Missouri now enters their 4th season in the SEC and they kick off 2015 against Southeast Missouri State on the SEC Network at 4 p.m. ET. Here’s the 5 things to watch for:
1) Maty Mauk
We took a look at Mauk back in June. Mauk is entering this year coming off an inconsistent 2014 statistically, but his 11-3 record last year is impressive to say the least. Mizzou fans will likely see an improved Mauk after having his first full season in Josh Henson’s offense under his belt. Mauk can, and will, only get better.
2) Those Receivers…
The cast of an indie film is more recognizable than Missouri’s Wide Receivers. It’s well known by now that the entire receiving corps has a combined 10 career receptions, but since Southeast Missouri is no Georgia, we’ll get a chance to see just what starters J’Mon Moore, Wesley Leftwich and Nate Brown can do.
3) The New Ends
With the loss of Shane Ray and Markus Golden to the draft, Missouri will have fairly inexperienced guys on each ends. With sophomore Charles Harris at one end and redshirt freshman Rocel McWilliams on the other, it will be interesting to see how they perform on the field. History as shown that someone is bound to become a star on the line. Will it be Harris or McWilliams? Or will it be…
4) 5 Star Terry Beckner Jr.
The prizes of Missouri’s 2015 recruiting class are Defensive Tackle Terry Beckner Jr. and Quarterback Drew Lock. Lock has the redshirt though, so we’ll only get to see Beckner Jr. for now. With the offseason injury to Harold Brantley, Beckner now will be the starter. Mizzou fans are ecstatic to see Beckner play. Perhaps instead of an end on Mizzou’s line dominating the SEC, a tackle will, and Beckner looks the part to be the Tiger’s next game changer.
5) It’s Missouri Football
Really, shouldn’t this be all one needs to watch the game? It’s been over four months since we last saw the Tigers play. It’s football season once again, and that’s the msot sufficient reason to watch the game. New starters all around, a more experienced Maty Mauk? This is going to be fun…
James Does Twitter too, you can follow him @JamesBurkySport