The Missouri Tigers pulled off the biggest comeback win at the Independence Bowl in more than 65 years. They came back from a 21- 0 deficit to win their 2nd Bowl in the last five trips. Head Coach Gary Pinkel gets 15 starter back this year which gives them a lot of experience and a deep squad on both offense and defense.
Quarterback Chase Daniel will lead this squad since quarterback Brad Smith now plays on Sunday with the big boys in the NFL. Daniel has a lethal offense and a very seasoned offensive line to protect him. With their career passing/rushing leader gone, it is hard to believe that they could match or better their 30 points per game average of 1 year ago, but it can be done.
The defense is what really stands out, with 7 starters coming back. The front seven look very good and a young secondary should figure things out as the season goes on. The defensive stats should improve greatly, from last seasons 29 points per game, some even think by 50 percent. The special teams unit is returning unchanged from last year's squad which had a second winning year under Coach Gary Pinkel.
He has lots of experience coming back and great playmakers on both ends of the field. The schedule is tough this season, but there are high expectations, and some say, if an unfortunate, unexpected .500 season happens for the Missouri Tigers, it could be the end of the Gary Pinkel era.
