Missouri

Missouri football preseason preview: Can the Tigers play spoiler vs. post-Saban Alabama?

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5 months ago

July 12, 2024

Missouri football preseason preview: Can the Tigers play spoiler vs. post-Saban Alabama?

One of the — if not the — headline games on Missouri football’s 2024 season schedule sends the Tigers to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for a matchup against a Crimson Tide team entering a tough-to-picture new era.

Mizzou enters the season with what appears to be a realistic opportunity to reach the expanded, 12-team College Football Playoff, with a roster that returns plenty of returning offensive production, an 11-2 season and Cotton Bowl win in the bank, and a schedule that seemingly sets up favorably for coach Eli Drinkwitz in his fifth season at MU.

A recent tear on the recruiting trail that saw five commitments in the space of a week has not hurt the good preseason mood in Columbia.

Looking ahead, the eighth game on the Tigers’ schedule — at a wildly different looking Alabama team on Oct. 26 — makes for a mouthwatering matchup.

Here’s what to know about Alabama’s hectic offseason, including key additions, coaching changes and potential playmakers to watch for:

More: Missouri football gets 5th commit in a week, lands 4-star East St. Louis safety Charles Bass

Who are the opposing names to know when Missouri football visits Alabama?

Quarterback: Jalen Milroe is back for a second full season as Alabama’s starter. His development under new coach Kalen DeBoer, who helped Michael Penix Jr. become a top-10 pick in this year’s draft between Indiana and Washington, will be an intriguing subplot to the Tide’s season.

Offensive playmakers: The next in a long line of talented Alabama running backs appears to be sophomore Justice Haynes, a former five-star recruit who took 25 carries for an average of 6.7 yards for 168 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season.

Wide receiver Germie Bernard followed his coach, Kalen DeBoer, from Washington to Alabama this offseason, and with knowledge of the scheme figures to be a potent weapon. The Tide also may start five-star freshman Ryan Williams, the No. 8 overall recruit in his class.

Defensive playmakers: Malachi Moore at safety and Deontae Lawson at linebacker are the top returning talents for the Crimson Tide. Both will likely find their way onto the preseason All-SEC team. LJ Overton was a big-time portal get for Alabama from Texas A&M, and ought to figure as the Tide’s premier edge rusher.

What did the offseason look like for the Crimson Tide?

Key additions: Parker Brailsford (IOL/C); Keon Sabb (S); Domani Jackson (CB); LT Overton (DT); Germie Bernard (WR); Graham Nicholson (K); Ryan Williams (WR)

Key losses: JC Latham (OT); Dallas Turner (EDGE); Terrion Arnold (CB); Kool-Aid McKinstrey (CB); Chris Braswell (EDGE); Jermaine Burton (WR); Jase McClellan (RB); Caleb Downs (S); Isaiah Bond (WR); Seth McLaughlin (IOL/C); Julian Sayin (QB); Will Reichard (K)

Key coaching changes: Kalen DeBoer (HC, Washington); Nick Sheridan (OC, Washington) Kane Wommack (DC, South Alabama)

What did the offseason look like? In short: Near enough everything but the sky falling.

Legendary coach Nick Saban retired and was replaced by national-championship finalist Kalen DeBoer from Washington, ushering in a new era in Tuscaloosa.

It’s a different looking Alabama team from top to bottom. Alabama lost quite a bit of All-SEC and All-American talent between the NFL Draft and, in some surprising cases, the transfer portal.

A whopping 34 Alabama players exited via the portal, which is a list that mostly contains reserves and 2024 early enrollees but does have multiple key players from last season. Caleb Downs was the SEC Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, and he left for Ohio State. Iron Bowl hero Isaiah Bond (Texas) and starter Malik Benson (Florida State) at wide receiver also moved.

Ten more ’Bama players heard their names called in the 2024 NFL Draft. That group included both starting corners, the starting running back and the third starter at wide receiver.

But Alabama, as one would expect, has replenished adequately with the No. 3-ranked transfer portal signing class, per On3’s rankings. Most of the Tide’s big-name signings out of the portal came along the offensive line or at defensive back. In total, seven top-100 ranked transfers available are Tuscaloosa bound.

Among MU’s coaching staff, there are connections to Alabama’s new hires all over. Mizzou offensive coordinator Kirby Moore worked with DeBoer at Fresno State, and new Missouri defensive coordinator Corey Batoon was new Alabama DC Kane Wommack’s defensive play-caller at South Alabama last season.

Early forecast for Mizzou at Alabama

If ever there were a time to walk into Tuscaloosa and challenge the king, it’s probably in 2024. Even the most optimistic Mizzou fan wouldn’t consider this as Missouri’s game to lose, but the Tigers certainly anticipate taking the game to the Tide.

If Missouri’s offense meets the preseason hype, and if its defense can overcome the lingering preseason questions, there does appear to be an extremely real — and who knows how fleeting — opportunity to walk into Bryant-Denny Stadium and topple the Tide.

Alabama’s turnover is among the most of any team in the nation. The coaching change was about as seismic as any in the sport’s history.

If Mizzou avoids any upsets through its first eight games, and the Tigers are likely to be favored in at least seven of those opening eight, this could very well be a top-10 showdown. The next step in MU’s ascent, after beating Ohio State for a New Year’s Six Bowl win in December, is knocking off a blue blood in the regular season — a feat that would do wonders for a CFP resume.

If ever there were a time …

More: Missouri football preseason preview: Here’s what Auburn brings to MU’s homecoming game

More: Missouri football opponent preview: Why Texas A&M could be among MU’s most important games

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Illinois vs. Missouri Prediction, Odds and Key Players for Sunday, December 22

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5 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Press Room

Illinois vs. Missouri Prediction, Odds and Key Players for Sunday, December 22

Illinois and Missouri meet in a semi-neutral floor meeting on Sunday with each team looking for a strong non-conference victory.

The Tigers are enjoying a bounceback campaign this season that already features a win against Kansas. Can the team score another victory against a team with Final Four aspirations in Illinois? The Fighting Illini have thrived on the defensive end, but are still searching for consistency on offense around star freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis. Can the team find it against Missouri?

Here’s our betting preview.

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Moneyline

Total: 154.5 (Over -108/Under -112)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Illinois

Kasparas Jakucionis: The 6’6” point guard has thrived to start his college career, averaging 16 points, six rebounds and nearly six assists per game. Jakucionis is a deft three-point shooter as well, hitting 42% of his threes for the perimeter oriented Fighting Illini offense.

Missouri

Mark Mitchell: The Duke transfer has thrived in the new setting, averaging 13 points with five rebounds per game while also providing strong defense as an interior presence with more than a block per game to go with a steal.

Missouri’s heavy ball pressure defense will be a test for Jakucionis, who does have a near-27% turnover rate, but overall this Illinois offense rates out as a strong unit at protecting the ball, ranking top 60 in turnover rate.

With the Tigers aggressive defense, it is vulnerable to letting up second chances, bottom 30 in the country in defensive rebounding rate, which is impactful with the Illinois’ offense elite at generating offensive rebounds, top 30 in the nation.

Missouri’s defense is a bit of a boom-or-bust unit, and I also believe the offense is due to regress after starting the season posting a top three effective field goal percentage in the country at nearly 60% while posting a top three free throw rate.

Illinois’ defense has a ton of length and shuts off the perimeter for opponents, allowing a bottom 40 three-point rate while ranking top five in effective field goal percentage allowed.

This may be an up-and-down affair, but I like this matchup for Illinois to hand Missouri a well overdue loss.

PICK: Illinois -3.5

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Patrol reports 8 individuals arrested in north Missouri from Dec. 19 to Dec. 21, 2024

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12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Press Room

Patrol reports 8 individuals arrested in north Missouri from Dec. 19 to Dec. 21, 2024

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Between December 19, 2024, and December 21, 2024, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported eight arrests in north Missouri. The charges ranged from driving while intoxicated (DWI) to vehicle theft and traffic violations. Below is a detailed account of each individual arrested during this period.

Rodney L. Crosby, 43, Council Bluffs, Iowa
On December 19, 2024, at 1:58 p.m., Rodney L. Crosby was arrested in Atchison County. Crosby was charged with vehicle theft under an Emmet County, Iowa, warrant. He was held at the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office with no bond.

Michael L. McMillan, 51, Kansas City, Missouri
On December 19, 2024, at 9:12 p.m., Michael L. McMillan was arrested in Andrew County. He faced charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI), a misdemeanor, speeding, and failing to properly affix a display plate. McMillan was held at the Andrew County Jail on a 12-hour hold.

Denny B. Wiley, 36, Stanberry, Missouri
On December 20, 2024, at 2:33 p.m., Denny B. Wiley was arrested in Gentry County. Wiley was charged with failing to display valid plates on a motor vehicle and misdemeanor DWI. He was held at the Gentry County Sheriff’s Office on a 12-hour hold.

Donita D. Shields, 48, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
On December 20, 2024, at 6:29 p.m., Donita D. Shields was arrested in Clinton County. She was charged with failure to appear (FTA) for a moving traffic violation under a Morgan County warrant. Shields was held at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and was bondable.

Bryan J. Castellon Rivas, 22, Omaha, Nebraska
On December 20, 2024, at 10:54 p.m., Bryan J. Castellon Rivas was arrested in Holt County. His charges included exceeding the posted speed limit by 26 mph or more, operating a vehicle without a valid license (first offense), misdemeanor DWI (alcohol), and consuming alcohol while driving. He was held at the Holt County Sheriff’s Office on a 12-hour hold.

Curt J. Batt, 65, Sidney, Nebraska
On December 19, 2024, at 1:15 p.m., Curt J. Batt was arrested in Macon County. Batt was charged with excessive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .04 or higher while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). He was held at the Macon County Sheriff’s Department and later released.

George A. Garber, 62, Unionville, Missouri
On December 19, 2024, at 7:13 p.m., George A. Garber was arrested in Putnam County. He was charged with felony DWI (alcohol) as an aggravated offender. Garber was held at the Putnam County Jail and later released.

Jose I. Molina-Argueta, 40, Milan, Missouri
On December 21, 2024, at 12:03 a.m., Jose I. Molina-Argueta was arrested in Sullivan County. He faced a charge of DWI (alcohol) and was held at the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department before being released.

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Both Missouri River bridges now open at Rocheport, MoDOT announces

Published

20 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Press Room

Both Missouri River bridges now open at Rocheport, MoDOT announces

Both east- and westbound Lance Cpl. Leon Deraps Interstate 70 Missouri River bridges now are open to traffic.

The Missouri Department of Transportation announced the full opening of both bridges Friday. A ribbon-cutting marking the occasion was held Dec. 10 on the eastbound bridge. Prior to the eastbound bridge opening, all traffic, regardless of travel direction, was on the westbound bridge.

The westbound bridge was constructed first, all traffic was shifted to it and then the prior metal girder bridge was demolished. The new eastbound bridge was built in same location as the old bridge. The dual-bridge construction was forward looking in preparation for I-70’s expansion to six lanes statewide.

While the eastbound bridge is open, final touches still are needed and all work should finish by the spring.

“These twin new bridges would not have been possible without the foresight, cooperation and contributions of our federal and state elected leaders as well as the local communities who recognized the long-term value of investing in a bridge that connects their region, the state and the nation,” said Dustin Boatwright, Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission chair at the ribbon-cutting. “This project is a testimony to what’s possible when we work together at all levels.”

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