No longer is there a North or South division in the Big 12 Conference, but if there were, the Missouri Tigers would be the 2011 College Football Predictions darlings up North. With Nebraska gone to the Big Ten, it seems folks forget there actually are schools in that conference north of Oklahoma; they just don't get talked about as much. However, coach Gary Pinkel and his Mizzou Tigers are about to begin the 2011 college football season ranked 21st in the preseason USA-Today Coaches Poll and are predicted to finish fourth in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State.
In 10 years as head coach, Pinkel has built Missouri into a power that’s culminated 40 wins over the past four seasons and a 77-49 in the decade. Missouri enters the 2011 college football season with 18 returning starters, including nine on offense, eight on defense and one of the nations top place kickers in Grant Ressel.
On offense Mizzou returns every skill player other than quarterback. Replacing Blaine Gabbert under center will be true sophomore James Franklin who emerged from the spring No. 1 on the depth chart. Franklin will be able to look to veterans T.J. Moe and senor tight end Michael Egnew. Moe led Mizzou and was ranked 9th in the nation last year with 92 receptions for 1,045 yards and six touchdowns. Egnew was a consensus 1st team All-American for a season that saw him lead the nation’s tight ends with 90 receptions for 762 yards and 6 touchdowns.
The Tigers defensive line will be the strength of the defensive unit in spite of losing defensive end Aldon Smith who left after two years to the NFL; drafted No. 7 overall by San Francisco.
Mizzou’s schedule will be challenging; and that’s being conservative. Not only does Mizzou have Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Texas to deal with, they travel to Tempe, Ariz for a game with Arizona State in week-2 after opening with the the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks Sept. 3.
Pinkel should have a grin on his face because the Tigers are one team that can really upset the Big 12 apple cart. They might now win the league but they will have a say in who does win it.
Missouri Tigers 2011 College Football Predictions
Regular Season Wins odds – Over 7.5 (-165) Under 7.5 (+135)
Big 12 Championship odds – +1200
2012 BCS Championship odds – +10500
