COLUMBIA, MO. – With the Missouri Tigers’ 2024 season debut having arrived, there are key components that head coach Eliah Drinkwitz and his squad should show to resume where they left off last season.
Defensive capability
Coming off the back of a historic 11-win season ending with a Cotton Bowl victory, Drinkwitz received a contract extension through the 2028 season, proving the university has trust in the product he has and hopes to show for the long term. In the 2023 season, part of that strength came from Missouri’s defense, which ranked 33rd in the nation. Despite losing some versatility at key defensive positions to the NFL draft, Drinkwitz rebuilt with additions from the transfer portal. Linebackers Khalil Jacobs and Jeremiah Beasley, and defensive linemen Eddie Kelly Jr. and Chris McClellan are just a few of the names the Tigers will introduce this season. Add to that a bolstered coaching staff in the experienced defensive coordinator Corey Batoon, and well-versed defensive line/edge coach Brian Early, expect Missouri to employ some of its strongest defensive schemes yet.
Talented depth
Another of Missouri’s components for success in the 2023 season was its talented roster, highlighted by the emergence of consensus All-American and Burlsworth Trophy winner Cody Schrader. Couple that with an improved Brady Cook, it is clear how Missouri’s potential was met after nearly a decade of lackluster football. Now, entering the 2024 season with plenty of additions thanks to strong recruiting and the transfer portal, look for Drinkwitz to send out many different players and groups throughout his team’s season opener. This should offer insight to fans and himself as to who might consistently start for the team down the line.
Strong mindset
Perhaps one of the most obvious components in any high-level sport is the team mindset. However, coming off a strong 2023 season, the Missouri Tigers are in an interesting position heading into 2024. Despite an 11-2 season with a Cotton Bowl victory alongside it, the Tigers approach this new year with only the eighth-best odds to win the SEC and a 37.3% chance of making the newly-expanded playoffs, according to ESPN’s College Football Power Index. One of Missouri’s best qualities was its ability to play with a “1-0 mindset”, a phrase Drinkwitz used consistently, and a trend that should continue beginning with its season debut. Even with the SEC’s weakest strength of schedule according to Kelley Ford Ratings, each game that Missouri plays will be even more important. Should they want to make this year’s College Football Playoff, keeping the focus on one game after the next will be a step in the right direction.
Missouri opens its season against FCS Murray State, but regardless of the matchup, starting strong this Thursday will set the tone for the rest of the season. If the Tigers want to be a playoff contender, a win against the Racers will be the first step in doing so.