The Mizzou 3-2-1: Last Night at Camp

3. So, about that depth chart... It isn't a surprise anymore that Barry Odom has refrained from releasing a depth chart, given that he's been at the helm since Dec. 4 with no public list of where his players stand. Yes, there seems to be an unofficial, team-only depth chart based on how the players practice. It would be a futile (and perhaps scary) sign if every player was rotating between the top three units at this stage in the game, given that the team is now in full-preparation mode for West Virginia. But Odom again threw water on the hot depth chart chat, saying that he may not tell his players who the starters will be until Monday night or Tuesday. That would preclude a depth chart for Monday's media day.

This isn't supposed to sound like sour grapes from the entitled media, either. The players have said that the lack of an official, public depth chart has increased day-to-day competition in camp as players have to continually earn their spot. And, again, there IS some form of depth chart. Safety Thomas Wilson said they know who the eleven starters will be on defense; offensive linemen Paul Adams and Kevin Pendleton said they basically know who the starting five on the line will be for West Virginia.

But, it's a few more days or another week of speculation. While we're all understandably anxious for the start of the season -- and some real, meaningful football to watch -- this timeline shouldn't be a shocker anymore.

2. Drew Lock and Marvin Zanders are ready for the two-quarterback system. It's all but a given that Lock and Zanders are both going to play this year. In fact, I wouldn't rule out there being an 'OR' between their names atop the mysterious depth chart, whenever it is released.

Both quarterbacks are OK with a platoon, which is good news.

"If it's gonna help us win the football game, I could give two you-know-whats," Lock said. "5-7 isn't gonna happen again this year here, and if that helps us, then so be it."

"The team responds well to both of us," Zanders said. "Whoever the guy is, I'm sure the other guy will get some time as well. Whoever it is, the offense is ready to go and we're set."

Zanders said now that the team is in Week 1 preparation mode, how the platoon will work is coming into focus.

"You get a somewhat better idea, just because it's getting closer to that game time," Zanders said. "Actually installing game plan. I got kind of a better idea of what -- me and Drew both have a better idea of what's going on, what's going to be in the gameplan. We'll know for sure Tuesday, when everything is set in stone."

So, Tuesday, we may know the starter. The offensive linemen we spoke with -- Paul Adams and Kevin Pendleton -- said it doesn't matter who is behind them at quarterback, but there are definitely different packages that lets them know whether it's Lock or Zanders, based on play call.

1. The team is actually relatively healthy entering Week 1. Before I asked Kevin Pendleton if he noticed that the offensive line made it through camp unscathed, I prefaced it by apologizing if he's superstitious. Pendleton, luckily, said he isn't.

So, if there are major injuries between now and Sep. 3, blame me (but I'm out the door anyway, so...). With all the concern about depth issues at offensive line, and with the defensive line taking a big hit before the start of camp with two dismissals, Missouri enters game week with only one major injury to a player who was presumed to be a factor.

Nate Brown will be out for another 5-7 weeks after a high ankle sprain.

There were some smaller, nagging injuries this camp. A pandemic of hamstring strains sidelined Emanuel Hall, T.J. Warren, Ryan Williams, Cam Hilton and Chris Black for varying periods of time. Some players went through concussion protocol. Cale Garrett missed Thursday's practice with a mild thigh bruise.

But, I think if you're a fan that follows every preseason camp closely, you'd be happy with the relative health of Missouri with eight days or so to go before Morgantown.

Even one of the players who left the team before camp returned. OL Nate Crawford -- still medically retired -- was at practice Thursday, as Barry Odom said he is still part of the team and wants to help out.

1. Could Marvin Zanders be the starter for West Virginia? I'm not sure it matters, really, as Missouri's staff seems fine with a two-quarterback system. They could just ride the hot hand game-to-game. But Zanders, based on those we've talked to, has been steadily impressive this camp, and with Missouri's offensive line still an unknown in experience, there's something to be said for a quarterback who can move around in the pocket and make explosive plays with his legs. Again, I'm predicting an 'OR' between their names on the first depth chart, but it would not surprise me to see Zanders behind center for the first snap against West Virginia.

2. Who returns kicks and punts? We can't report on what we see in the open period in practices (which isn't much, anyway), but after talking to the Usual Suspects at returner, it doesn't seem clear who is going to get the bulk of work on returns. I'd imagine it's Alex Ross on kick returns, but if he's going to be the No. 1 running back, there has to be some apprehension on overuse and risking injury. I think the hope has to be that a younger player like Dimetrios Mason or Johnathon Johnson picks up both roles. For Mason, if he can handle the pressure, it would make sense then to not redshirt him.

I just really hope this happens. Hell, I hope they're both side by side in the backfield, with their hands out to take a snap. That way, all this talk about who the starting quarterback is doesn't matter at all.