25. Missouri Tigers
‘18 Record: 8-5 (4-4)
Top Returning Player: Larry Rountree III — RB
Key Loss: Drew Lock — QB
Key Addition: Kelly Bryant — QB
Drew Lock may not be in town anymore, but the Tigers are happy to welcome former Clemson star Kelly Bryant. After leading Clemson to the College Football Playoff, Bryant lost his job to Trevor Lawrence — leading Bryant to the transfer market and ultimately Mizzou. Arkansas’ leading receiver in ’17, Jonathan Nance, arrives with Bryant. However, the biggest weapon for the Tigers is running back Larry Rountree III. Rountree rushed for over 1,200 yards as a sophomore and is possibly the top back in the SEC.
On the defensive side, the line is bizarre. They finished the year 108th in sack rate, but generally dominated the game otherwise. Opponents rushed for less than 130 yards per game and under four yards per carry. Linebacker Cale Garrett should once again pace the team in tackles. Seven players return in the defensive backfield, making the Tigers’ secondary one of the most experienced groups in the nation. Mizzou can cause some trouble in the SEC this season.
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