As I sit here watching the Missouri Tigers' spring practice footage, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and apprehension that comes with every new college football season. Having followed this program for over a decade, I've seen enough false dawns to approach every "this is our year" declaration with healthy skepticism. Yet something feels different about this squad, and I genuinely believe we're looking at a potential breakthrough season if the coaching staff gets these five strategies right.
Let me start with what I consider the most critical element - offensive line development. Last season, our offensive line allowed 28 sacks, ranking us 9th in the SEC. That's simply not good enough if we want to compete with the likes of Georgia and Alabama. I've been particularly impressed with the progress of junior tackle Javon Foster, who allowed just two sacks in 412 pass-blocking snaps last year. The coaching staff needs to build around him while developing depth. What I've noticed in spring practices is that they're experimenting with different combinations, and frankly, I think that's smart. Having covered this team through multiple coaching regimes, I've learned that flexibility in line composition often pays dividends when injuries inevitably occur during the grueling SEC schedule.
The second strategy revolves around quarterback development. Brady Cook showed flashes of brilliance last season, completing 66% of his passes in the first four games before his injury. But here's where I differ from some analysts - I don't think raw talent is the issue. What I've observed is that our offensive schemes have been too predictable. Defensive coordinators in our conference are too savvy to be fooled by basic route combinations. We need more pre-snap motion and creative play designs that leverage Cook's mobility while simplifying his reads. I remember talking to former quarterback Drew Lock about this very topic last year, and he emphasized how much easier the game becomes when the offense creates natural advantages through formation.
Now, let's talk defense, specifically generating consistent pass rush. Last season, we recorded only 22 sacks total - a number that must improve dramatically. I'm particularly excited about the development of sophomore defensive end Johnny Walker Jr., who showed tremendous potential in limited snaps. But here's my concern - we've been waiting for our defensive line to take that next step for three seasons now. The talent is there, but the production hasn't matched. What I'd like to see is more creative blitz packages and stunts that free up our edge rushers. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker has been experimenting with more simulated pressures during spring practices, and from what I've seen, these could be game-changers.
The fourth strategy might surprise some readers, but I consider it equally important - special teams overhaul. Last season, we ranked near the bottom of the SEC in both punt return average and kickoff coverage. These hidden yards cost us field position in critical moments, particularly in the close losses to Kentucky and Auburn. Special teams coordinator Erik Link has his work cut out for him, but I'm encouraged by the emphasis I've seen in spring practices. They're dedicating more time to special teams drills than I've seen in previous years, and frankly, it's about time.
Which brings me to my final point - the one that ties everything together - program stability and recruiting continuity. This is where that question from our knowledge base becomes relevant: "But why has such a move stalled for as long as it already has?" I've been thinking about this a lot lately, particularly in relation to Missouri's inability to consistently break through in the SEC East. The answer, in my view, lies in the lack of sustained vision and the constant churn in coaching staff and philosophy. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz is entering his third season, and for the first time, we're seeing real continuity in both his staff and his recruiting approach. His 2022 recruiting class ranked 12th nationally, a significant improvement from previous years. More importantly, he's retaining key assistants, which creates the developmental consistency that programs like Georgia and Alabama have leveraged so effectively.
What I love about this current team is the palpable sense of belief that's been missing in previous seasons. During my visit to spring practice last week, I noticed stronger leadership from veteran players and more cohesion during team drills. The players genuinely seem to buy into Drinkwitz's vision, which hasn't always been the case with previous regimes. Of course, the proof will come in those brutal October matchups against traditional powers, but I'm more optimistic than I've been in years.
The reality is that Missouri football has been stuck in that frustrating middle ground of the SEC - good enough to be competitive most weeks, but lacking that extra something to breakthrough. Based on what I'm seeing, these five strategies could finally provide that missing edge. Will it translate to an SEC East title? Probably not this year, but I do believe we'll see meaningful progress that sets the foundation for sustained success. And after years of waiting for that breakthrough, that would represent a significant step forward for this program.
