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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 8-4 (5-3) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Larry Smith Returning starters: 12 (offense 6, defense 5) Outlook Missouri made its first back-to-back bowl appearances in '97 and '98 since the 1980-81 teams made consecutive postseason appearances. An offense that was the envy of many a coach had much to do with those back-to-back bids. To continue the string the Tigers will likely turn to a defense that could very well be the best Larry Smith has fielded in his six seasons in Columbia. Smith needs it to be that good, as much of the record-setting offense responsible for the program's recent success must be rebuilt. The years struggling for respect in the Big 12 are long gone. The years of losing all the in-state talent to rivals is fading. As a result, where losses at key skill positions and on the line might have crippled previous Missouri teams, this one will merely alter its emphasis without changing its course OffenseThe loss of Corby Jones and Devin West can't be overlooked, but it can't be changed either. Missouri fans must now put their trust in a two-quarterback system featuring sophomore Jim Dougherty and redshirt freshman Kirk Farmer. Smith sought out Florida's Steve Spurrier and Arizona's Dick Tomey for advice on a split-quarterback system, and he is committed to it, calling the quarterbacks 1A and 1B on the depth chart. Both have have a history running the option; Farmer, (6-5, 216) is considered one of the best athletes on the team. And both are probably better passers than Jones, although Dougherty is the only man on the roster to have thrown a pass in a college game -- a 17-yarder in a victory over Bowling Green. Missouri will remain a physical, run-oriented team, however. A committee of backs will try to replace Devin West. Smith is favoring a tandem there too, with DeVaughn Black and Zain Gilmore. Black was the leading rusher in the spring game with 17 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Rob West will line up in front of them at fullback. He is the team's top returning rusher, but will miss the opener after fracturing a bone in his foot in camp. If the Tigers are to maintain their reputation as a run-first team, four new starters on the line must get in sync. Fortunately for Smith, all-Big 12 center Rob Riti will be back to anchor the unit. Riti (6-3, 289) is one of the strongest players ever at Missouri. He broke the school squat record again last winter with a lift of an unbelievable 1,000 pounds. Sophomore Jeff Hellerstedt (6-4, 280) started five games last season and played well. He was going to be the new left guard until he left the team this week. That opened the door for junior Joe Glauberman (6-3, 282). Sophomore Mike Hayes (6-3, 296) claimed the right guard position in the spring, and could also serve as Riti's backup at center. Sophomore Aaron Crittendon (6-5, 315) started the Insight.com Bowl and should see plenty of time this year. At receiver, senior Kent Layman is back for his third year. He's averaged 22 yards per reception the last two seasons while catching 47 passes. Junior John Dausman's 4.3 speed made him a deep threat but a preseason knee injury may end his season. He caught 18 passes and scored three TDs last year. It's a good sign if: A quarterback tandem doesn't create dissension.It's a bad sign if: There is no one with speed to replace Dausman. Defense Although there are only five returning starters, this group will be looked to for leadership, especially in the early stages of the campaign. Sophomore end Justin Smith, the Big 12's defensive freshman of the year, and linebacker Barry Odom spearhead the defensive front seven. Smith (6-5, 256) was the first Missouri freshman in 13 seasons to start every game. He finished with 86 tackles. Expect him to be used some at linebacker to keep offenses off balance. Odom will become one of Missouri's top-10 all-time tacklers this season. Last year he alternated between the weak and strong side linebacker positions, but this year he'll concentrate on the strong side. The weak side will be manned by Jamonte Robinson, who had a terrific freshman season. His 83 tackles ranked third on the team. Nose tackle Jeff Marriott (6-5, 300) was the defensive MVP of the Insight.com Bowl, and one of his two blocked field goals led to a touchdown in that game. Senior Steve Erickson is set to start at tackle, but Terrell Jurineack will push him for playing time. Pat Mingucci and redshirt freshman Cedric Harden should be able to replace all-Big 12 performer Justin Wyatt adequately. The biggest potential problem area is the secondary, where senior cornerback Carlos Posey is the lone holdover. Even the unit's coach departed, as Jon Hoke left to become defensive coordinator at Florida. Posey scored three touchdowns last year -- on a fumble return, a pass interception return, and a blocked field goal return. The fastest man on the team, Posey spent the offseason running on Missouri's indoor track team. Redshirt freshman Antoine Duncan looks to be the other starting corner. Insight.com Bowl MVP Julian Jones, who had 10 tackles, an interception and a blocked a punt in the win over West Virginia, will start at free safety. Clarence Jones, who has played mainly on special teams, will get first crack at the strong safety spot. It's a good sign if: A new-look secondary demonstrates veteran confidenceIt's a bad sign if: Changes in the coaching staff harm continuity. Special Teams Sophomore Brian Long, who made three of four field-goal attempts, is the leading candidate at place-kicker. Senior punter Vince Sebo needs to be more consistent -- he hit an 80-yarder against Nebraska but followed it with a 6-yard effort. -- John Crowley |
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