Missouri Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up

Strengths and Question Marks

The strengths of the Missouri Tigers in 2014 include a high powered offense lead by sophomore QB Maty Mauk. Mauk started four games for Mizzou last year and after this spring has cemented himself as the starting quarterback for the Tigers.

However, at wide receiver, the loss of Dorial Green-Beckham to off-field incidents and the graduations of L’Damian Washington and Marcus Lucas leave a question mark. It will be up to seniors Bud Sasser and Jimmie Hunt to provide targets for Mauk.

Defensively, the Tigers appear to be poised to repeat last year’s staunch effort that allowed Mizzou to get to its first SEC Championship Game in only its second season in the league. The question mark on this side of the ball is the Tiger’s secondary. Losing cornerback E.J. Gaines hurts so it will be up to sophomore Aarion Penton to lock down opposing receivers.

Breakout Players

Keep an eye out for sophomore tailback Morgan Steward. While the Tigers return veteran tailbacks in senior Marcus Murphy and junior Russell Hansbrough, Steward made a name for himself in spring practice and scrimmages with his size and quickness. Look for the Tigers to return to the three-man tailback rotation that worked well for them in 2013.

On the defensive side, senior defensive end Marcus Golden looks to replace some of the pressure that Michael Sam and Kony Ealy provided last year. Golden made some key plays last year, but has really stepped up his game this spring.

Missouri QB Maty Mauk

Position Grades

QB: A- Mauk returns with some starts under his belt and new swagger.

RB: A Murphy and Hanbrough provide experience and Steward provides punch.

WR: B- No more Green-Beckham means untested receivers will have to step up.

TE: C Will this be the year Mizzou returns to the TE?

OL: B+ Evan Boehm again anchors a solid group up front.

DL: B Shane Ray and Marcus Golden try to replace Ealy and Sam.

LB: B Darvin Ruise looks to make a name for himself.

DB: B- Penton and Webb are solid.

ST: B Brinser and Baggett return.

2014 Expectations

Duplicating the 12-2 results of the 2013 season will be a tall order for this year’s Tigers. However, with a potent offense, strong defense, and a favorable schedule Mizzou could again contend for the crown in the SEC East.

In the end, Mizzou will most likely end up at 8-4 or 9-3 in the regular season. If things fall the right way, 10-2 or 11-1 is not out of the question.

Nick Witthaus of Tigerboard.com provided the information for our Missouri Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more Mizzou football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Nick on Twitter @TheTigerboard.