SEC Power Rankings: Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, South Carolina and Georgia All in the Title Hunt

November 3, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback

(1) runs out of the pocket during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

8. Missouri Tigers

Last Season: 5-7 (2-6)

Key Addition: Experience

Key Word: Health

Outlook:

15 returning starters and a healthy offensive line should go a long way towards re-building what the Missouri Tigers had before they left the Big 12 for the SEC. The 2012 version of the Tigers were destroyed by injuries – especially on the offensive line – that hindered their ability when the tried to close games out against teams in who they were competitive with and stay in games against teams who were better than them.

Now the entire offensive line is healthy, and the Tigers return James Franklin for his senior season. These two things should help them take advantage of the talent they have at the skill positions, which should allow their spread offense to take off in the SEC.

Missouri also benefits from an easier schedule than last year. Alabama is off the schedule, replaced with Mississippi. A tough game, no doubt, but certainly not Alabama. And three of Missouri’s toughest games – Florida, South Carolina, and Texas A&M – are all at home. The non-conference schedule is also favorable.

This is a year Missouri needs to capitalize on and win eight games, six at the least. If less than six, then Gary Pinkel may be out of a job.