SEC Power Rankings: Georgia Loss, Ole Miss Win Shakes Up Top Nine
By Ben Nielsen
November 12, 2011; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Henry Josey (20) runs away from Texas Longhorns linebacker Jordan Hicks (3) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missoui won 17-5. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports
8. Missouri Tigers
Record: 1-0
Previous Ranking: 8 (Trend: — )
Last Week: Missouri 58, Murray State 14
This Week: vs. Toledo
Next Week: Bye
Mizzou had the easy victory they were looking for in a 58-14 dismantling of Murray State.
Probably the biggest thing to come out of the game aside from the win was the excellent return of Henry Josey. Josey rushed for 113 yards on 13 carries in his first game since November 2011, and showed the burst and speed that made him so electrifying before his injury.
Led by Josey and Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri has SEC athletes at the skill positions to have an excellent offense this season. The question will be whether or not James Franklin is the quarterback to get it done. Franklin was 26-of-38 against Murray State and did not turn the ball over, though Murray State didn’t make things too difficult for him.
None of the defenses the Tigers play in non-conference will simulate very well the intensity of SEC defenses. However, Vanderbilt’s performance over the weekend might have raised the chances Missouri can pull out a road victory to open SEC season in October.
Toledo was dispatched by Florida last week but are a good team who is returning nine starters from last season’s offense. This will be a good test for Mizzou’s defense.