Mizzou Football: Five bold predictions for 2017 season

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The Tigers will upset the Florida Gators in 2017

Okay, this prediction may not be that bold. Based upon the past couple of seasons, the Tigers simply winning any games in conference could be qualified as a big upset.

In taking a quick look at Missouri’s schedule, there are three games that would qualify as massive upsets should MU win. Those games are against Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. In case you need a refresher, those were the top three teams in the SEC East last season.

[Florida’s] defense will only return two starters from last season.

Each of the three has holes that need to be filled in order to compete effectively in 2017.

For example, Florida will enter 2017 with a new quarterback under center. Now, coach Jim McElwain hasn’t decided who that will be yet but word is that the team will likely utilize a rotation early on. There are even rumors the Gators will use three quarterbacks in their season opener against Michigan.

That won’t be the only change for the Gators though as their defense will only return two starters from last season. That’s a huge hurdle to overcome for what was one of the top 15 defense in college football last season.

Tennessee and Georgia both suffered turnover after last season, but on a much smaller scale than the Gators did. That is why if I have to focus on a team I know Missouri can defeat in 2017, it has to be the Florida Gators.

Don’t forget that the game, held in Columbia, will be the Tigers’ annual blackout game. Therefore, it’s a given fans should be all fired up to support the black and gold.