2006 record: 8-5, 4-4 (2nd-tie in Big 12 North)
2006 bowl: Lost to Oregon State 39-38 in Sun
2006 final AP/coaches' ranking: Unranked
Coach: Gary Pinkel (37-35, 6 years; 110-72-3 overall, 16 years)
Offensive coordinator: Dave Christensen (7th year)
Defensive coordinator: Matt Eberflus (7th year)
Returning offensive starters: 8
Returning defensive starters: 5
Location: Columbia, Mo.
Stadium: Memorial (artificial, 68,349)
Last league title: 1969 (Big Eight)
2007 schedule: [view]
2006 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Junior quarterback Chase Daniel is a beautiful fit for Coach Gary Pinkel’s spread offense. Daniel set school records  last season for passing yards (3,527) and touchdown passes (28), while quickly erasing any worries about who could possibly replace the electrifying Brad Smith, a four-year fixture. Daniel has capable receivers in seniors Will Franklin and Martin Rucker, but the real damage is created by the nation’s best tight-end tandem, senior Martin Rucker (53 receptions) and junior Chase Coffman (58). But it’s not all about the passing game. The backfield features senior running back Tony Temple (1,063 yards), the Big 12’s leading returning rusher who gained 194 yards against Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. Three regulars return to the offensive line, including senior center Adam Spieker, a four-year starter. 

Defensive: Six starters must be replaced, but the Tigers remain strong up the middle. Senior defensive tackle Lorenzo Williams and junior nose tackle Ziggy Hood should lessen the obvious setback of losing defensive end Brian Smith, the school’s all-time sacks leader. Junior Brock Christopher moves to middle linebacker after starting last season on the outside. The biggest impact could be felt from rapidly improving sophomore outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. The Tigers feel good about returning cornerbacks Darnell Terrell and Hardy Ricks.

Specialists: Junior place-kicker Jeff Wolfert, a former Missouri diver who tried out for football, was a great find. He converted 18 of 20 field-goal attempts and set a school record for most points by a kicker (99). The punting, where holdover senior Adam Crossett is trying to keep his job, wasn’t nearly as productive.

Game of the year Oct. 6, vs. Nebraska It could be a battle for the Big 12 North division title. But even if the Tigers prevail, there’s little time for celebration. One week later, Missouri faces a trip to Oklahoma.

Coaching: Pinkel, who brings a lot of imagination to Missouri’s attack, had a much-needed break-back season. He had slipped to the hot seat, mostly because the Tigers didn’t go further under Brad Smith, but his future has never looked better.

Heisman Hopefuls: Daniel could easily work himself into the conversation if Missouri’s offense meets expectations.

Overview: Very quietly, Missouri has built a team that few coaches want to face. The Daniel-Temple offense (which averaged 425.6 yards last season) is formidable and the defense has playmakers. But Missouri will just be running in place unless it can defeat the Big 12’s big boys (Nebraska, Oklahoma). The Tigers won’t make their next step until posting an upset or two.

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