Continued success for Missouri contingent on new-look defense
The future success of the Missouri football team hinges on the players who are still on the team and those who have departed.
A significant number of skilled players are returning from last year’s impressive 11-win team, particularly on the offensive side.
However, the question remains whether this will be enough to offset the losses, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
During the 2023 season, Missouri ranked in the top 30 nationally in total offense and scoring offense. The presence of quarterback Brady Cook and wide receivers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. should help maintain the team’s strong offensive performance.
There are concerns regarding the offensive line as two starters need to be replaced, but the addition of transfers Cayden Green from Oklahoma and Marcus Bryant from SMU has alleviated some of those concerns.
Nevertheless, there is some worry about the departure of running back Cody Schrader, who led the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards with 1,627 last season, accompanied by 14 touchdowns.
Perhaps Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz, who recently signed a contract extension until 2028 following his team’s success last year, expresses confidence in running back Nate Noel, a former top rusher at Appalachian State for three consecutive seasons.
After observing Nate’s performance during spring training, Drinkwitz praised his abilities and contributions to the team’s offense.
The Tigers aim to match their average of 32.5 points per game from the previous season, although preventing opponents from scoring in the 30s presents a challenge.
The team faces significant changes on defense, with key players drafted to the NFL and the departure of defensive coordinator Blake Baker to LSU, succeeded by Corey Batoon, who led a highly ranked defense at South Alabama in the previous season.
Missouri also needs to fill the void left by key players like Harrison Mevis, a standout kicker in the SEC, and address positions left vacant by departing defensive leaders. Despite these challenges, Drinkwitz maintains an unwaveringly positive outlook, highlighting the potential of both established and emerging players on the team.
Missouri Tigers
2023 record: 11-2; 6-2 in SEC
Primary area of strength: The Tigers have one of the strongest passing attacks in the SEC. They maintained an average of 262.3 yards per game last season, with key players returning. Senior quarterback Brady Cook, who threw for 3,317 yards and 21 touchdowns in his junior year, is back. He leads a talented group of receivers, including a standout like Luther Burden III, who could be in the running for the Heisman Trophy. Burden, who was All-SEC last year, recorded 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. He is supported by Theo Wease Jr., who had 682 receiving yards and six TDs. Additionally, all the top seven wide receivers from the previous season are still part of the team.
Primary area of concern: Many key players from Missouri’s strong 2023 defense have left, causing worries for the upcoming season’s team. The departures include five starting players who got drafted into the NFL, like standout Darius Robinson, a first-round pick for the Arizona Cardinals. Other notable losses are Ennis Rakestraw Jr., picked in the second round, Ty’Ron Hopper, Kris Abrams-Draine, and Jaylon Carlies, all recognized in the All-SEC team. To add to the challenges, defensive coordinator Blake Baker has moved on to LSU.
Top three players
- WR Luther Burden III had an average of 14.09 yards per reception in 2023 and achieved at least 96 receiving yards in eight games, securing a second-team All-American title.
2. QB Brady Cook has amassed 6,041 passing yards and 41 touchdowns during his two seasons as the starting quarterback.
3. OT Cayden Green, a Missouri native, returns to his home state after an impressive freshman campaign at Oklahoma. Hopes are high that he can address the team’s requirement at left tackle position.
Top three new members added to the team:
- OT Cayden Green, who appeared in all games as a freshman at Oklahoma, with five starts at left guard. DB Toriano Pride Jr., a St. Louis native who joined after two seasons at Clemson, breaking up four passes and registering 14 tackles in the previous season.
- He was ranked as the 40th best prospect nationally in the 2022 class.
- DE Zion Young, transferred from Michigan State, accumulating 26 tackles and 1.5 sacks in the last season.
Top three players leaving the team:
- DL Darius Robinson: A top pick in the draft, he recorded 43 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 6 quarterback pressures in the previous season.
- RB Cody Schrader: An ex-walk-on player, he topped the nation in average rushing yards per game with 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns.
- CB Kris Abrams-Draine: Despite tough competition with Rakestraw, he was chosen as first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American. Abrams-Draine led the team with four interceptions, 51 tackles, and 13 passes broken up.
2024 Missouri schedule
- Aug. 29 vs. Murray State
- Sept. 7 vs. Buffalo
- Sept. 14 vs. Boston College
- Sept. 21 vs. Vanderbilt
- Oct. 5 at Texas A&M
- Oct. 12 at Massachusetts
- Oct. 19 vs. Auburn
- Oct. 26 at Alabama
- Nov. 9 vs. Oklahoma
- Nov. 16 at South Carolina
- Nov. 23 at Mississippi State
- Nov. 30 vs. Arkansas
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