I hate the Oklahoma Sooners.  They've ruined Mizzou's chances at a National Championship in football and a Final Four in basketball.  And don't even get me started on that ridiculous "Sooner Schooner."  However, I don't hate the Sooners' Bloguin blog.  Allen Kenney runs the Sooner blog known as blatanthomerism.com.  He recently had me on his podcast to give their fans a preview of our Missouri Tigers this year.

If you're interested here's the article and a link to the podcast:

 

"All the speculation related to Missouri's flirtations with Big Ten haven't left much time to talk about actual Tiger football lately. Michael Gaio, lead writer for Bloguin network partner MizzouRah, joins Homerism to put an end to that.

Gaio and I break down the 2010 version of the Missouri Tigers and a wild offseason in Columbia. We touch on:

• the general sense of disappointment among Mizzou fans that the Tigers aren't leaving for the Big Ten (yet);
• Blaine Gabbert's maturation as a quarterback in his first season;
• who will fill Danario Alexander's shoes;
• the loss of Sean Weatherspoon at linebacker;
• what the coaching staff is doing to improve the Mizzou defense; and
  
• Michael's optimistic outlook for the Tigers in 2010."

 

no comments

Linas Kleiza scoring 29 against the Lakers back in 2007 set to the always awesome "Get Ready For This" by 2 Unlimited

The man who was once called "The Ogre" by a former Missouri walk-on (I'm not gonna say who) signed a four-year, $18.8 million offer sheet with the Raptors earlier today. The Nuggets apparently still has the rights to Kleiza and have seven days to match Toronto's offer. I don't get how he's still a restricted free agent for the Nuggets when he played in Greece last year, but I don't know shit about NBA contracts. With Bosh leaving for Miami I'm sure Kleiza will be seeing a decent amount of minutes for the Raptors if they sign him.

So... are the Raptors trying to become the most European team in the NBA or what? Hey Toronto, I hear Rudy Fernandez wants out of Portland, you should probably get after him.

no comments

In the calm before the storm that is the college football season, writers everywhere are releasing their version of "College Football Preview," books.  Everyone knows about Phil Steele's preview, but honestly, I don't know if I can buy into his analysis when he hasAndrew Jones on the All-Big 12 first team and not Aldon Smith.

Anyway, one of the best preview yearbooks out there is Blue Ribbon's College Football Yearbook.  We're giving away a free copy (worth $22.95), to a random reader.  Just shoot us an email or tweet with your address and a sentence or two about why you want the book and we'll pick a winner in a few days.

Mizzou isn't listed in their top 25, but the thing is packed with information.  It previews all 120 FBS teams with at least three pages of analysis for each team.

Email: mizzourahblog@gmail.com

Twitter: @MizzouRah1839

 

no comments

First of all, I hope everybody enjoyed their holiday weekend.  Here's some quick updates on your Tigers.

Harrison Suspended

If you hadn't heard, Mizzou safety Jarrell Harrison was arrested Friday on suspicion of misdemeanor shoplifting.  As if this is not bad enough in itself, he was shoplifting from Spencer's in the Columbia mall.  For those of you unfamiliar with Spencer's, here's how their website describes the store:

"Spencer’s gets any party started with funny gifts and gag gifts, corporate gifts to motivate, romantic gifts to stimulate, personalized gifts to appreciate and so much more."

Harrison, who started eight games for the Tiger's and made 47 tackles last season, had mysteriously fallen to third on the depth chart this spring.  This arrest isn't going to help his case.  He has been suspended indefinitely from team activities.

One Month 'til Camp

Fall camp officially begins in 30 days.  We'll try to catch up with some of the players and give you their thoughts heading into the season.

Recruiting Update

There hasn't been much news in the way of recruiting lately, but for those of you who don't follow Scout or Rivals religiously, here's how Mizzou stands:

Word on the street is that Mizzou has about 16-18 scholarships to offer this year.  The Tigers already have 10 verbal commitments.  This is the earliest Missouri has had this many commitments since I can remember.  The headline recruits include Sheldon Richardson who was originally a 5-star player out of high school before having to go the Juco route, Corbin Berkstresser, a 6'3'' 225 lb. quarterback from Lee's Summit, cornerback Cortland Browning who is now drawing interest from teams like Florida and Oklahoma, and Columbia's own Wesley Leftwich, a wide receiver who is one of the fastest players in the nation.

Keep an eye on: Kody Walker - RB - Jefferson City

Missouri really wants the big running back (6'1'' 230 lbs.)  He's not your typical Missouri-style running back, but he's the fifth highest rated player in the state according to Rivals and the nation's 29th highest rated running back.  He says that his decision will likely come down to Missouri and Arkansas.

Kinsler an All-Star

Former Missouri Tiger second baseman Ian Kinsler has been named to his second MLB All-Star Game.  The Rangers infielder is batting .299 with three homeruns and 26 RBI.

If the Hat fits...

The writer you came to know and love as "A Fastidious Hat," is back on board here at Mizzourah.  If you haven't read his most recent post, scroll down a bit.  As always, it's worth a read.

 

no comments

Big XII Conference meetings, June.

Dan Beebe: Okay everybody, let’s get down to business. We had a great year last year, Texas made it to the BCS National Title Game and other things happened!

DeLoss Dodds: YEEEEEEEE-FUCKING-HAAAWWWW PEOPLE!

: Right. We should all celebrate. Right now.

Tom Osborne: Goddammit Dodds, it’s not like you won the damn thing or anything.

: Just like how your Huskers couldn’t beat my Longhorns in the Big XII Title Game?

: Damn you, Dodds.

: Fantastic. Please, everybody help yourselves to some donuts.

Mike Alden: Can we get on with this, please?

: Right, but only if you thank Texas for being awesome.

: That’s not going to happen, Dan.

: Fine, no donuts for you.

Tom Osborne opens the box of donuts

: What the hell is this, Dan?




: YOU JUST GOT ICED, BITCH!

: What in the god damned hell are you talking about?

: You know, you just got iced now you have to drink.

Mike Bohn: Bro, you gotta get down on one knee and chug that shit or lose total brospect.

: Bro-what?

: BROSPECT! Do it old man!

: I will do no such thing!

: Well, you could counter-ice him if you have one handy.

: Now why in the hell would a grown man carry around a god damned bottle of Smirnoff Ice?

: To counter-ice, obviously.

: This is ridiculous, I refuse to participate in such insanity.

: You have to! Do it or you’re out of the conference!

: Fine! The Big 10’s been calling me all day looking to bring the Big Red on. Good day gentlemen. I’ll see one of you at the Dallas Football Classic and the rest of you in hell!

Tom Osborne leaves.

: Oh shit, you can just leave like that? Well fuck you guys I’m going to the Pac-10!  So illllllll.

Mike Bohn leaves.

: Oh godammit Dan, now look what you’ve done.

: Bro should have accepted his icing like a man. no comments

Missouri has some question marks heading into 2010.  However, Blaine Gabbert isn’t one of them.  In part two of our three part series, we examine how Gabbert compares to his legendary predecessor, Chase Daniel.

Fair or not, Gabbert is going to draw comparisons to Chase Daniel (photo by Parker Eshelman, Columbia Tribune).

Part 1. Just how good was Gabbert last year?

Part 2. How does Gabbert compare to Chase Daniel?

Part 3. What can we expect from Gabbert this year?

-----

Maybe it’s not fair. Maybe it’s not even relevant. But it is just too tempting to compare Blaine Gabbert to Chase Daniel. Physically, there is no comparison. Gabbert is listed at 6’5 240 pounds and will be a first round NFL draft pick whenever he chooses to be. Daniel on the other hand, was more than a bit undersized. However, their performances through their respective sophomore year's at Mizzou are nearly identical. In his junior campaign Daniel went on to set just about every MU passing record on his way to being a Heisman finalist. If stats are any indication, Gabbert might just follow that same curve in 2010.

So what if Chase Daniel wasn't as tall as his coach?  He still won 30 games in three years as Mizzou's starter.

Both quarterbacks earned playing time as true freshman. Daniel attempted a pass in every game of his freshman season except two. Gabbert only saw the field three times going a whopping 5-13 for 47 yards. However, that didn’t seem to hinder Gabbert in his first year as a fulltime starter.

In their sophomore seasons, both quarterbacks got off to hot starts. Both Daniel’s ’06 and Gabbert’s ’09 teams breezed through their non-conference schedule unscathed. Through non-conference play Daniel had thrown 11 touchdowns and one interception. In his non-conference schedule Gabbert threw 11 touchdowns and no interceptions.

But after fast starts were disappointing finishes. The ’06 version ended the year 8-5 capped by a disappointing Sun Bowl loss. Along the way, Mizzou lost to both ranked opponents they played (OU at home, Oregon State in Sun Bowl). They also had an embarrassing loss to Iowa State.

The ’09 Tigers fared similarly. They ended the season 8-5 and lost to all three ranked opponents (Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Texas). The year ended with a frustrating loss in the Texas Bowl. They also had an embarrassing loss to Baylor.

But beyond team similarities are the individual similarities. Daniel set MU passing records (that he would later break…twice) as a sophomore by completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 3,527 yards, 28 touchdowns, and compiling a 145.06 quarterback rating. Daniel also rushed for four touchdowns. That’s eerily similar to Gabbert’s sophomore campaign where he completed 58.9 percent of his passes for 3,593 yards, 24 touchdowns and achieved a quarterback rating of 140.45. He also rushed for three touchdowns.

We all know what happened after Chase’s sophomore season. He erupted on the national scene leading Mizzou to the nation’s number one ranking, a 12-2 record, and a Cotton Bowl win. He completed a mind-boggling 69 percent of his passes. His 4,306 passing yards and 33 touchdowns were both in the top six nationally. Can we expect the same from Blaine?

Well, Chase had one major advantage. In 2007 Missouri had its greatest receiving corps in school history. Check out Daniel’s top targets from 2007:

Jeremy Maclin – first round NFL draft pick

Martin Rucker – fourth round NFL draft pick

Will Franklin – fourth round NFL draft pick

Chase Coffman – third round NFL draft pick

Danario Alexander – led NCAA in receiving yards as a senior

Tommy Saunders – spent time on Buccaneers and Lions’ roster

Jared Perry – currently on 49ers roster

If we go ahead and assume DA will spend time on an NFL roster soon, that’s seven receivers that went on to at least have a chance in the NFL. Not many teams have ever boasted so many threats. Daniel was great as a junior but it never hurts when your receivers are that good. Meanwhile, Gabbert’s top seven receivers for his junior year will look something like this:

Jerrell Jackson – 46 career catches, 2 TD’s

Wes Kemp – 24 career catches, 3 TD’s

Rolandis Woodland – Five career catches

L’Damian Washington – No career catches

TJ Moe – Two career catches

Michael Egnew – Three career catches

Andrew Jones – 28 career catches

This is not to say that Mizzou’s receivers won’t have breakout seasons in 2010, but I think it’s safe to give the advantage to the ’07 crew.

As a junior, Daniel faced four ranked opponents in the regular season (#23 Nebraska, #5 Oklahoma, #21 Texas Tech, and #2 kU). Mizzou went 3-1 in those games. As a junior it is likely that Gabbert will face only three ranked opponents. Texas A&M, Nebraska, and Oklahoma will all likely be ranked when Mizzou faces them. If Mizzou can snag two or three wins against those opponents it is likely 2010 could go as well as 2007.

From his sophomore to junior season Daniel improved his numbers and went from a solid Big 12 quarterback to a national star. Let’s say Gabbert’s stats improved exactly as Daniel’s did from sophomore to junior year. That means Gabbert will complete nearly 64 percent of his passes for more than 4,300 yards, 29 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions this coming season. That would easily rank him as a top 10 BCS conference quarterback, and if you ask me, that’s not out of the question. Most importantly, if Gabbert follows Daniel’s ascension, Mizzou would also win four more games than they did last season, and I think that’s something we’re all hoping to see.

It’s probably not fair to Blaine to compare him to Chase Daniel. Every year is different and every situation is different. But after seeing what Daniel did for Mizzou football in his time here, maybe it’s not such a bad thing after all.

no comments

In honor of Leo Lyons recently joining twitter I thought we'd feature him on Facebook Friday.  After averaging 14.6 points, six rebounds, and two assists as a senior for Mizzou's 2009 Elite Eight team, Lyons now plays professionally in Israel.  He averaged nearly nine points and five rebounds for Hapoel Midgal Jerusalem this past season.  The smooth shooting Lyons also shot over 58 percent from the field.

Perhaps the most interesting tidbit about Lyons is that he's also an aspiring rapper.  With the stage name of "6 Plus,"  Lyons and former Mizzou safety William Moore are part of a rap group known as "Fa Sho Entertainment."  Personally, my favorite track with 6 Plus and Willy Mo on it is the "Fa Sho Theme."

Anyway, here are the photos....

See, told you he like music. Check out Leo on the drums... And is that Marshall Brown on guitar?

Speaking of former players, check out this one.  Glen Dandridge, Jason Horton, Marshall Brown, Keon Lawrence, Matt Lawrence, Leo, and Nick Berardini  all in this photo.

In case you didn't click the link above, proof of "6 Plus's" rap career.

Enjoy the weekend Mizzou fans.

 

no comments

The conference has changed.  Opinions have changed.  But one thing remains the same.

(Video courtesy of wearemizzou.com)

Two teams, seven months, and dozens of anonymous sources later, the dust in the Big 12 Conference appears to have settled. From the possibility of superconferences and Armageddon, Mizzou has been relegated to the anticlimactic reality of life in a ten team Big 12. So the question is, now what?

As fans so often do, Mizzou supporters seem to disagree on this one. There are those of you who are relieved. Finally, the speculation is over. Mizzou keeps its BCS status, gets more money, and fans no longer have to worry about dragging their tiger tails to a Mountain West showdown against someone like New Mexico.

Then there are those of you who feel the way I do: disappointed. Remaining in the Big 12 is safe, but playing things safe rarely takes you to new heights. Weeks ago we were assured by many sources that Mizzou was a lock for the Big 10. Our beloved university was destined for equal revenue sharing, more money, and increased respect in a new college landscape. Then, earlier today it looked like Missouri might be SEC bound. Incredible football and a chance to be a “big dog,” in hoops presented an intriguing option.

Instead, we are “rescued,” by Texas and their “generosity,” for staying in the Big 12. Let’s make this clear. Texas is not saving anybody. They are strictly acting in their own best interest. In this weakened Big 12, Texas stands to make more money, start their own television network and further the gap between the Big 12 “haves,” and “have-nots.” If only Missouri could have acted so aggressively.

Missouri coaches and fans griped about the old Big 12 on three main accounts:

1. Revenue was not shared equally.
2. Mizzou was repeatedly snubbed for bowl games.
3. In general, Mizzou was deemed “second-tier,” compared to certain schools in the conference.

Well, this new conference that the brain trust of Deaton and co. are so proud to be part of solves exactly zero of those problems. If Dan Beebe’s new TV deal actually comes to fruition, Mizzou will make more money than it did. That is the good news. However, the money will not be shared equally. Texas is reportedly guaranteed up to $25 million in the new deal and other teams like Mizzou will get $14-17 million. In addition, MU is about to sign into this punishment deal for 18 years.

The conference bowl selection process remains the same, so like it has happened so many times before, a team with a worse record could still be chosen for a better bowl game. Given Mizzou’s national perception lately, I don’t like the Tiger’s chances.

Finally, if this week proved nothing else it is that Missouri is definitely perceived as “second-tier.” Now, I know that the University of Missouri is not second-tier. I am proud to attend school here. In football, only UT and OU have won more games in the past three seasons. In basketball, as long as MU has Mike Anderson at the helm, the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with.

However, perception is reality for Missouri. The Tigers were passed over by the Big 10 for the Nubs, an afterthought for the SEC, and even on the radar for the Mountain West Conference. As if that’s not enough, Nebraska gave Mizzou one last cheap shot by blaming them for “starting the whole process,” and meanwhile T. Boone Pickens refuses to acknowledge Mizzou’s presence in the new Big 12, stating the conference only has nine teams. This mess has certainly given Missouri a nice helping of humble pie.

The situation stinks. Mizzou thought it was Big 10 bound and then dropped the ball. Fans have the right to be upset. However, at the end of the day this is the university that we support. This is the team we’ve come to love. Are you a Mizzou fan because they play in a particular conference? Are you a Mizzou fan because they played Nebraska and Colorado every year? Or are you a Mizzou fan because this is the team you grew up loving? Because this is the school you went to? Or the state you live in? At the end of the day this is our University and our team. I don’t give a damn who we play. I don’t go to games to see the opponent. I don’t support Mizzou because they play in a particular conference. I support Missouri because this is my school. This is my team.

So go ahead Nebraska, run to the Big 10. We can’t blame you. And go ahead Texas, keep your arrogance and fat TV deal. I am going to continue to support Mizzou.

As the signs all over the Mizzou Athletic Training Complex say, “We Are Mizzou.” And that remains true no matter who we play or how much money we get for doing so.

 

no comments

 

For all of the talk about Mizzou being in trouble if the Big 10 doesn’t take them on, I think there may be a fairly nice alternative. Everyone is panicking: Mizzou could go to the Mountain West. Oh No! Well, how about Oh Yes!  It certainly isn't the SEC, but it's not the Sun Belt either.

For the last few years, the Mountain West conference has been one of the best in football. Utah has won two BCS games in the last 5 years and deserved a shot at the National Championship in 2005 and 2009. TCU went to a BCS game last year. BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall hasn’t hidden the fact that he wants to bring the program up to the level of its glory days in the 80s and 90s, when under LaVell Edwards they were a top program. Think that win against Oklahoma to open the season raised some believers? Boise State is now onboard and who can forget their two undefeated seasons in the last five years. People (including myself) have knocked on their weak scheduling, but been silenced when they steamroll opponents in BCS games. It is obvious that Utah, TCU, BYU, and Boise State have been light years better than the collective Big 12 North over the past five seasons.

So now it’s reshuffling time. Here is my proposal: We break up the Mountain West and take the remaining Big 12 teams to form a new conference. Let’s call it the Great American Conference. Here’s what it would look like:

Mizzou

Kansas

Kansas State

Iowa State

Baylor

Utah

BYU

TCU

Boise State

UNLV

Air Force

New Mexico

This grouping would legitimately make the Great American Conference very, very good. I know I am going to pick up some critics for this, but I honestly believe Missouri would only be the 4^th best football program in the conference behind Utah, TCU, and Boise State (not in any order). BYU would follow up as a very strong 5^th team.

 

Make no mistake: The Mountain West has premiere football programs, including TCU.

I’m telling you, all of the Midwesterners and Mizzou fans need to get off their high horse and realize how good the top of the Mountain West Conference is. Utah, TCU, Boise State, and BYU are not kidding around. The conference has four teams at its head that want to play in BCS games every year. The addition of Boise State all but seals the conference as having four teams at the top that could compete with anyone else’s top four, except for the SEC.

For those of you thinking that there is still some weakness to the bottom of the conference, then you could think about removing a couple of the teams from the picture and making it an even stronger 10-team conference. The most likely removals would be New Mexico, Air Force, Iowa State and Baylor.

From a basketball perspective, the Great American Conference is pretty impressive too. Kansas would undoubtedly be the top program and the Mountain West has let it be known that they covet Kansas for its hoops team. Around Kansas would be a deep group of good programs, with none of them marking themselves as the clear No. 2. Mizzou, Kansas State, Baylor, BYU, New Mexico and UNLV were all tournament teams in 2010. Mizzou was a 3-seed in 2009. Kansas State, Baylor and New Mexico were all top 3-seeds in 2010. Utah has had a good program historically and used to be one of the top programs in the country when Rick Majerus was there in the 90s. The Utes generally make the tournament every other year, but expect visits to the Dance to become more frequent in the coming years. New Mexico is famed for “The Pit” and its home court is considered one of the toughest places to play in the nation.

The basketball layout is good and deep, but outside of Kansas it lacks some of the powerhouses at the top. The football layout has those powerhouses; they just need a chance to prove it. Of course it would be better for Mizzou if we hooked up with the formerly named Pac 10 or Big 10 conferences. But, from the rumors swirling, that is unlikely to occur. If we are being shunned everywhere else, why not make the Great American Conference happen?

no comments

We interrupt your conference expansion coverage and return to some sense of normalcy with the return of Facebook Friday.

This week's player is Jerrell Jackson.  The Houston native who came to Mizzou as a rivals.com two-star recruit emerged last season making 37 catches for 458 yards and two touchdowns.  If Mizzou has any chance of replacing the production left by Danario Alexander, Jackson is going to have to have a big year in 2010.

Jerrell Jackson, good guy,

graduated from the streets,

 

and oh yeah, made one of the greatest catches you'll ever see. no comments