2008: 10-4 overall, 5-3 in North Division, tied 1st, North Division champions.
Bowl game: Defeated Northwestern, 30-23, in Alamo Bowl.
Coach: Gary Pinkel, 59-41, ninth season at Missouri; 132-77-3 in 19 seasons overall.
Returning starters: 5 offense, 4 defense.

Key players returning
Junior RB Derrick Washington, senior WR Danario Alexander, senior WR Jared Perry, junior C Tim Barnes, senior LB Sean Weatherspoon, junior CB Carl Gettis.

Impact newcomers
Freshman RB Kendial Lawrence, freshman WR T.J. Moe, freshman WR L'Damian Washington, redshirt freshman LB Zaviar Gooden.

Offensive outlook
The Tigers must replace the school's career total offensive leader (quarterback Chase Daniel), the top pass-catching tight end in NCAA history (Chase Coffman), the most accurate kicker in NCAA history (Jeff Wolfert) and Jeremy Maclin, an explosive receiver and return man. The offense also will have a new coordinator as David Yost moves up after coaching Mizzou's quarterbacks. Sophomore Blaine Gabbert will take over for Daniel. Gabbert is 6-5, 235 pounds with a strong arm. He has been impressive in spring and pre-season practices. Missouri has talent at the skill positions and the offensive line should be solid and more physical. Yost might favor more running plays; if so, junior Derrick Washington and sophomore De'Vion Moore could be productive ball carriers.

Defensive outlook
Last season, Missouri had a number of key players returning from the 2007 unit which helped the Tigers climb to No. 1 in the polls but the 2008 defensive performance was disappointing. Mizzou was 98th in total defense and 114th in pass defense. Only four starters return, but one is the unit's heart and soul - senior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. As on offense, Missouri will work under a new coordinator as former linebackers coach Dave Steckel takes over. The Tigers have talent in the secondary but a consistent pass rush must be found in order to reduce the pressure on the cornerbacks and safetys.

Player on the spot
Blaine Gabbert. The sophomore takes over for Chase Daniel, one of the greatest players in school history. Daniel grew up running the type of spread offense that Missouri uses. Gabbert has the physical tools to produce some impressive numbers but he must prove he's a leader and able to make decisions under fire.

Player on the rise
Derrick Washington. The junior running back gained 1,000 yards last season in an offense that was 70 percent passing. Washington has lost weight, is quicker and should benefit from the running lanes created by Missouri's spread offensive sets.

Number of note
Missouri averaged nearly 154 yards per game rushing but just under 30 rushing attempts per game. The school's historical data only goes back to 1949 but that's the lowest run attempts per game in 60 seasons.

Quote to note
Offensive coordinator David Yost on sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert: "He's really matured. Last year this time he was pressing. He wanted to prove to everyone he was every bit of what everyone wrote about him. Now, he's settled down into, 'I am what I am. I'm going to go do it. I'll do the best I can, and I don't have to live up to anyone's expectations.' … He's not going to be the next Chase Daniel. He's going to be the first Blaine Gabbert."

This and that
Missouri is selling tickets for the Nebraska (Oct. 8) and Texas (Oct. 24) games at Faurot Field with a two-for-one catch. To purchase tickets for those two high-profile games, fans must alos purchase a ticket to either the Baylor or Iowa State games. Cost for the two tickets is $99. … Running backs Derrick Washington and backup De'Vion Moore combined to average 5.81 yards per carry last season. … In 2007, MU recovered 16 of its opponents' 28 fumbles; last season, the Tigers recovered just eight of 16. … Missouri's players have a secret motto: "Beast M.O.D.E." Senior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said the players don't want to talk about it. "It's just a place you want to go, kind of like the Incredible Hulk," he said. "You get on the field, you just have to transform into something else besides just a regular guy. I won't get into the acronym, but you can know it stands for something." … Linebacker Zaviar Gooden will wear No. 25 in honor of former teammate Aaron O'Neal, who died four years ago after a voluntary conditioning drill. Gooden will wear O'Neal's number throughout his career before it's awarded to another linebacker.

Date book
The first seven games will be crucial. Missouri opens the season in St. Louis against Illinois, a team that has lost four consecutive games to the Tigers. Missouri's last non-conference game is a dangerous Friday night visit to Reno to play a solid Nevada team. The Tigers open Big 12 play with a Thursday night game against Nebraska, then plays at Oklahoma State and hosts Texas. A 2-5 or 3-4 start to the season could wreck Mizzou's confidence.

2009 Schedule