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Updated: August 18, 5:58 PM ET Smith expected to avoid sophomore slump By Mark Wangrin Special to ESPN.com |
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Missouri Tigers
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Coach: Gary Pinkel (9-14, 3rd season) 2002 overall record: 5-7 Conference record: 2-6 Returning starters Offense: 9, Defense: 6, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Brad Smith* (1,029 yds) Passing: Brad Smith* (2,333 yds) Receiving: Justin Gage (1,075 yds) Tackles: James Kinney* (144) Sacks: Antwaun Bynum (10) Interceptions: R.J. Jones (4) Outlook: Someday Gary Pinkel may actually sound pleased. "This has not been a lot of fun the last two years,'' Pinkel said. "I'm used to winning at a high level. I'm excited those two years are over." What's ahead for the Tigers should excite him more. With freshman phenom Brad Smith now a sophomore and surrounded by an experienced line and some good weapons, the outlook is bright for the offense. Smith became only the second player in major college history to pass for 2,000 and run for 1,000 yards in the same season, and Pinkel expects bigger things from him. "Things will slow down dramatically for Brad this year,'' he said. "He'll be able to see more, make more adjustments." Pinkel has focused on improving Mizzou's defense, which gave up 29.3 points a game last year and often dug a big early hole for the offense. "We're going to be young but we're going to be able to run,'' Pinkel said. "We'll be much closer to what a Big 12 football team is supposed to be." Keep an eye on: Darius Outlaw. With Smith's go-to receiver Justin Gage gone, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound former quarterback could take his place and earn a spot in the Mizzou history books. With 448 more receiving yards he could become the only Tiger to have 1,000 yards passing and receiving in his career. Key game: Nebraska isn't Nebraska anymore, but beating the Huskers still carries some cachet. When the teams meet Oct. 11 in Columbia it'll be a chance for the Tigers to not only end NU's 24-game win streak but to cement their reputation as a team on the rise. It's a good year if. . .: Pinkel smiles. It should happen. Mizzou's tough games are tough -- they must visit OU, Colorado and Kansas State -- but they have a manageable home schedule and an improved defense that will keep them in games. A bowl bid, the Tigers' first since 1998, is a very realistic goal. Mark Wangrin covers the Big 12 for the San Antonio Express-News.
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