2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 11-2, Win vs. Ohio State in Cotton Bowl Classic (14-3)

Missouri began the season with five consecutive victories. There was a renewed sense of excitement around the Tigers, especially after a win over Kansas State. The Tigers lost a shootout to LSU and Georgia but earned hard-fought victories over the likes of Kentucky and Tennessee. After getting to 10 wins in the season-finale, Missouri earned a 14-3 victory over Ohio State, who sat plenty of regulars on both sides of the ball. There is plenty to like about Missouri heading into the 2024 season.

Offense: Returning core looks to build on best year

Missouri put together its best team in nearly a decade in 2023. The Tigers won 11 games and finished as a Top 10 team in the rankings. The offense took a major jump last season and this led to the jump in rankings. The good news is much of the offensive production will be back this season.

Brady Cook finished with 3,317 yards and 21 touchdowns last season throwing to a strong group of receivers. Theo Wease Jr. was second on the team last season with 49 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns. Mookie Cooper did not get in the end zone but totaled 36 catches for447 yards. Both will return, along with tight end Brett Norfleet, for what should be another explosive offense for the Tigers.

Missouri does need some help up front. Javon Foster, an All-SEC left tackles last season, is one of two starting lineman who took the next step forward into the NFL. Cody Schrader, who was incredible for Missouri with 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, will also be playing on Sundays. Cook was second on the team in rushing yards last season, which means the Tigers will be in search of a workhorse in the backfield. It looks as though Missouri will rely on two transfer to take a step up into the offense. Marcus Carroll (Georgia State) and Nate Noel (Appalachian State) will be called upon quite a bit.

The offense remains in good hands thanks to an experienced quarterback and wide receiving core to work with. Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore will look to build on what was an incredible year for the Tigers in 2023.

Defense: Inconsistent group looks for stability

The defense for Missouri could not find its footing early on but improved down the stretch of the season. New defensive coordinator Corey Batoon will inherit a group that returns some key members at important positions.

Johnny Walker Jr. was second on the team with five sacks last season and will return on the edge. Chuck Hicks totaled 53 tackles and will return in the middle, along with defensive tackle Kristian Williams and safety Joseph Charleston. The Tigers are set at all three levels of the defense and this is important as the team welcomes in a new coordinator.

Safety Daylan Carnell has a chance to be one of the most explosive players on this defense and this is important for a secondary that will need to pick up some extra slack. Missouri lost three tackles to the NFL from the 2023 line but the program hit the transfer portal hard in hopes of making up for it. Chris McClellan came over from Florida while Clemson’s Toriano Pride Jr. also impressed during the Spring.

Missouri ended last season allowing 14 or fewer points in four of six games. This year’s unit will be looking to build on momentum from those performances late.

2024 Missouri Football Schedule

• Thursday, Aug. 29: vs. Murray State
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Buffalo
• Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. Boston College
• Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. Vanderbilt
• Saturday, Oct. 5: at Texas A&M
• Saturday, Oct. 12: at UMass
• Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. Auburn
• Saturday, Oct. 26: at Alabama
• Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Oklahoma
• Saturday, Nov. 16: at South Carolina
• Saturday, Nov. 23: at Mississippi State
• Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Arkansas