Each week, PowerMizzou.com publisher Gabe DeArmond answers questions from Tiger fans in our mailbag. This format allows for a more in-depth response than a message board exchange. Look for the thread each week on our premium message board or submit your question to powermizzou@gmail.com. On to this week's questions and answers.
racerx401 asks: Had BO made any statements about his plans for the defense going forward?
GD: He was asked that exact question yesterday. What he gave was really a non-answer. I get it. Coaches don't want to talk about next year. They don't even want to talk about next week. Basically what he said is that what they're doing now is a combination of the old scheme and the new scheme and they'll do what works for the roster and he's excited about what they have coming back. Realistically, the defense played its best game of the year against Vanderbilt. If they're good against Tennessee and Arkansas, I don't know how you could switch again. Stick with what's working.
MIZsanity asks: Da'Ron Davis is the only Mizzou commit from Missouri. Less than 3 months to signing day. Is it fair to say last year's events had a more significant negative impact for in-state recruits vs out-of-state recruits? Or just a fluke year of less depth across the state?
GD: I don't know that it's last year's events so much as the general turmoil of the last two years (on and off the field). But the simple fact is, in-state kids are going to know more about the program, both good and bad, than a kid from Texas or Georgia or anywhere else. It's impossible not to see coverage of Mizzou if you live in Kansas City or St. Louis. It's pretty easy not to see it in Houston. Combine that with the fact that the overall talent is a little bit down this year and that's what you've got. Missouri has only offered six in-state players. Now, you'd obviously like to do better than one out of six (and Mizzou still may), but that number is awfully low. Talent is down, product is down. Not a tough equation to figure out.
mexicojoe asks: Gabe I posted these in a separate thread but would like to see your answer as well. If Crockett gains 1000+ yards, does that guarantee him a spot on the SEC all freshman team? Which do you consider a greater accomplishment, 1000 yds for Crockett or 1000 receiving yds for Moore?
GD: Guarantee? No. Trayveon Williams at A&M and Benny Snell at Kentucky both have more yards than Crockett. Snell has more touchdowns. So while he's having a hell of a year, you can argue he's only having the third best season among freshman running backs in the SEC. As far as a greater accomplishment, I don't know. I'd say they're probably pretty similar. Maybe Crockett's is a bit more impressive because he hasn't been the feature back all year and he's only a freshman, but that isn't meant to diminish a thousand for J'Mon in any way.
