Mizzou Football Expectations

October 27, 2012; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson (34) and running back Jared McGriff-Culver (38) prepare to enter the field with their teammates before kickoff at Faurot Field. The Missouri Tigers defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 33-10. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports

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The Mizzou Tigers enter their second season in the SEC. Last year, there was much hope and optimism in Columbia, Missouri. This season doesn’t seem to have that feeling. Sure the Tigers themselves feel that last year was a fluke and are ready for redemption. Even Kony Ealy can’t learn from the Sheldon Richardson mistake:

"“I feel like we can go into the SEC and kick everybody’s butt next year,” Ealy said. “I’m probably going to regret saying that.”"

With that being said,what are the realistic expectations for Mizzou Football?

Getting bowl eligible

As Mizzou proved last year, getting to bowl eligibility is tougher than it looks. The Tigers last year went 2-6 in the SEC and were blown out by South Carolina, Alabama and Texas A&M. They were able to hang with Florida and Georgia (until the 4th quarter). The biggest blow to the Tigers last season was their non-conference schedule. The Tigers went 3-1 but struggled to put away Central Florida and lost to Syracuse. While 2-6 in the SEC isn’t ideal, if the Tigers would have been bowl eligible if they won all their non-conference games. So with an easy non-conference schedule, the Tigers should focus on getting bowl eligible.

More production from DGB

Dorial Green-Beckham led the Tigers touchdown reception last year. Unfortunately, he only had 28 catches for 395 yards. 80 of those yards came on 1 touchdown reception. If the Tigers are going to be successful, they need to get DGB more targets and DGB needs to assert himself as a playmaker.

Stability at Quarterback. 

Whether it’s Corbin Berkstresser, James Franklin, or Maty Mauk, the Tigers need consistency at quarterback. They don’t need someone who can throw for 4,000 yards just someone who is consistent. James Franklin being injured on a number of occasions really put the Tigers in a tough spot. If he wants to be the starter, he needs to stay healthy.

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