I know it can be difficult to get too revved up over football in the dog days of summer but frankly it is never far from my mind. Whenever I am at the local watering hole shooting the breeze with my friends I would much rather talk college or NFL football than whether or not Pete Rose should be in the hall. That's just me. Those who know me on the forum know football is my main thing and always has been. I am an avid Missouri Tigers fan and have been since the days when Dan Devine was on the sidelines. I was fortunate enough to become good friends with the late Larry Smith who propped up the program after the Bob Stull era. On the NFL side I am a devoted Green Bay Packers guys, a shareholder and season ticket holder to Lambeau. Yes, I have a passion for and love football.
Now, the subject at hand. The Tigers. And let me state right up front my clients also know when it comes to wagering our money I never, and I mean never, let my fan emotion factor into any decision. I well bet against Mizzou or the Packers in a heartbeat if I feel it is the right call. I have proven that countless times. One of the most painful calls I ever made was a few years back when I took the Giants as a 10.5 point dog at Lambeau for my Playoff game of the year. Even had them on the money line and they of course beat the Packers on their way to the Super Bowl. So, yes, I have proven I am cold blooded as an assassin when it comes to betting games involving my teams.
Okay, the Missouri Tigers entering this 2015 campaign. Since entering the SEC the Tigers have more than earned their keep. Two straight division titles under their belt. Impressive. This is a team that is constantly overlooked and under appreciated yet continues to excel. Gary Pinkel is perhaps one of the most underrated head coaches in Division One ball. True, he has all the personality of a telephone pole but one cannot dispute his results. Columbia is not a real large community and when you have a DWI and divorce around here everyone and their brother has their version. It can be sickening quite frankly. But Pinkel has persevered and earned my respect. His players absolutely swear by him. The Pinkel who speaks in the locker room in no way resembles the one putting in his time with the sideline reporters.
I will state right up front my primary concern with this years club is the receivers. This is the greenest group in memory coming back. I think the group as a whole had a total of 10 receptions in all of last season. To me, Nate Brown is the most likely to step up as the primary go to guy. The strength of this offense in my opinion will be the line and running attack. This is a very, very experienced and salty group of big mean SOB's up front. They are a nasty group that will not back down anytime, anywhere from anyone. Senior back Russell Hansbrough should have some nice holes to work with and I can tell you from personal observations at spring ball that he is more than ready and willing to step up and be "the Man". Losing Marcus Murphy stings but I think people will be pleasantly surprised with Russell. He is a sharp kid too, probably the sharpest back we have had since Devin West. Smart with great leadership skills. He very much reminds me of Henry Josey with his leadership aptitude.
On the defensive side of the ball the team took a really serious jolt this sunday when defensive lineman, Harold Brantley was seriously injured in a car wreck. He was the best stud Pinkel had coming back on defense and this hurts. Brantley is frankly lucky to be alive. I am curious to see how the units responds to new DC Barry Odom. All early reports are positive. Departing coach Dave Steckel was known for his intensity, (Massive Understatement) and his unique relationship with his players.They were both petrified of Steckel and fiercely loyal to him. He was about as old school as they get but his approach worked and he turned out some top drawer NFL players. But as I said, Odom seems to be stepping up ably. While the D Line will be a work in progress the linebackers will be solid as hell. No problems there I can see. Remember the name Kentrell Brothers. That kid is wired different than most. His motor runs much like ex Tigers Justin Smith, and those who know of Smith know what a compliment that truly is. The secondary is experienced and capable provide the big boys up front can create some pressure. Good group back there, not great.
Finally the guy who must continue to grow and evolve and that would be QB Maty Mauk. I will say this from my observations and conversations. He is more than capable of being the best team leader under center since Chase Daniel. Chases teammates would have followed him into battle anywhere, and with confidence. Good grief the difference between Chase and Blaine Gabbert was astounding. When the Jags made Gabbert their number one pick most of the people in the know around here about crapped. not a tough QB or good leader. But oh well, that is water down the river now. Mauk has the tools. He desperately needs to improve on his decision making. He has enough experience now under center that the game is finally starting to slow down some for him in his mind and he should not have that deer in the headlights look so much. I assure you self confidence is NO issue with Maty. Yes, as I stated earlier I do have some reservations about his receivers but I think Mauk will do just as he is asked. Pinkel loathes turnovers even more than most coaches and has drilled and drilled this reality into Mauk all off season.
In the end I see this team growing and improving game by game and if they can just remain relatively injury free they will once again compete for a division title although I lean to Georgia on that front. However Pinkel keeps getting the max out of his clubs year after year and nothing would shock me. Missouri is a good team. They have the potential to be a very good team much like last year when all is said and done. Not a great team. That term is tossed about too loosely.
Anyway, the early bird football packages will be up before you know it. I have no idea when exactly because that is entirely the home office's call. I had a good year last season with the College ball concluding with a 71-58 mark. As I always try to tell folks, be wary of the offers you see floating around the internet. Betting on football is BIG, BIG business and the naive sports bettors out there are like chum in the water for the sharks. There will be some outlandish claims getting tossed around. Happens every year. If it sounds too good to be true, like most things in life, it likely is. Anyway, just my thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by and best of luck as always.