: No. 93 Junior Terrell Resonno, 6 feet 5 inches 295 pounds.Defensive End: No. 85 Redshirt Sophomore Aldon Smith, 6 feet 5 inches 260 pounds.Cornerback: No. 19 Senior Carl Gettis, 5 feet 11 inches 195 pounds.Weakside Linebacker: No. 25 Sophomore Zaviar Gooden, 6 feet 2 inches 225 pounds.Middle Linebacker: No. 33 Senior Luke Lambert, 6 feet 3 inches 230 pounds.Strongside Linebacker: No. 6 Senior Andrew Gachkar 6 feet 3 inches, 228 pounds.Free Safety: Senior No. 9 Jasper Simmons, 6 feet 1 inches 205 pounds.Strong Safety: No. 13 Junior Kenji Jackson, 5 feet 10 inches 195 pounds.

specialists (black anD gOlD)

Kick Returner: No. 9 Senior Jasper Simmons, 6 feet 1 inches 205 pounds.Punt Returner: No. 19 Senior Carl Gettis, 5 feet 11 inches 195 pounds.Long Snapper: No. 57 Sophomore Brad Madison, 6 feet 4 inches 255 pounds.Holder: No. 88 Senior Forrest Shock, 6 feet 2 inches 210 pounds.Place Kicker: No. 95 Junior Grant Ressel, 6 feet 1 inches 190 pounds.Place Kicker/Punter: No. 97 Sophomore Trey Barrow, 6 feet 1 inches 190 pounds.Punter: No. 99 Senior Matt Grabner, 6 feet 4 inches 200 pounds.

Offensive ReseRves

Quarterback: No. 1 Freshman James Franklin, 6 feet 2 inches 223 pounds.Wide Receiver: No. 2 Freshman L'Damian Washington, 6 feet 4 inches 190 pounds.Wide Receiver: No. 3 Sophomore Rolandis Woodland, 6 feet 3 inches 200 pounds.Tight End: No. 87 Junior Andrew Jones, 6 feet 5 inches 240 pounds.

Defensive ReseRves

Cornerback: No. 1 Sophomore Kip Edwards, 6 feet 1 inches 200 pounds.Strong Safety: No. 11 Senior Jarrell Harrison, 6 feet 2 inches 210 pounds.Defensive End: No. 18 Sophomore Marcus Malbrough, 6 feet 5 inches 240 pounds.Linebacker: No. 48 Freshman Andrew Wilson, 6 feet 3 inches 225 pounds.Defensive End: No. 52 Freshman Michael Sam, 6'3'' 245 lbs.

Friday, September 3, 2010 fOOtball pReview 7the maneater

2010 Missouri football depth chart

Page 8: 2010 Missouri Football Preview