Missouri is one of the more interesting teams heading into the 2016 season.
The Tigers have the tools on defense, but will the offense be able to turn that into wins? That’s the big question.
But while challenging for an SEC East crown won’t happen, Missouri could still challenge for a bowl bid.
Let’s get right to the predictions.
at West Virginia (Sept. 3)
Tough road game to start the season. West Virginia’s offense will be really good, but the defense is suspect. Missouri’s offense could be bad, but the defense is solid.
So, what happens here? The Mountaineers have a much better offense and they’ll win the game.
Prediction: Loss (0-1, 0-0 SEC)
vs. Eastern Michigan (Sept. 10)
Eastern Michigan gave up 42 points a game last season. That’s not good.
42 points may very well be the margin of victory for Missouri in this game.
Prediction: Win (1-1, 0-0 SEC)
vs. Georgia (Sept. 17)
This is the game that could swing Missouri’s season in an interesting direction. The Bulldogs will still be adjusting to the new season and may not yet have their quarterback situation settled.
A win would be massive for the Tigers considering what the next two SEC games hold.
Unfortunately, I don’t see it happening. This game won’t be pretty, but Georgia finds a way to win a close one.
Prediction: Loss (1-2, 0-1 SEC)
vs. Delaware State (Sept. 24)
The real question is whether Missouri beats Delaware State by as many points as they beat Eastern Michigan by.
Prediction: Win (2-2, 0-1 SEC)
at LSU (Oct. 1)
The all-Tiger matchup could get ugly in a hurry. LSU is far and away the more talented team and its defense will shut down Missouri’s offense.
Of course, there’s also the beast that is Leonard Fournette. This won’t be fun before the bye week.
Prediction: Loss (2-3, 0-2 SEC)
at Florida (Oct. 15)
The good news is that the Tigers get the bye before heading to Gainesville. The bad news is that they still have to go to Gainesville.
Florida won’t be unbeatable this season. However, this is a tough spot for Barry Odom’s team.
Prediction: Loss (2-4, 0-3 SEC)
vs. MTSU (Oct. 22)
Here’s a game that could be closer than most expect it to be. Rick Stockstill has an extremely talented that will be ready for the challenge.
But Missouri is the better team and pulls away in the second half.
Prediction: Win (3-4, 0-3 SEC)
vs. Kentucky (Oct. 29)
You can flip a coin to decide 4-6 in the SEC East. Right now, I think Kentucky and Missouri are battling for the fifth spot.
That’s why I fully expect the Tigers to rise to the occasion and slow down the high-powered Kentucky offense to capture their first SEC victory.
Prediction: Win (4-4, 1-3 SEC)
at South Carolina (Nov. 5)
Right after tasting their first bit of SEC success, the Tigers hit the road for a sneaky game in Columbia.
South Carolina isn’t gonna be very good this season. However, this will be the best opportunity for Will Muschamp to get a conference win.
The Gamecocks score late to hand Missouri a disappointing loss.
Prediction: Loss (4-5, 1-4 SEC)
vs. Vanderbilt (Nov. 12)
Like the Kentucky game, this is one that the Tigers desperately need. But unlike the Kentucky game, it’s not one I see them getting.
A lot of people are selling Vandy short heading into the season. This is the most talented team that Derek Mason has had yet, and the Commodores will go on the road and get the win thanks to a great defensive performance.
Prediction: Loss (4-6, 1-5 SEC)
at Tennessee (Nov. 19)
There’s a reason why Tennessee the preseason pick to win the East. The Vols are clearly the most talented team in the division, and overall, might even give Alabama a run for its money.
Winning in Knoxville is a tall order for this Missouri team.
Prediction: Loss (4-7, 1-6 SEC)
vs. Arkansas (Nov. 25)
Can the Tigers end the season on a high note? Probably not. Arkansas is my sleeper team in the West and is simply too talented to lose this game.
The Razorbacks use their aggressive style to walk out victorious.
Prediction: Loss (4-8, 1-7 SEC)
Overall Thoughts
Missouri’s offense is a huge question mark heading into the season. Of course, that was the case last season as well.
I truly think Odom’s defense will be good. But I don’t know that there’s enough on offense to be able to challenge in the East.
Getting a bowl bid is still certainly possible. While I have the Tigers losing to Vanderbilt and South Carolina, those are games that could go either way.
Even the opener against West Virginia could be interesting.
Season Prediction: 4-8, 1-7 SEC
How do you see Missouri’s season unfolding this year? Log into Facebook to comment below or hit me up on Twitter (@theblakelovell) to share your thoughts.
Blake Lovell has worked in sports media for over 10 years. He currently covers SEC football and basketball for various publications.