Missouri Tigers
2000 overall record: 3-8
Conference record: 2-6 (t-5th in North)
Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Zain Gilmore* (632 yds)
Passing: Darius Outlaw* (1,391 yds)
Receiving: Justin Gage* (709 yds)
Tackles: Justin Smith (81)
Sacks: Smith (11)
Interceptions: Antoine Duncan* (4)
What's new
Head coach Gary Pinkel has brought a new attitude to football in Columbia and has Mizzou fans excited once again. His approach emphasizes discipline and attention to detail, which consistently made his Toledo teams among the most mistake free in the nation. Defensively, the Tigers will switch from a 4-3 to a 4-4 look to put pressure in the backfield. This has caused several position changes on defense.
Battling it out
Running backs Zack Abron and Zain Gilmore split time last year, and both are already playing at a much higher level than they did last fall. Both backs have lost a lot of weight and have gotten into much better shape over the last few months. Abron has a slight edge after spring drills.
Eye catcher: S Taurus Ferguson
Ferguson enrolled this past January and came to Missouri with the intention of playing running back. Instead, he was moved to defensive back and appears to have earned the starting safety spot. He highlighted spring scrimmages with several hard hits and a few interceptions.
Budding star: WR Justin Gage
Played WR for the first time last season and led the team in receiving - including more than 100 yards against Nebraska. The 2000 offensive MVP, who also plays basketball at MU, seems to have plenty of room to keep improving in the Tigers' new offense. He had 83 yards on just three catches in the Spring Game.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
