Breaking Down the Top 25: #24 Missouri

Blaine Gabbert: Courtesy of muvsku.com

In 2007, Chase Daniels and the Missouri Tigers grabbed their first double digit win season in the decade. Daniels has graduated, but Junior Blaine Gabbert had a suprisingly great sophomore year and looks to improve in 2010. Even with the losses of stars Danario Alexander and Sean Witherspoon, every unit has become more experienced. With so many underclassmen this season, many Tiger fans feel that 2011 may be the year of glory, but 2010 still has a good amount of potential.

#24 Missouri Tigers

2009 Record: 8-4

Better or Worse in 2010: Same

September 4th: Illinois (St. Louis)-- L
Why: Illinois has a fire under their seat this season after a 3-9 season disappointed all fans. Missouri has won every game in this series thus far, but the Illini finally bring some passion back Champaign. Missouri won't have their act together as a cohesive unit so early in the season as a few bad mistakes derail their 6-0 aspirations in this series.

September 11th: McNeese State-- W
Why: C'mon now.

September 18th: San Diego State-- W
Why: A medicore Mountain West team will not be able to beat Missouri on too many occasions. Everything stays status quo in week 3.

September 25th: Miami (OH)-- W
Why: Missouri will take care of business after a great start by Miami may scare some Tiger supporters.

October 2nd: BYE

October 9th: Colorado-- W
Why: A fight for 2nd place in the Big 12 North will be waged this week, and the Buffaloes will finally come to play on the same field as Mizzou after being embarassed nearly every season prior. Unfortunately for those in Colorado, a close game does not turn their way too often. The fans in Coloumbia will not let that happen.


October 16th: @Texas A&M-- L
Why: First road game of the season for the Tigers, and what a way to start off the road schedule. The 12th man will come to play as A&M have a shot at a special season in 2010. A great offensive effort by the Aggies will punish the Tigers' defense.

October 23rd: Oklahoma-- L
Why: One of many trap games for Oklahoma, especially with the talent on Missouri's side, but OK will be fine as they move along in their schedule. An upset bid by Gabbert and co. will be dismantled in the fourth quarter.

October 30th: @Nebraska-- L
Why: In the toughest stretch of games any Big 12 team will see this season, Missouri has to travel to Lincoln, Nebraska. A Big 12 championship berth may be on the line at this point, but unfortunately for Mizzou, this game isn't being played back in the confines of the [573]

November 6th: @Texas Tech-- W
Why: A 4 game losing streak is too much for a player like Blaine Gabbert, and he will make sure the Tigers quickly end their slide while they move past the Red Raiders.

November 13th: Kansas State-- W
Why: KSU is not yet ready for a hugely competive game with many Big 12 conference teams. Missouri is one of those teams.

November 20th: @Iowa State-- W
Why: A great story in 2009, ISU will not be able to keep up with the potent offensive attack of Derrick Washington as Iowa State has one of the worst defenses in the B12.

November 27th:  Kansas (Kansas City)-- W
Why: Kansas could be fighting for a bowl bid at this point in their season, but Missouri has enough motivation to be victorious in this rivalry game.

December 4th: BYE

2010 Prediction: (8-4) (5-3)