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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.
MRipp1211 asks: What’s a realistic expectation for the football team next season? Set the bar on what success looks like for us.
GD: I'm not going to say the expectation is the playoff. But it's absolutely the goal and a goal within reach. Missouri's got to play in the SEC so the schedule is never what you'd call easy. But if you have to play in the SEC, Missouri's 2024 schedule is as close to as good as it's going to get. The non-conference schedule should absolutely be 4-0. Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Mississippi State and Arkansas were the four worst teams in the league this year (5-27 combined in SEC games and three of the wins came against each other). Auburn and Texas A&M aren't gimmies, but Mizzou gets Auburn at home and the Aggies in a first year with a new coach. Then you get Oklahoma at home as well.
So let's say the expectation is that you split the last three. The only game that looks like an unlikely win (and I won't say sure loss, but let's be realistic) is a trip to Alabama. If you can win two out of Auburn, A&M and Oklahoma, that's a real shot at 10-2. And 10-2 in the SEC probably gets you in the playoff, especially if you start the season ranked in the top 10 or 15, which I expect Mizzou to do.
I wouldn't call 9-3 a bad season by any means. But there's nothing wrong with expecting more than that with what Mizzou will bring back and the way the schedule lays out.
Arete King asks: I’m seeing a variety of projections for Mizzou’s draftable players. Maybe you have more intimate insight today. But if the draft was tomorrow, how many players get drafted on Day 1? Day 2? Day 3?
GD: I really don't have more insight. In fact, I can guarantee you have looked at more mock drafts than I have because I have looked at zero. I think Ennis Rakestraw will go on day two. Darius Robinson, Javon Foster, Ty'Ron Hopper all might too. Kris Abrams-Draine could be a day two guy, but day three might be a little more likely. Jaylon Carlies could see his name called on day three as well. Harrison Mevis should get drafted, but I'd assume he's a day three pick simply because he's a kicker. I don't think I'm missing anyone there. I don't think Mizzou will have a first round pick, but if it does, it would be Robinson or Foster.
CarnellFan75 asks: How was your Christmas? What does New Year's Eve look like at your home?Oh yeah I guess I should ask a sports question... who do you think will be the outstanding offensive performer at the Cotton Bowl? Defensive performer?
GD: Christmas was weird. It was the first one we didn't see either of our kids. Our youngest didn't fly home until Tuesday and our oldest was planning to meet us in Kansas City for the Chiefs game, but Midwest weather made sure that didn't happen. So my wife and I went up to Arrowhead, watched the game then swung by my sister's house for a little bit. Once your kids are older, getting everybody together is a little tougher.
New Year's Eve? That's the dumbest holiday of the year. I legitimately can't remember the last time I left the house. I'm one of the few who likes when the CFP games are on NYE because it gives me something I want to do. If I want to drink, I'll drink because I'm a grown up. I don't need an arbitrary holiday to do so. Plus, I don't like being around crowds of people anyway so I'm definitely not going out on the worst night of the year to go out.
As far as the Cotton Bowl, I think you have to go Cody Schrader on offense. He's been the offensive MVP most of the year. Defensively, give me a surprise. Dreyden Norwood with an interception and a solid day defending OSU's receiving corps without Marvin Harrison. I'd expect the Buckeyes to try to target Norwood quite a bit, but I think he's had a pretty good year.
firsttiger asks: Many people have commented that one of the possible problems with this year’s MU basketball team is that Dennis Gates missed on several good players in the transfer portal. I recall pursuing Caleb Love, but have already forgotten the others. Who were the big “misses”, where did they sign, and how have they performed at their new schools?
