The biggest story coming out of Columbia, MO this off season was Missouri’s possible migration to the Big Ten Conference. With Nebraska getting what some thought was Missouri’s invitation to join the conference, the Tigers will look to overtake them as the favorite in the Big 12 north. Missouri finished 2009 with a win against rival Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, but then followed with a 35-13 loss to Navy in the Texas Bowl. A game which Navy used the option to move the ball at will against the Missouri defense. With what looks to be a wealth of talent across the board returning for 9th year head coach Gary Pinkel, there is a buzz coming from Columbia.

The offense returns 8 starters from 2009. At the beginning of training camp, the biggest question was who will emerge as the primary receiver to fill the shoes of departed All-American receiver Denario Alexander. Though that still remains a question, the biggest immediate concern has shifted to running back.

Senior running back, and 2009 rushing leader Derrick Washington has been suspended indefinitely by Pinkel. It is widely assumed that this suspension is in connection with alleged incident that occurred between Washington and an unidentified woman. Charges have not yet been filed, but according to team policy Washington may not be reinstated until the matter has been resolved.

With their leading ball carrier missing in action with no timetable for return, if at all, it will be up to sophomore Kendial Lawrence and junior De’Vion Moore to step up. Until Washington returns, Lawrence will likely start as Moore is still recovering from a nagging foot injury.

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is on some pre-season Heisman watch lists and will lead an offense that was 2nd in the Big 12 and 29th nationally in passing efficiency. Missouri will be returning 4 starters on the offensive line, which will be led by senior Tim Barnes and junior Elvis Fisher. Gabbert will be throwing to a young wide receiver corps. Incoming freshman L’Damian Washington and junior Jerrell Jackson will be the favorites to emerge as the playmaker.

The defense will be returning 7 starters. The most significant loss is NFL 1st-round pick linebacker Sean Witherspoon. However, the defense has also had its share of misfortune. In spring practice, senior cornerback Munir Prince had a collision with a teammate. Prince was hospitalized in intensive care with transient quadriplegia, a loss of sensation in the extremities, and no time set for his return. The Tigers will still have two senior cornerbacks in Kevin Rutland and Carl Gettis.

Pre-season 1st Team Big 12 defensive end Aldon Smith and Will Ebner will lead the defensive unit, which proved to be suspect at times last year and a major concern entering 2010. Also returning is junior kicker Grant Ressel. Ressel set a NCAA record in 2009 for season accuracy, making 65 of his 66 attempts.

The Tiger’s schedule opens the season with their annual game against rival Illinois. The next four games will prove to be significantly easier with 3 easy non-conference games and Big 12 play opening up against Colorado at home. The strength of their schedule then starts with Texas A&M on the road, Oklahoma at home, and then a trip to Nebraska.

Missouri should win at least 3 of their last 4 games, and should have no problem getting to a 6th consecutive bowl game. If the Tigers hope to challenge Nebraska for a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game, and a chance for a BCS bowl berth, they will need to win games against Big 12 South opponents. They lost all 3 games against South opponents last year. With some questions around the defense, expect to see Missouri only slightly improve, if at all, over last year’s 8-5 record.