SEC Football - 2021 Missouri Tigers Preview
Our Missouri Tigers preview 2021 anticipates this team improving on their 5-5 record from last season. Over the past two seasons, the Tigers have been even at 11-11. In 2018, they were 8-5 overall. That year, the last time they played in a bowl game, they lost the Liberty Bowl to Oklahoma 33-38. Last year, after finishing third in the SEC East, they did get an invite to the Music City Bowl to play Iowa. However, the game was cancelled.
Missouri Offense
Last season, in the second game of the season, freshman QB Connor Bazelak won the signal-calling job. The next week, he started against LSU leading Missouri to a 45-41 win. Last year, Bazelak completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 2,366 yards. He tossed seven TD passes and six picks. It was a good start. Bazelak is expected to improve on last season’s performance. In 2020, the receiving unit lacked depth. If some go-to guys step up, Bazelak could become even more dangerous. In 2020, former Division II star wideout Keke Chirm joined the team. He led the Tigers with 35 catches and 458 receiving yards while scoring once and averaging 13.1 YPR. Tauskie Dove also returns after making 30 catches for 300 yards and two scores. Also back is Jalen Knox who caught 31 passes for 305 yards. The big question is can this trio play consistently?
Top running back Larry Roundtree, who rushed for 972 yards and 14 TD, has to be replaced. Dual-threat Tyler Badie is the likely candidate. Last season, Badie recorded 48 carries, averaging 5.0 YPA and scoring four times. Plus, he caught 28 passes, averaging 11.1 YPR and scoring two more times. Speedy sophomore running back Elijah Young, who in limited action last year averaged 7.8 YPA, is the second man in. The O-line loses tackle Larry Borom to the pros. The rest of the line looks solid, but Borom, a major force upfront, will be tough to replace.
Missouri Tigers Preview 2021 - Defense
There’s good news on defense, as the frontline is deep and experienced. Sophomore DE Trajan Jeffcoat is one of the best pass rushers in the SEC. Last year, he recorded six sacks and seven QBH. DE Isaiah McGuire, who posted three sacks and three QBH last season, is another premium player. The linebacking unit welcomes Rice transfer Blaze Alldredge. In 2019, he recorded the second-most tackles for a loss in the nation, 21.5. MLB Devin Nicholson, the team’s top returning tackler with 82, is solid.
The corners were inconsistent last season. However, they gained a lot of experience and should show improvement. Jarvis Ware, who was out last season due to injury, returns. He’s the best of the unit. Ennis Rackestraw, who broke up six passes, is skilled. Strong safety Martez Manuel is a premium player. Last year, he recorded 64 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four TFL, and five PBU.
Specialists
Senior punter Grant McKinniss is solid, averaging 43.1 YPP and placing 14-of-39 within the 20-yard-line. Sophomore placekicker Harrison Mevis also comes back after hitting 17-of-20 field goals, including a 52-yarder. He was perfect on extra points with 28. The return game needs a lift. Our Missouri Tigers preview 2021 expects freshman Mookie Cooper will be given the opportunity to use his speed and moves on punt returns. Badie, who last season averaged 18.1 YPR on kickoffs, anchors that special team.
Missouri Tigers Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Missouri Tigers preview 2021 sees this team as putting up a winning record. With seven returning on an offense that has a lot of promise, we expect Missouri to improve on the 26.7 PPG they averaged last season. A relatively easy schedule that includes SE Missouri State, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Arkansas will help. But the defense, which allowed opponents 32.3 PPG last season, has various issues.
SEC Football - Missouri Tigers 2021 - Predictions:
Third Place - SEC East
Outback Bowl vs Penn State