The optimism surrounding Mizzou football is likely as high as it’s been for the since the final days of the Gary Pinkel era. Eli Drinkwitz arrived in Columbia in December of 2019 and immediately began changing the program culture. A solid 5-5 season and nearly unprecedented recruiting prowess have shown Tiger fans a glimpse of what could be possible in the future.

Mizzou schedule breakdown

  • Sept 4th Central Michigan (Win)
  • September 11th @Kentucky (Win)
  • September 18th SEMO (Win)
  • September 25th @ Boston College (Loss)
  • October 2nd Tennessee (Win)
  • October 9th North Texas (Win
  • October 16th Texas A&M (Loss)
  • October 30th @Vanderbilt (Win)
  • November 6th @Geogia (Loss)
  • November 13th South Carolina (Win)
  • November 20th Florida (Loss)
  • November 26th @Arkansas (Win)

Record prediction: 8-4 (5-3 SEC) 3rd place SEC East


5 predictions for 2021

1. Conner Bazelak will establish himself as Mizzou’s quarterback of the future. Bazelak was able to take control of the offense after the Tigers attempted to start the year with he and transfer Shawn Robinson splitting time. His TD numbers aren’t going to wow you (7) but his poise and leadership abilities will prove to be invaluable as the team attempts to break in fresh faces offensively. Drinkwitz has already two 4-star studs in Tyler Macon (who is on the roster currently) and Sam Horn but expect Bazelak to be the face of Mizzou football for a few more years.

2. Tyler Badie will push for 1,000 yards rushing. After watching Larry Rountree III rack up yards and records the last three years, it’s finally Badie’s time to shine. His numbers dropped off a bit last year but look for him to seize the moment as Mizzou’s featured back in 2021.

3. Mookie Cooper will be Mizzou’s best receiver. The Tigers can count on returning players like Tauskie Dove, Barrett Bannister and Keke Chism to provide stability but this crop of young receivers could be special. Mookie Cooper was Drinkwitz’s prize transfer from Ohio State and has extremely high upside. Look for him to establish himself by mid-season as Bazelak’s go-to target.

4. Mizzou is going to win a bowl game for the first time since 2014. Who could forget January 1, 2015 the last time the Missouri Tigers won a bowl game? Interestingly, Mizzou was was bowl eligible in both 2019 and 2020 but were unable to play in either game due to an NCAA sanction and COVID-19.

5. 2021 will mark the return of #DlineZou. It’s been very hit and miss in the defensive trenches for Mizzou over the past six seasons. There is reason to believe that Mizzou’s defensive line will be a major strength in 2021. Defensive ends Trajan Jeffcoat (6) and Isiah McGuire (3) accounting for nearly half of the team’s sacks a season ago and Jeffcoat looks the part of an All-SEC type performer.

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By Clint Switzer

Full-time sports fan, part-time contributor to society. Starcade Media co-founder, podcast host, filmmaker and writer.