I had a long discussion with RJ last week as we visited about the upcoming season. Just kind of a touch base thing before things take off and the action get's hot and heavy. He knows from my years here that Missouri is my strong suit and that I'm based right here in Columbia, Mo. Home of Mizzou. He asked if I would mind sharing some thoughts on a weekly basis with emphasis on Mizzou and just some general observations I could pass along to the forum. Yes, I am admittedly a fan. Have been since Dan Devine was patrolling the sidelines. But, most importantly is the fact that my clients know from past history I put aside that fan hat when wagering on games involving the Tigers. I passed this saturday. I have watched this club practice and scrimmage and felt confident they would do just enough to get through the opener. They had the talent to cover that number guys, make no mistake about it, but South Dakota State did not ignite much emotion from this group and when dealing with kids emotion counts more than many suspect. As it played out, they showed up, showed some flashes but basically put in a workmanlike effort winning the game but failing to clear the number. One thing I would like folks to keep an eye on is senior defensive lineman Markus Golden. Everyone knows the Tigers lost both Kona Ealy and Michael Sam to the draft but I assure you Golden will pick up some slack. Golden recorded ten tackles saturday, not a bad start.
This weekend presents an interesting challenge for Coach Gary Pinkel and his Tigers as they travel to Toledo for an early kickoff against the Rockets. The Tigers open at -6.5. Most folks know Pinkel coached at Toledo for ten seasons before being brought to Mizzou to succeed the late Larry Smith. I am not prepared to put out a play on this one to my clients at this point. I want to visit with some contacts and get a handle on the teams approach to this one between the ears. They have a big home date looming afterwards back in Columbia against Central Florida, a team they hold in much higher regard that the Rockets. Hate to sound cold but in my view the harsh reality is these kids couldn't care less that Pinkel coached there. Often they say the correct things, they are well coached in that arena, however real emotion is what counts. I totally discount what I hear in taped interviews. Those are worthless. I want to hear what is being said at practice and in the locker room. That is the most accurate barometer. I do know most were not overly impressed with the Tigers in week one. I just don't put much stock in that nor do they I suspect. I've felt all along after what I've witnessed that this club has the potential to surprise, to be even better than last year and the club that shocked the SEC by winning the division. Talent wise, this is a better club from a purely physical stand point. Now, between the ears, I'm waiting to see. A leader such a Henry Josey needs to emerge. Way, way too early to draw any hard conclusions. I will do my detective work and hopefully get enough scoop to warrant a play saturday. If not, I will wait. Just because it is the Tigers does not mean I must bet the game. I bet the best opportunities, period. I'll just finish with this. If anyone thinks they know about this years edition of the Missouri Tigers based on saturday against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits they are sorely mistaken.
Thanks and I'll keep you posted all season long on where I see this years Missouri Tigers and the direction they are heading. And I will give it to you straight on, pro or con. Take care guys.