Every week, PowerMizzou.com publisher Gabe DeArmond answers questions from Tiger fans in the mailbag. This format allows for a more expansive answer than a message board post. Keep your eye out each week to submit your question for the mailbag or send them to powermizzou@gmail.com. On to this week's inquiries.
BradN11 asks: If the football season continues in its current trajectory what recruits do see as most likely to jump ship? I would have to think that 4-5 or less wins ends some of the once positive momentum with other local targets as well, no?
GD: First off, there is no way I'm gonna start speculating and pushing specific kids out the door. But honestly, I'm not sure a four or five win season would cost them anyone. I mean, they're all committed to a school coming off a 4-and-8 season. Is one more going to change that?
In recruiting, you pitch one of two things: Either "We're really good, come help us stay that way" or "We're not very good, come help make us good." Missouri is obviously pitching the second right now. Immediate playing time is a card Missouri should be playing with every single one of them.
rryan33862 asks: I thought it was an obvious call when the punt returner was bumped when the SC guy pushed the blocker into him. Was that not a reviewable play that should have been reversed or was it called correctly and it is legal to do that? If so we can try that in the next game.
GD: I thought it should haver been called too. Odom was asked about it after the game and just said he wasn't given much of an explanation. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think it really changes anything, but I thought it was a missed call. Maybe because he is the one blocking it isn't a penalty? That's all I can think of.
ASchiffer asks: There's been a number of MU athletes who were recruited for multiple sports in high school. Kony Ealy, Drew Lock, Charles Harris, Marquise Doherty, etc. Who is an MU athlete that you think could have been a difference maker in their other sport should they have played it when they were at MU?
GD: Not sure about a difference maker. The only one I know Missouri was interested in for the other sport was Drew Lock. Doherty played baseball, but didn't get a lot of PT in his only season. I've heard Kendall Blanton was a pretty decent hoops player. Actually, wrestling might be the sport where some of them could have been pretty good. I know Evan Boehm, Trent Hosick, Lucas Vincent and Justin Britt were all pretty good wrestlers.
billbabler asks: Our punt returners are letting very catchable balls bounce and roll for negative yardage after signaling for fair catches. I know the old axiom of standing at the 10 or 15 yrd. line and letting it go if its over your head hoping for a touch back but we are not moving either forward or laterally to catch punts that are landing well into the field of play. Emanuel Hall pointed out that this is really hurting the offense. Not throwing him under the bus, buy are the returners being instructed not to catch the ball?
GD: There is zero chance they're being told not to catch it. I mean, in certain situations, you don't. The first punt on Saturday was so high, it was probably a good idea to let it go because Johnson never looked comfortable he was going to catch it. But Missouri's punt returns have not been good at all. I think you have to try someone else there this week.
tigersf19 asks: What position would you if any give someone else a chance to start this weekend. I would try someone else at punt returning and maybe shake up WR corps.
GD: I agree with both of those. Those would have been the first two I mentioned.
MuleXC asks: I know this has been hashed out over and over but I would like to see where you put Lock at on the best Mizzou quarterbacks in Mizzou history at this point. My list is #1 Chase Daniel is obvious #2 James Franklin, #3 Brad Smith #4 Blaine Gabbert #5 Maty Mauk #6Phil Bradley #7 Drew Lock #8Handy.
GD: I wouldn't put him on the list right now. I mean, I guess it depends on how long your list is. As far as your list goes, James Franklin above Brad Smith is in no way right to me. And putting Maty Mauk above Phil Bradley almost invalidates the entire thing. People who saw him play would probably have Bradley third or second. Corby Jones and Pitchin' Paul Christman have to be on the list too. Right now, I'd put Lock on the same level as Kent Kiefer: A guy who put up a ton of hollow stats and didn't win nearly enough games. Obviously he has almost two years to change that, but that's where he's at right now.
sct_jarrmizzou asks: any news on new DC/structure? I saw something on Saban/Alabama structure; sure seems like it would fit for Mizzou. Have Barry Odom work on his positional group (LBs) along with LB coach. then have DC focus on other group (secondary makes most sense) then have an assistant for Db's. given Walters is already assist DC, seems like Walters would make sense and then bring in Db's coach. On some level this makes sense, Barry Odom's specialty (lbs) was same group as DC (Cross); that makes sense why Barry Odom had some frustration with not hands on coaching- his group was already covered by the DC. hence his failed trip into special teams.
GD: Odom said he will coach inside linebackers. As far as game-planning and such, every coach will just pick up a little extra. As far as getting a new defensive coordinator, that will wait until after the season. I'll be interested to see what kind of a candidate Missouri can get. I mean, if Odom wants to be this heavily involved and call plays, I don't think anyone is going to want to come and be a defensive coordinator who isn't really a defensive coordinator. I'd guess maybe they just add another position coach.
MIZ25! asks: Why do our receivers drop so many balls? Have you asked them?
GD: I haven't in those terms. Maybe I should.
rbgriff asks: What the hell is going on? (Football related)
GD: Missouri is an average team who has played poorly for the first two games. So they're 1-1. I'm not ready to mail in the season just yet. I think those who are might be a little premature. I'll know more in a week. If they lose to Purdue, I'll jump in with you guys and say they aren't going to make a bowl game and the season has a chance to go off the rails quickly.
mexicojoe asks: Figure you need a non football non Cross question:Do your Royals get a wild card berth?
GD: No. They're not good enough to get hot enough to make up three games over a 19-game stretch. Speaking of mediocre, welcome to the American League where a .500 team has a reasonable chance at the playoffs with three weeks left.
lotigerfan asks: Did Barry Odom and Josh Heupel get out schemed by SC coaches? We've seen this story before beat up on the cupcakes and can't get it done against better competition.
GD: I'm not going to say they got outschemed without having gone back and broken down the game film (which I'm not qualified to do anyway). The biggest part of the game where they failed was special teams. That's not scheme. There's nothing scheme-related about failing to tackle Deebo Samuel, dropping punts and committing dumb penalties. There are plenty of things that lead to those issues, but it's not a scheme problem.
MIZ25! asks: Have they considered putting two return guys back to catch punts?
GD: I don't know. That's one possibility. But one guy is enough if that guy will go try to catch the punt and then actually catch it.
tigersf19 asks: What is the funniest thing you have seen posted after a football or basketball loss?
GD: Honestly they all kind of run together. The burning of the Chase Daniel jersey was amusing. But most of the time, I don't read a lot of the posts. After the game, I'm writing and not focused on the message board. I almost never read the game thread and I don't reply to 98% of my Twitter mentions or even read 85% of them during a game. I understand it's going to be the Wild, Wild West during games and in the hours after a loss so I just kind of let it happen and worry about producing stories.
MizzouBSCE93 asks: Which committed recruits had Cross as their primary recruiter? HCBO has fired two assistants during the season in less than one year, did Gary P ever even fire a coach?
GD: Chad Bailey and Cameron Wilkins were Cross recruits. It's a little early to know what the impact of the move is on them. I don't know if there was a coach that was ever termed as "fired" by Pinkel. But he wasn't trying that hard to bring Matt Eberflus back I know.
sharpwp asks: Was Damarea hurt in the first half? If not why on earth did he not start out the first drive in the second half. Even without Damarea out there, why did Mizzou not run Ish and Roundtree more in the second half? To my knowledge they ran the ball 10 times in the second half and 5 of those carries came on the last drive of the game.
GD: Crockett got hurt on a carry with about eight minutes left in the third quarter. As far as the first drive of the second half, I assume that was determined pre-game to be Witter's drive. I tend to agree with you and even mentioned during the game that I thought Crockett should have been out there.
And, yes, they could definitely have run the ball more. Honestly, I've thought about this since the end of the game. I think Missouri is running an offense that highlights its weaknesses. The quarterback isn't incredibly accurate and makes a couple bad decisions every game (against good teams). The wide receivers have trouble catching the ball consistently. Rather than try to go as fast as you can and run 100 plays a game, what about slowing things down, limiting possessions and being a run-first team? I mean, I know it's not going to happen. They're committed to the million miles an hour offense. But I'm not sure that's what they should be doing given the personnel.
rmotigers asks: Fill in the blank___________ is the most underrated Mizzou football player the last 10 years.
GD: James Franklin. I didn't think he got enough credit when he was here. He was a heck of a college quarterback. And he didn't have any problems off the field.
amhorrell asks: 1) in your opinion Do we keep Chad Bailey2) if the recruits we have committed, that are freshman, and sophomores stay do you think our defense is "nasty" in 2019 and 2020?It would be something likeDE Tre Williams, Chris Turner, Akiel Byers, Parker, SmashDT Sampson, Whiteside, Thompson, Jacob, Jordan Elliott, Trout, Utsey, Ronnie PerkinsLB Brooks, Bailey, Miller, Garrett, Hall, LaDeric Jackson, WilkinsDB Holmes, Acy, Petry, Sparks, Alton, Gray, Collins, Ulmer, Gilliespie, Wheat, Bledsoe, TJ Warren, Perkins3) Fingers crossed we turn this thing around and make a bowl and Heupel is still here after lock leaves... Does James Foster add a dimension we don't have with Lock as a runner or does Heupel's system not call for or not WANT to call for the QB to be a designed runner? Teams with dual threat Quarterbacks seem to always be the more successful to me.
GD: 1) I'll say yes for now but it's too early to know
2) Honestly, trying to project the two deep two years from now is impossible. Some guys won't pan out, some guys are going to be better than we think. A year ago, no one would have had Jordan Ulmer and Chris Turner in the two-deep. Trying to project the two deep even for next year is an exercise in futility.
3) I don't honestly know how good a runner Foster is. I'll have to study up on it. But you bring up a good point. I think Missouri needs Lock to make the other team think he'll run now and again. He's not going to be Brad Smith, but he's a good athlete. Keep the ball a couple times a game on a designed run or a zone read and it makes the other team at least consider it and sometimes all you need is that half second. Right now, nobody even has to worry about Lock running because he isn't doing it.
jtschmied asks: Currently, what is telling you that Odom can be a solid head coach at the SEC level? And what under the radar stuff might not look good for the future (obviously the record doesn't bode well)?
GD: The couple of things that give you a bit of hope are the strong finish to last season when they didn't have anything to play for and the defensive improvement from week one to week two. Those things show you they're capable of fixing mistakes and motivating the kids.
But, if we're being completely honest, right now those who have themselves convinced Odom is going to be good and succeed here don't have a whole lot to point to other than blind faith. I mean, he might be. I've known the guy for 20 years and I think he has the tools to be a good head coach. But he hasn't really done anything to show it so far. They're 2-7 in the SEC, 5-9 overall and haven't been particularly competitive in quite a few games. Will he get better? Probably. But I don't think you can honestly say he's shown you a ton of things to where you would say you expect it.
This answer immediately reminds me of two statements, and they're completely opposite. The first is "Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things." The second is "Hope is not a strategy." But right now, hope and faith are what you have. That needs to be reflected in the play on the field very soon.
S_W_M_O asks: Missouri has to do what this Saturday to make you forget about last Saturday?
GD: The snarky media guy answer is that I've already forgotten about last Saturday because I had stories to write about this Saturday. The real answer is just win. I don't care if it's by 1 or 41. I don't care if it's beautiful or ugly. They need a win. Preferably it will be one that makes you feel good about the direction of things. But as long as they end up with one more point than the Boilermakers, style points don't matter.
TigerfaninChi asks: IF you were a bookie, what are the odds on Odom returning next year? What are the odds on Mizzou winning the conference championship this year in basketball?
GD: Odds on Odom being back are 2:5. He's coming back unless the season is a disaster. If they win three or fewer, I think there's a real discussion. But I think he's coming back unless things completely come unglued (and, yes, I say that knowing some reading this are convinced that's already been pre-ordained).
Odds on the conference title are 5:1. I think Missouri will be much improved. I think some of the pre-season expectations are a bit high. Kentucky's going to be really good. Florida, Arkansas, A&M and South Carolina are going to be pretty good. I think a realistic goal is to get in the top four in the league and get that double bye in St. Louis. They could win it. I think they'll probably be about the third choice. But I'm not expecting it.
TheRoyalPain asks: Will Drew Lock finish the season with a sub 50% completion percentage?
GD: No.
MizzouCard asks: Is there any chance that Missouri would consider slowing the offense down and try to play to what has been their strengths on offense. (RB and OL)? Especially considering how poor the qb has performed against power 5 competition. Seems like an easy way to help the defense too.
GD: Is there a chance they'll do it? Probably not. Is there a chance they should? As I said above, yes.
BornAgainTIGSHOW asks: Why is it so difficult for us to find a striker at the LB position? I was watching Sean Lee last night, and hoped Cale Garrett was doing the same. Sean Lee is oft-injured, but he plays every snap like he won't have another chance to play if he doesn't give his all. He absolutely punishes lead blockers and is as sure a tackler as there is in the league. He and Luke Kuechly are probably the biggest pure hitters currently at the Mike position. I desperately want Garrett to be the guy. I actually love his potential. I think he makes some of the mental errors because he's being timid. WTF is it gonna take for us to have a striker on this defense? I think Wilson is also a guy who is a very physical tackler. Ulmer will be there as well. Second part: Should Prewett go back to SS? I think he should.
GD: I don't really know. Maybe because there just aren't that many of those guys out there. I'd say Kentrell Brothers counted as one. Will Ebner did. That dude delivered some hits.
On Prewett, they like him at that hybrid spot. I like the position because it allows you to run a nickel and a 4-3 at the same time really, putting a guy out there who's big enough to be helpful against the run but fast enough to cover a tight end or a slot guy. I thought he was a lot better in week two than week one, so I'm willing to give it a few weeks before deciding he needs to move.
tigersf19 asks: Do you have a private countdown clock till Basketball season starts ?
GD: Nah. I mean it should be a much more entertaining season and it will be interesting to follow, but I try not to wish my life away. I'm getting old. I can't afford to just get rid of two months.
MizzouBSCE93 asks: Did the NCAA football extra assistant legislation pass? If yes, when does it happen and has Odom tipped his hand on what he will do with the extra spot?
GD: It got tabled. I believe it will come up again for a vote next year.
Zoufan27 asks: Do we look for a new defensive coach with Texas ties for recruiting?
GD: Too soon to tell. We need to see what movement is like after the season and what spots Missouri would need to fill.
bson24 asks: Is the reason Cross was fired ever going to come out? Since it wasn't for "on the field reasons." It seems obvious that the players and recruits didn't really gel with him, but is it something else?
GD: These stories always come out eventually. It may take a little bit, but we'll learn more about exactly what went on.
Bishop Bullwinkle asks: How soon will Gordon open it up? We all know he is coming here, just asking because well, you know......football sucks.
GD: That said, we'll just sit back and see what happens. For now, he looks to be committed to SLU. Signing period is in November.
cotton14 asks: Could you see a move to the 3-4 next year to get more of our interior lineman on the field? I understand that has been a fad on PM, but taking a look at the roster there are a lot more DTs than DEs. We will return Beckner, Brandon, Utsey, Palmore, Whiteside, Byers, plus the transfer Elliott. That doesn't include Jacobs or Sampson. Our top targets Thompson (x2), Trout, Thomas are all tackles and Perkins is on the bigger side for a DE. Also, have your heard about Daniel Parker's college position? He would obviously factor into this equation if he stays on defense.
GD: Sure they have a lot of defensive tackles, but they don't have a 3-4 defensive tackle. Who's big enough to play in the middle there? I mean, maybe Walter Palmore. Maybe. But he's the only one I think. And beyond that, I just don't think they have the linebackers to play a 3-4. Right now, I'm not sure they've been very good with three of them on the field. So I don't know if I'd want to put an extra one out there.
As far as Parker, I'm expecting him to start out at defensive end. We'll see if that's where he stays.
MoDude21 asks: Drew Lock seems to have all the physical skills for being a top notch quarterback. But I am starting to wonder if he has what it takes to lift the team on his back and "will" them to victory.In you opinion does Drew have the "between the ears" stuff that would allow him to lead others to success.Just my opinion but he's a little too casual about the game and doesn't seem to have that edge to make him a next level player.
GD: Based on what we've seen so far, it's a very fair question. And we don't know the answer. I don't think it has anything to do with desire or intelligence. But so far he's 3-14 in the SEC and about half his career stats have come in about four or five games. They beat Vandy and Arkansas last year, but Lock wasn't spectacular in those games. If he's going to be a great quarterback, I want to see him be the REASON Missouri wins a game it wouldn't win without him. Maybe two or three. And that's what we find out about him this year. Right now, the answer is no. He's got a few weeks to convince us he can become that.
