2015 SEC East Preview: Tennessee Vols On Top

Does anyone in the country replace talent as well as Missouri?  They consistently reload with the best of them, but they have a very tall task this season.  Markus Golden and Shane Ray both departed for the NFL, leaving two massive holes in their front seven.  They will also have to replace their leading receiver in Bud Sasser.

Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Russell Hansbrough (32) Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Maty Mauk returns for his Junior season.  He ran hot and cold last season, but put together a nice campaign overall.  Russell Hansbrough returns for his Senior season, looking to build off of his 1,000 yard season in 2014.

Missouri will boast an offensive line that will start four Seniors.  They will need to find and answer at right tackle, as Taylor Chappell replaces Mitch Morse on the left side.  The Tigers will lean on their offensive line to open up running lanes for Hansbrough and company.  They ranked 53rd nationally last season on the ground, but just 99th through the air.  Maty Mauk must cut down on the mistakes going forward.

Can Missouri keep the talent flowing at defensive end?  This year they will roll out two more talented pass rushers in Charles Harris and Marcus Loud.  Missouri’s strength for 2015 will lie in their interior lineman, however. Juniors Harold Brantley and Josh Augusta will hold down starting spots, while big time prospect Terry Beckner Jr. rotates.

Kenya Dennis and Aarion Penton are one of the better corner duos in the SEC.  They’ll be tested more this season while Missouri attempts to replace pass rushers once again.

Missouri’s schedule starts out about a light as you can get.  Don’t be surprised if Missouri is sitting at 6-0 mid-October.  They’ll have to travel to Georgia this season, but will catch Mississippi State and Tennessee at home. Once again, there could be a lot on the line when the Tigers finish up at Arkansas on November 28th.

Next: Florida Gators