Looking ahead: Missouri

WVSports.com catches up with PowerMizzou.com Publisher Gabe DeArmond about the WVU season opening opponent Missouri Tigers and what to expect.

1. What was the biggest question mark coming into the spring? Was that answered?

There were really two. First is, what will Barry Odom be like as a head coach? We got a little bit of an answer (intense, very businesslike, ready to establish his own program rather than just continue what was here), but we only got to see about 40 minutes of seven practices, so it's tough to really say we have a great handle on it.

The second question mark is offense. And I don't mean like a part of the offense or a specific position. I mean Missouri was the worst offense in Power Five football last year and absolutely every single part of it is a question mark. It's hard to say we know it will be better coming out of spring football except for the fact that it would be virtually impossible for it to be worse. Josh Heupel takes over as the OC, which should give everything a different look and tempo and we get the feeling that every single job is wide open. Nobody's going to come into fall camp feeling laid back and secure that they've locked up a job already.

2. Who are the top returning players on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball?

On offense, Drew Lock is the starting quarterback. He got a baptism by fire as a true freshman in the SEC last year after Maty Mauk off-field-problemed himself off the team. It didn't go well, but the hope is the experience serves him well. Other than that, I don't mean to be sarcastic here, it's tough to say they really have any top returning players. It's really difficult to describe how bad this offense was. At one point in time, they went 46 (I think that was the final number) offensive drives without scoring a touchdown.

On defense, Charles Harris looks to be the next big-time Mizzou defensive lineman who goes in the first round of the NFL Draft. Opposite him is Walter Brady who was a freshman all-American last year. In the middle, Terry Beckner Jr. has all the makings of a star, but tore up his knee late in the season last year and we're unsure how early he'll be ready. Michael Scherer is one of the top returning tacklers in the SEC and leads the linebacking corps. Cornerback Aarion Penton leads the back end of the defense.

3. What are the strengths of this team? The weaknesses?

Strengths are defense and punter Corey Fatony (who should have been the team's offensive MVP), along with a chip on the shoulder attitude to prove last year was a fluke. The weaknesses, as I think we've established, are on offense.

4. Impact newcomers that will arrive this summer?

Graduate transfer Chris Black should help the receiving corps. He transferred from Alabama, and was actually here for spring football. Incoming recruits we expect to have a chance to play are wide receiver Harry Ballard, offensive linemen Tre'Vour Simms and Trystan Castillo and running backs Natereace Strong and Damarea Crockett.

5. After watching spring ball what’s your outlook on the team?

I'll be honest, we saw so little that it's tough to judge. My expectations didn't change from before spring ball. A good year for Mizzou is a return to a bowl game. If they can win seven in the regular season, I think that will be a job very well done.

6. What are the thoughts from Missouri on opening up in Morgantown?

I love it. I've never been a fan of the three glorified scrimmages to start a season. Give me a quality game. This one won't get the attention of some of the national headliners on the opening weekend, but it's two good, solid programs and should be a fun game. The last game I covered as a college student at Missouri was the 1998 Insight Bowl when Missouri beat a WVU team led by Marc Bulger, Amos Zeroue and Gary Stills. I've never been to Morgantown and I'm looking forward to it.

As far as the fanbase, I think most people are excited. It's a new venue and it's a much bigger game than Missouri typically opened the season with under Gary Pinkel. It's a great chance right off the bat to see if the typical offseason optimism is going to be warranted or if last year's struggles are going to continue for another year.