Stanford Steve evaluates Missouri as potential CFP contender

Missouri emerged as one of the surprise teams in 2023. Picked sixth in the SEC East in the league’s preseason poll, the Tigers ended up going 10-3 – capped by a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.

Now, Eli Drinkwitz and Co. are considered potential College Football Playoff contenders this season now that 12 teams make the field. Mizzou came in at No. 6 in the SEC preseason poll now that the conference is doing away with divisions, although the Tigers lost some star power after last year – notably running back Cody Schrader.

But they still have wide receiver Luther Burden and quarterback Brady Cook to run the offense. That’s why, to Stanford Steve Coughlin, Missouri has the pieces in place to make a run. However, his biggest concern is farther down the depth chart once you get past the starters.

“To me with Missouri, now the question becomes what you always were worried about … is depth,” he told On3’s Andy Staples on Andy Staples On3. “We know why you were good. Look at the NFL Draft.

“But I do think Drink is smart enough to know he doesn’t have those guys, so they do have to be more dynamic on offense. And they got the guys to do it on offense.”

Stanford Steve: Marcus Carroll ‘fits right into’ Missouri’s system

One of Missouri’s highest-profile additions is running back Marcus Carroll, who arrives in Columbia after back-to-back breakout seasons at Georgia State. Last year, he rushed for 1,350 yards and 13 touchdowns to help the Panthers to a 7-6 record.

Carroll’s addition means Drinkwitz can continue to run the ground-and-pound offense that made Missouri so successful last season. Plus, in Stanford Steve’s eyes, the Tigers have the perfect coach to carry momentum forward because of the confidence Drinkwitz brings day-in and day-out.

“I haven’t watched the running back from Georgia State. People love him … and fits right into that system with the outside zone, the stretch, whatever you want to play, that Schrader made a killing on last year and that Drink just ran into the ground,” Stanford Steve said. “It was just awesome to watch. ‘Here’s what we’re running. Stop us.’

“Personality-wise, I wouldn’t take any other head coach in the country than Drink. Love the dude and what he’s brought to university. And knowing him from prior stops, he’s got everything. Just ask him. He’ll tell you.”

Missouri will open the 2024 season Aug. 29 at home. That’s when Murray State comes to town as the Tigers try to build on last year’s momentum.