Better/Worse in 2016: Missouri run defense

We’re talking about #DLineZou here. Did you expect anything other than possible dominance?

Given all the changes that have taken place in Columbia throughout the offseason, given all the unknowns and possibilities since Barry Odom was named as Gary Pinkel’s successor, the Tigers’ recent history of strong defensive lines should continue this season. If all goes according to plan, that should lead to a solid showing against the run.

Expect the Tigers to lean on their loaded defensive line this fall to try to compensate for questions at linebacker and in the secondary. The talent is there in the trenches to make opponents pay for attempting to chew up yards and time on the ground. If Missouri meets its potential in the area, don’t expect much daylight for opposing rushing attacks.

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Rushing yards allowed per game (SEC rank): 132.75 (6th)

Most yards allowed in 2015: 248, Tennessee

Rushing TDs allowed (SEC rank): 11 (tied for 3rd fewest)

100-yard rushers allowed: 2 (Jalen Hurd, Tennessee, 151 yds; Alex Collins, Arkansas, 130 yds)

FRONT SEVEN

Missouri’s base defense will be a 4-3, but don’t be surprised to see some three-man fronts. The defensive line should be a strength with Charles Harris (above, right) and Walter Brady (56, below) at defensive end. Terry Beckner Jr., A.J. Logan, Rickey Hatley and Josh Augusta should be part of the regular rotation at defensive tackle. Joey Burkett, Michael Scherer and Donavin Newsom will be favorites to start at linebacker.

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The Tigers will rely on the defensive line, in particular, to keep them competitive this season. And why not? There are so many questions elsewhere between the offensive scheme change, the questionable offensive line and the uncertainties that come installing a new coach’s vision. It should be a comfort to Missouri fans that despite all the offseason evolution, the defensive line remains a strongpoint.

One topic to follow will be defensive tackle Harold Brantley’s progress. The senior is recovering from a scary car crash in June 2015, and he must put on more weight in addition to catching up in the classroom before he can return. Odom and his staff would welcome back an effective Brantley (below), but it makes little sense to rush him at this point.

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Overall, the front seven should be effective. Missouri allowed just 3.29 yards per carry last season. Still, this group will be judged by how it performs against strong rushing offenses such as LSU, Georgia and Tennessee.

It will be interesting to see how the Tigers’ rush defense fares under new coordinator DeMontie Cross. With Odom as Missouri’s former coordinator, it’s likely that some tendencies from last season will remain. Still, expect Cross, a former linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator at TCU, to leave an imprint.

But as much as some things change, others remain the same. It’s good news for Missouri that there’s the potential for the big guys up front to produce another strong year.

WHO IS SECONDARY ENFORCER?

Don’t sleep on cornerback Aarion Penton. He had 59 tackles and 4 1/2 tackles for loss last season as he gained a reputation as a dependable run-stopper. At 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, the rising senior is strong enough to play the run well and cover in the open field (he also had eight pass breakups and one interception).

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They’ll need Penton to build on the momentum he gained last season. Given the tall challenges on Missouri’s schedule, he should have multiple chances to make his presence felt. His versatility will be valued.

GREATEST CONCERN

The Tigers will face again this season four of the five rushing attacks that produced the most yards against them last year, and that doesn’t even include Georgia, which played Missouri without Nick Chubb. Tennessee, led by Jalen Hurd, had those 248 yards. Arkansas totaled 208, Vanderbilt 168 and Florida 129. (Southeast Missouri State gained 145 yards to begin the season.) So it’s not like the Tigers will escape their toughest tests in the area.

Then there’s the prospect of trying to slow LSU’s Leonard Fournette, a human Humvee. Aside from facing LSU, there will be plenty of familiarity with those opposing rushing schemes that left scars in 2015. Will Missouri enjoy better fortunes this time around?

ONE STAT THAT MUST IMPROVE IN 2016

There’s not much to complain about here. Still, Missouri’s defensive line should be strong, so improving upon that average of 132.75 rushing yards allowed per game should be a goal.

It’s unfair to expect Alabama’s 75.73-yard average from last year or perhaps even Arkansas’ 116.46-yard average. But if the Tigers can hold opponents to an average of 10 fewer yards or more on the ground, that would be a significant improvement. The bad news is that Missouri likely will see Chubb on Sept. 17, Fournette on Oct. 1 and Hurd again on Nov. 19. The Tigers’ run defense will be tested.

BETTER/WORSE IN 2016

It’s hard to say. The defensive line should be a beast, but familiar tormentors remain on the schedule. And you can bet that Fournette will present a challenge this year.

For those reasons, Missouri’s performance against the run likely will decline a bit. It shouldn’t be a huge drop, but there should be a slight fall after taking a few dents. Fans should more faith in the Tigers’ run defense than their pass defense entering the season. Still, Missouri will rely on its talented defensive line to plug holes and limit damage done on the ground.