2008 Missouri Tigers College Football Predictions

Mizzou won the Big 12 North in 2007 and now the Tigers will try to win the conference outright this season behind Heisman Trophy candidate Chase Daniel. Find out if Jimmy thinks the Tigers can build off of a 12-2 campaign in his 2008 Missouri Tigers predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

In 2007, the offense ranked in the top 10 nationally in three of the four main categories. They were the eighth best scoring teams in the nation, ninth best passing squad, and the fifth overall in total offense. In order to keep this well-oiled machine rolling, the Tigers will have to replace their starting tailback and nearly 40 percent of its receptions and receiving yards. But if you look down at the depth chart, it's easy to see that there is still plenty of talent for QB Chase Daniel to work with. One of those weapons is slot receiver Jeremy Maclin. He busted out for a team-high 1,055 receiving yards in 2007 and his 4.32-second 40-time is enough to have any defensive coordinator worried. Tight end Chase Coffman is one of the best in the country. He already own the all-time mark at Mizzou for touchdown receptions. Trusty Tommy Saunders was a chains-mover on third down last season and Jared Perry and Danario Alexander give Daniels two more speed options. With this much talent to work with, there's no reason why the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and Heisman Trophy finalists can't repeat those honors. It's likely tailback by committee, but it won't matter who gets the carries behind a veteran line.

Defense

When you think of Mizzou, you think offense, but its defense quietly became one of the best units in the league. Mizzou has a very productive defensive end duo in Stryker Sulak and Tommy Chavis. These guys have the ability to reek havoc on opposing offensive tackles with their speed and power. Mizzou is very strong at linebacker with all three starters coming back. Middle linebacker Brock Christopher, strong side backer Van Alexander, and weak side backer Sean Weatherspoon combine to form of the league most reliable units. The Tigers have an absolute gem of a safety in William Moore, who tied for the NCAA lead with eight picks last year. He'll team up with strong safety Justin Garrett. The Tigers are very deep at the cornerback spot with five capable lockdown corners.

Special Teams

The place kicking duties are safe in the hands, or should I say feet, of Jeff Wolfert. The All-Conference kicker has a string of 90 consecutive kicks made in Big 12 play. Punting duties are still in the hands of Jake Harry for now, but there are some walk-ons breathing down his neck if he doesn't get the job done.

Prediction – 1st in Big 12 North

The Tigers beat an undefeated Kansas team to get a crack at the Sooners in the Big 12 Championship game, but they did not prevail. And that loss earned them a BCS snub. Mizzou will likely get another crack at the Sooners in the 2008 Big 12 title game and we'll see how they fair this time around playing with a chip on their shoulder. If Missouri can't get past the Sooners, it will have been a disappointing season for head coach Gary Pinkel's most talented and experienced team to date.   This team ends up on top of the division ahead of Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas State and Iowa State.

Do all of your college football betting with Jimmy Boyd this season for the most winners in the industry. No other handicapper has won as consistently over the last 10 seasons because no other handicapper spends as much time in the research room each and every week working to beat the college football odds.

For more info on the Tigers check out our article on who will win the Big 12 football conference.

June 18th, 2008