Pre-Season SEC Power Rankings

6 of 15

Nov 2, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Maty Mauk (7) throws a pass during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Faurot Field. Missouri won 31-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

10. Missouri

Last Season: 12-2 (7-1)

The Good: Maty Mauk could be a star by the end of the season. Last year as a redshirt freshman, Mauk had an opportunity to start a few games, and play in a handful of others, giving him very valuable experience heading into 2014. He has a big, big arm, as well as athletic ability, and could become the best quarterback in the SEC in 2015. Also, defensive ends Markus Golden and Shane Ray are just as talented this year – if not more so – than Kony Ealy and Michael Sam were for last year’s SEC East champs.

The Bad: It is unfortunate that the impressive season the Tigers had in 2013 cannot propel them into the top half of our pre-season power rankings. Any team that goes 12-2, wins the SEC East and finishes ranked in the top ten should be a top half team in their own conference the following season. Yet, we see a major rebuilding year in store for Mizzou.

The Ugly: Much like Vanderbilt, the Tigers have one of the most inexperienced rosters in the nation. Missouri returns a total of eight starters – four each on offense and defense – from last season’s impressive squad. And, as much talent as Mizzou lost on offense, it is the defense that should suffer most in 2014.

Position-By-Position Ranking (Out of 14 SEC Teams)

Quarterbacks – 6th

Running Backs – 10th

Wide Receivers – 11th

Tight Ends – 11th

Tackles – 10th

Guards – 8th

Centers – 2nd

Total Offense – 7th